A different challenge awaits on Newport return
It’s been a little shy of six months since that unforgettable night when a season’s work came down to one game.
Shrewsbury A and Newport A went into a final day shootout knowing only one side could finish outside the relegation zone.
Ultimately Newport prevailed 3-2 on the final board of the season to finish when Charles Lowick Higgie lost on time to Nick Rutter – though happily for Shrewsbury they were spared from the drop due to a reorganisation of the leagues over the summer, writes Peter Kitchen.
Dan Lockett’s A team will make their first return to Newport Royal British Legion Club since that night on Tuesday – and will face a home side riding the crest of a wave.
While Newport spent much of last season in the bottom two, in truth they have been one of the top flight’s powerhouses for many years and have started the new campaign in fine fettle, leading the early season table as the only side to have picked up maximum points from the first two games.
They eased past newly-promoted clubmates Newport Junior A 4-1, before picking up an eye-catching 3.5-1.5 away to Maddocks A.
But while Newport will be confident, Lockett has spoken of his satisfaction at how competitive his side has been so far and will hope that can continue at what traditionally has not been a happy hunting ground for Shrewsbury.
“Although they (Newport A) finished near the bottom last year, you’d usually expect them to finish near the top,” he said. So it is probably going to be one of the tougher away trips.
“They are unbeaten and the early league leaders, and are likely to field another very strong side.”
The As will be joined by the C team at Audley Avenue for a second successive “double header”, with the Cs taking on Newport B. It comes after both sides played at the same venue facing Telford sides two weeks ago.
And while such occasions are great for camaraderie and team spirit, they do present challenges.
The club has reluctantly had to forfeit its round four fixture in division four of the Four Nations Online Chess League, which also falls on this coming Tuesday, due to the fixture clashes.
Shrewsbury C will also face two matches in 24 hours as their rearranged derby against Darwinian Knights C will take place 24 hours after the Newport B match.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Shrewsbury will host the opening night of Shropshire Rapidplay League division one on November 26 at Cromwell’s Tap House.
Maddocks A, local rivals Darwinian Knights A and new rapidplay league entrants Oswestry A will visit, with each side playing three games – one against each of the other sides.
In total there will be 10 rounds of fixtures over the course of the season – adding more matches to an already congested calendar.
Players are urged to check the Shropshire Chess Association website for fixtures and let captains know as soon as possible about their availability to help with planning and selecting teams.