Shrewsbury Chess Club

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…

Shrewsbury A were cruelly condemned to a spot in the Shropshire Chess League division one relegation zone after a defeat sealed by the final board of the season to finish. The visitors were locked at 2-2 with Newport A in the winner-takes-all relegation clash, only for an unbelievably tense top board clash to go the way of the hosts. Charles Lowick Higgie lost on time to Nick Rutter trying to hold an ending with rook, bishop and two pawns against his opponents two rooks and one pawn. It meant the two sides both finished on 11 points with an identical points difference with 30.5 game points for and 29.5 against.…

Shrewsbury B have secured promotion from division three of Shropshire Chess League and given themselves a real shot at the title thanks to a 3-1 win away to local rivals Darwinian Knights C. Captain Richard Vernon, David Edwards and Ian Davies secured the victories to ensure Shrewsbury – needing a point to guarantee a top two finish – moved level on points with long-time leaders Newport B heading into the final round of fixtures. Nick Holmes lost to Shane Sweeney on top board, but it was no more than a consolation for the hosts, who must now settle for a mid-table finish. Shrewsbury now lead the table by virtue of…

Mark Smith’s victory in the final game to finish, secured an important point for Shrewsbury A in their crucial relegation clash with fellow strugglers Newport A. Smith defeated Phil Love with the black pieces on bottom board to cancel out Charles Lowick Higgie’s earlier defeat against Nick Rutter on top board to ensure the match finish all square. It was a fitting result following a tense match where all five boards were closely contested throughout. Shrewsbury had climbed out of the relegation zone with their derby win over champions-elect Telepost A last time out – but Newport A had since defeated Maddocks A to climb back above Shrewsbury on “goal…

Debutant Fred Bennett enjoyed a night to remember as his spectacular quick win set Shrewsbury B on their way to a win that takes them top of Shropshire Chess League division three. Bennett won his game inside 10 moves in bottom board, and his success was backed up by wins for David Edwards and skipper Richard Vernon as the Bs defeated Newport Juniors B 3.5-0.5 on Tuesday night. Ivor Salter again proved to be a reliable anchor on top board, as he drew his game. The result takes Shrewsbury above long-time leaders Newport B on game points scored – although Newport do have a game in hand. Newport B will…

Shrewsbury B convincingly dispatched higher-league opposition and claimed yet another derby win for the club to move into the semi final of Shropshire Minor Knockout. The B team, flying high at the top end of division three of Shropshire Chess League, defeated a Darwinian Knights B side well and truly in the promotion hunt in the division above 3.5-0.5. Nick Holmes, David Edwards and captain Richard Vernon were the victors on the night, while Ivor Salter secured a solid draw on top board. Their reward is a semi-final tie against division three leaders Newport B, who Shrewsbury B recently defeated in a league match. It also adds another county town…

Charles Lowick Higgie’s spectacular win with the black pieces against Shropshire’s number two Nigel Ferrington sealed a famous derby win for Shrewsbury A over old rivals and previously undefeated league leaders Telepost A. Higgie – fresh from his exploits on England duty at the World Senior Championship in Prague – won a tactical and complex struggle on top board to give the hosts an unassailable lead en route to a 3.5-1.5 victory. Mark Smith had earlier won on bottom board, meaning Shrewsbury could ultimately afford Peter Kitchen missing the equivalent of an open goal to miss out on a win against Phil Zabrocki on board two. It’s added a twist…

With Christmas getting closer, we would like to remind members that there is no official meeting of the club in December as the room is in use. However, our hosts are happy for casual games to be played in the bar area.

Eye-catching victories for summer signings Shane Greenwood and Nick Holmes halted the march of their old club Telepost – and helped Shrewsbury A to a vital Shropshire Rapidplay League division one point. Greenwood defeated Fred Bench on board three and Holmes was victorious against his old second-in-command Vinnie Crean on bottom board to help Shrewsbury A claim a 2-2 in the night’s final round of matches, writes Peter Kitchen. The point against the reigning rapidplay league champions was a welcome filip for Shrewsbury, who were hosting the league’s opening round of fixtures at Cromwell’s Tap House. It ensured they didn’t end the night up against exalted company empty-handed on a…

Another valiant effort went unrewarded as Shrewsbury A slipped to a 3.5-1.5 defeat at Oswestry A – leaving them bottom of the table and still seeking their first win of the campaign. After the first three boards to finish ended as draws, Charles Lowick Higgie and Shane Greenwood lost their games after long struggles. It means Dan Lockett’s side are danger of being marooned in the bottom two of Shropshire Chess League division one, with a gap starting to develop between Shrewsbury and Darwinian Knights A in the drop zone and the midfield pack, writes Peter Kitchen. Oswestry has traditionally not been one of Shrewsbury A’s favourite hunting grounds in…