Title triumph for B team

Shrewsbury B capped a superb season by sealing the Shropshire Chess League division three title on the final day of the season – and promotion with it.

Richard Vernon’s side won 3-1 away to Darwinian Knights Junior, which saw them win the league on head-to-head record after finishing the season with the same points and “goal” difference as long time leaders Newport B.

Shrewsbury went into the match knowing a win would secure the title so long as Newport B didn’t score one game point more in their match against Darwinian Knights C.

Newport’s 3.5-0.5 was only enough to draw them level on points difference with Shrewsbury. The two sides had won one match each in their head to head, but Shrewsbury had won by a greater margin.

On the night, Ian Davies and David Edwards gave Shrewsbury a 2-0 lead, and although Ivor Salter lost his game on top board Nick Holmes sealed the victory – and as it turned out the title – by winning on board two.

Although the matches took place on April 22, the club received confirmation earlier this week from the league controller that the title had been secured – ironically by the same rule that consigned Shrewsbury A to a relegation spot in division one with Newport’s A team spared the drop.

The B team will look forward to competing in division two next season. Congratulations to all involved on securing well-deserved silverware!

Final scores:

Darwinian Knights Junior 1-3 Shrewsbury B (Shrewsbury colours in brackets)

1. D. Tumanyan 1-0 Ivor Salter (w)

2. G. Tumanyan 0-1 Nick Holmes (b)

3. F. Wyatt 0-1 Ian Davies (w)

4. A. Etchells 0-1 David Edwards (b)