Spoils shared in closely fought derby

Shrewsbury B remain in the top two of Shropshire Chess League division three – despite having to settle for a draw against local rivals Darwinian Knights C.

Wins for captain Richard Vernon and Nick Holmes had helped the hosts turn the match around after David Edwards lost to Zac Herd on board three.

But Steff Gornall ensured both sides went home with a point by beating Shrewsbury’s Ivor Salter on top board, writes Peter Kitchen.

In truth, it was a match neither side deserved to lose, and leaves both placed handily in the table behind early season pacesetters Newport B.

The hosts made just one change from the convincing win over Newport Junior, with captain Richard Vernon returning to the side in place of Shane Greenwood and Ivor Salter moving up to top board.

Darwinian Knights too made just the sole change, with Shane Sweeney dropping out and being replaced by Martin Ayres on board two.

The match started badly for the home side when Edwards lost on board three. He had enjoyed the better of the opening with the black pieces and won a piece when Herd overstretched on the kingside – but a momentary slip cost him his queen and with it the game.

Moments later, the hosts were level. Vernon and opponent Paula Sharp had castled on opposite wings in an unorthodox Two Knights Defence, but after initially lining up an attack on the queenside it was on the opposite wing where Vernon made his breakthrough, winning a key pawn. In the strategic middlegame that followed, Vernon’s strong bishop on d5 completely dominated Sharp’s knight and the Shrewsbury skipper won a second pawn and then managed to queen one before forcing resignation on move 43.

The final two games went deep into the night. On board two, Holmes recovered from a poor opening to reach an ending with rook and dark coloured bishops with a two-pawn advantage against Martin Ayres. Despite some creative defensive play by his opponent, Holmes saw it through to give Shrewsbury the lead.

But it wasn’t to last. Salter slipped into a very difficult rook ending a pawn down against Gornall on top board – and the Darwinian man refused to let his grip on the position slip, winning the game to ensure the match ended all square.

Full scores (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):

Shrewsbury B 2-2 Darwinian Knights C

1. Ivor Salter (b) 0-1 Steff Gornall

2. Nick Holmes (w) 1-0 Martin Ayres

3. David Edwards (b) 0-1 Zac Herd

4. Richard Vernon (w) 1-0 Paula Sharp

Shrewsbury B now must wait until the new year for their next league fixture against Darwinian Knights Junior on January 28.