Pirates on board for next season – despite a final day plundering

Shrewsbury Pirates have confirmed they will compete in the next season of the 4NCL Online in the new year.

Club officials are in the process of signing up the Pirates for season 13 after an encouraging maiden campaign which has given several of the club’s new players a chance for their first taste of competitive chess.

The Pirates finished their inaugural season on the national stage in 23rd place out of 29 teams following a disappointing 4-0 loss in the final round at the hands of Colchester JFF B.

The Essex-based side, which appears to be heavily linked to Colchester Junior Chess Club, were far too strong for a Pirates side that made costly errors early on in all four games.

But the Pirates can look back on some positive moments during the season, having claimed two wins from their seven matches along with four defeats and a bye.

The two victories were both 4-0 whitewashes against Worcestershire Wolfpack D and Wessex J, while in total 11 players featured for the side over the six matches.

Peter Kitchen, club secretary, said the team’s main objective had been to offer competitive chess to either members who play online only or for new players taking their first opportunity to play competitive chess – and that those aims had clearly been met.

“It was really important to make sure we provided this opportunity for our members to play online once the decision was made to end online chess in Shropshire,” he said.

“Not only have we put our club on the national stage in a small way, but it has meant we have played against new opposition, presenting different challenges and above all great experience.

“Everyone involved is really looking forward to competing next season, and as we continue to welcome new faces to the club on a regular basis hopefully we can introduce some of them to competitive chess through the Pirates over the coming months.”

Against Colchester, the Pirates handed a first online start to Pedro Perez Dominguez, while Richard Vernon and Ben Howells also came into the side. Top board Tony Purser was the only survivor from the win over Wessex J, with Ivor Salter, Patrick Fitch and Chris Warrilow dropping out.

But things quickly took a downhill turn. Howells lost swiftly on board three to Imtadh Ikram and Vernon did not last much longer against Talia Pang on board two.

Dominguez started well but then lost his way to lose against Alexander Kariyawasam on bottom board, and the experienced Purser dropped a piece against Byon Meyer to lose on top board.

Full scores (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):

Colchester JFF B 4-0 Shrewsbury Pirates

1.Byon Meyer 1-0 Tony Purser (b)

2.Talia Pang 1-0 Richard Vernon (w)

3.Imtadh Ikram 1-0 Dafydd Howells (b)

4.Alexander Kariyawasam 1-0 Pedro Perez Dominguez (w)

Average ratings – Colchester JFF B: 1276 ECF; Shrewsbury Pirates: 1218 ECF