Shrewsbury Speed to Top of the Rapidplay League

Shrewsbury are the surprise early pacesetters in Shropshire Rapidplay League, opening up an early two-point cushion after the first two evenings.

The county town side picked up a 2-2 draw against local rivals Telepost and a default victory over Newport, who were unable to raise a side due to Covid cases in their camp, at the latest evening of matches held at Telford Chess Club.

But the night did end on a disappointing note for Shrewsbury with a 2.5-1.5 loss to Telford.

Francis Best’s side has benefitted from two default victories in their first six fixtures, and there is still plenty of chess to be played with other very competitive sides having games in hand.

With early leaders Maddocks A not in action on the night, Shrewsbury immediately took advantage by claiming a draw against a strong Telepost side.

Despite both sides fielding the same four players as the top four boards in the recent town derby loss at Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury more than held their own in the shorter format, which saw each player have 20 minutes thinking time for all moves.

Dan Lockett picked up another win against Telepost, this time defeating Matthew Clark on board three. Mark Smith drew with John Bashall on board four, and Best enjoyed the better of a draw against Phil Zabrocki on board two.

Shrewsbury were only denied a win by Nigel Ferrington’s narrow win on top board over Peter Kitchen – the Shrewsbury man lost on time while his opponent had just 44 seconds left after a close fight in an ending with queen and three pawns each.

Shrewsbury then sat out the next round with points in the bag thanks to Newport’s default, but were brought back down to earth when they faced Telford.

Lockett lost to Toby Neal on board three, and although Kitchen won a nice game on top board against Richard Parry, Smith’s loss to Mark Keady put Shrewsbury behind and Best was unable to push home a better position against Richard Szwajkun on board two, having to settle for a draw.

Shrewsbury are likely to lose top spot in the table as they will sit out the next round of matches on May 5 at Maddocks. They are next in action in the rapidplay league at the fourth night of seven at Newport on May 17.

Shrewsbury results (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):

Shrewsbury 2-2 Telepost

1.Peter Kitchen (b) 0-1 Nigel Ferrington

2.Francis Best (w) 0.5-0.5 Phil Zabrocki

3.Dan Lockett (b) 1-0 Matthew Clark

4.Mark Smith (w) 0.5-0.5 John Bashall

Shrewsbury 4-0 Newport (match defaulted)

Telford 2.5-1.5 Shrewsbury

1.Richard Parry 0-1 Peter Kitchen (w)

2.Richard Szwajkun 0.5-0.5 Francis Best (b)

3.Toby Neal 1-0 Dan Lockett (w)