Maddocks Clinch Title Despite Francis’s Best Efforts

A spectacular victory from captain Francis Best was not enough to stop Maddocks A from being crowned Shropshire Chess League champions for the first time in seven years.

Best demolished the defences of Adrian Zdanowski on board two to put the bottom-of-the-table hosts into the lead after Dan Lockett and visiting skipper Glyn Pugh had agreed a peaceful 17-move draw on board four.

But Maddocks roared back with convincing victories on the remaining boards to seal a 3.5-1.5 victory and mathematically ensure a first league title since 2015 and their first in their current guise – their last title was won while they were competing as Priorslee Lions.

Oswestry’s 3-2 win over Telepost A 24 hours earlier means Shrewsbury are now two points adrift at the foot of the division one table with just two matches – both against Newport – still to play.

After the early draw on board four, Best invoked the spirit of the late David Everington by winning in some style.

He sacrificed two pawns in the opening on the white side of a Pirc Defence before his attack broke through on the kingside. A shell-shocked Zdanowski lost a piece and then had to surrender his queen for a rook and knight to avoid instant mate, but was left in a totally lost position and resigned on move 31. You can play through the game here, or through the “Interesting Games” tab.

But the struggling hosts were well outplayed on the remaining boards. Richard Vernon was beaten by Tony Preece on bottom board and Peter Kitchen had an off night and was crushed in just 24 moves by Athar Ansari on top board to put the visitors ahead.

Andrew Grillage confirmed the win Maddocks needed by defeating Mark Smith in the final game to finish on board three.

Maddocks have won all six of their matches so far, led by the form of Ansari who has 6/6 himself. They face a double header against Telepost A to see if they can finish the season unbeaten.

Shrewsbury travel to Newport on April 19 but must wait until May 27 for the return fixture at the Nerdy Café to complete the season.

Kitchen, Shrewsbury’s social media officer, said: “A massive congratulations from all at Shrewsbury Chess Club to Maddocks for a fabulous season so far. They are a formidable team and worthy champions.”

Full scores (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):

Shrewsbury 1.5-3.5 Maddocks A

1.Peter Kitchen (b) 0-1 Athar Ansari

2.Francis Best (w) 1-0 Adrian Zdanowski

3.Mark Smith (b) 0-1 Andrew Grillage

4.Dan Lockett (w) 0.5-0.5 Glyn Pugh

5.Richard Vernon (b) 0-1 Tony Preece