Sussex League

Not helped by the captain snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, Horsham 2 went down to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Crowborough 1 earlier this week.

First to finish was Ian whose English opening led to a slightly unusual response from black, with white appearing to be in good shape. A tactical sequence by Ian, however, which initially looked highly promising unfortunately proved the opposite at its conclusion and he had to hoist the white flag (no pun intended).

At the fourth time of asking Horsham 2 got on the scoreboard with a vital 3-1 against Bexhill 1.

For a change, the team was not out graded. Indeed, on top board, Anthony had an identical rating to his opponent based on the latest monthly listing and so it proved in practice. Facing the English, he managed to get in a d5 break with everything then getting swapped off. Despite mutual attempts to muddy the waters in the endgame, traps were avoided on both sides with a drawn game being the deserved result.

Horsham 1 faced a new opponent in the form of freshly-promoted Bexhill 1. Travelling to their opponents' venue above a furnature shop in fair Bexhill (complete, at one point, with howling dogs in the distance), Horsham were up against a team they ought to beat comfortably, but things didn't go quite to plan.

Andrew Fleming and Mike Forster played out what looked like a pretty solid draw, as Andrew played an unambitious line as White against Mike's Sicilian.

Horsham 1 vs Bexhill 1 match score: 0.5 - 0.5

Horsham 1 suffered a narrow defeat at home last night against a strong Worthing 1 side. All the Horsham players has their chances but only one was able to fully take advantage, while a couple crashed to defeat.

Anthony Higgs sacrificed a pawn in the opening and build up decent pressure for a pawn. However, an oversight in a complicated position led to him having to give up his queen for a rook and minor piece, which proved inadequare compensation.

Horsham 1 vs Worthing 1 match score: 0 - 1

Not helped by the captain blundering into a smothered mate when enjoying a reasonably solid plus, Horsham 2 went down heavily on its trek to Eastbourne 1.

On board 1, Phil faced the Sicilian with both sides castling queenside and appeared to have more space and a bit of an initiative. I didn’t see the denouement but apparently an infiltrating knight then put paid to his chances.

Peter’s Petroff on board 2 proved resilient and peace was declared without too much alarm on either side.

Horsham 2 were consistently out graded against Lewes but it turned out to be a nail biting match.

I was on board 3 and in a terrible position early on having played incautiously but my opponent slipped up and I was suddenly three pawns up and a nice position and quickly won. 

I wasn't able to closely follow all the other games but Rob succumbed on board 4 being a whole rook down. Peter Harbott on board two was playing a close game but looked under constant pressure until he too lost.

So 2-1 down with just board 1 to finish...

Horsham 1 and 2 started their Mid-Sussex League season by playing each other, as both teams are in Division 1. As expected, the match was a tight affair, especially as this year league matches are still over only four boards. Horsham 1 managed to secure a narrow win, but not after an almighty scare.

The first game to end was Mike Forster against Peter Harbott. Mike was unable to generate any advantage out of the opening, and offered a draw in a position where he couldn't see how to make progress. Peter was happy to accept.

Horsham 1 vs Horsham 2 match score: 0.5 - 0.5

A short summary of the last three league fixtures, sorry I have been remiss in reporting but I went on holiday the day after the first match and got way behind...

Following our final two matches of the year (against Hastings 2 and Hastings 1), Horsham 2 finished the division 1 season in second to last place. A bit disappointing but with all other teams in the top division except one being first teams, perhaps it is more a case of what might have been when just one half match point more would have left us mid table. It remains to be seen what format will apply next year or how that leaves the team.

Having recently suffered a loss against Horsham 1 as reported by Mark (below), Worthing secured an element of revenge in beating Horsham 2 by 3-1.

First to finish was Peter on board 2. I confess I did not see much of his game, partly because it was all over before the evening had properly begun! His d4 and c3 was mirrored by his opponent and hostilities were abandoned at an early stage with neither side having made any real progress.