Bs take down Telford with opening day triumph

Shrewsbury B got their league campaign off to a flying start by comfortably beating Telford C 3-1

Captain Richard Vernon, David Edwards and Ivor Salter all won relatively swiftly to help the Bs to victory in their Shropshire Chess League division three opener at Cromwell’s Tap House, writes Peter Kitchen.

New signing Nick Holmes fell to defeat against Andy Jones on top board, but the destination of the points had long since been decided.

The victory sets up Vernon’s team nicely for this week’s home clash with Newport B – who themselves got off to a great start by beating Newport Junior 4-0.

Vernon’s victory was a particularly sweet one for him as he checkmated Dean Cotterill with the white pieces on bottom board in just 22 moves.

Edwards then defeated Ethan Cotterill on board three before a third Cotterill fell on their sword on board two – this time Joe losing to Salter.

The final game was a much closer fought affair, but Holmes was unable to extricate himself from a difficult position and slipped to defeat against the wily Jones.

The Bs are again at home on Wednesday (October 2nd) – and face a side who are likely to be among the challengers for promotion.

Newport B narrowly missed out on promotion to division one last season, but voluntarily opted to drop into division three over the summer.

They beat their club’s junior team despite being without nominated players Phil Love and Colin Parker, and will present a stern test for Vernon’s side.

Wednesday’s encounter will start at 7.30pm, and there will also be the opportunity for visitors to play friendlies against club members.

Shrewsbury B 3-1 Telford C (Shrewsbury colours in brackets)

1.Nick Holmes (b) 0-1 Andy Jones

2.Ivor Salter (w) 1-0 Joe Cotterill

3.David Edwards (b) 1-0 Ethan Cotterill

4. Richard Vernon (w) 1-0 Dean Cotterill