Will Darwinian derby be third time lucky for Bs?
Shrewsbury B will hope to use a local derby as a springboard to put their difficult start to life in Shropshire Chess League division two behind them.
The B team will make the short trip up Abbey Foregate on Tuesday (October 28) to face a Darwinian Knights B side who have themselves made a stuttering start to the season, writes Peter Kitchen.
It has been a fruitless start for the newly promoted Bs, who are bottom of the table without a point after two defeats in their opening two matches.
But they will take great heart from the way an under-strength side was so competitive last time out against Church Stretton A.
Stand-in captain David Edwards pulled off one of the best results of his career, making up a 360-point grading deficit to beat opposing skipper Chris Lear on board two. The highlight of an undoubtedly fine performance was a rook sacrifice that ultimately netted a pawn and opened the h-file for an on-going attack (see diagram).
Ben Howells also pushed hard for a win against Ben Deery on bottom board before having to settle for a draw – and despite his own personal frustration at failing to see the game out for a win, it was another encouraging performance.
But Stretton’s class shone through on the remaining boards, and they returned down the A49 with the points courtesy of a 1.5-3.5 victory.
The scoreline was all the more respectable considering Stretton were able to hand a debut to new signing Ray Sayers – a former 2000-plus rated player – on top board, significantly strengthening an already experienced line-up.
In contrast, Shrewsbury B were without regulars Ian Davies and Richard Vernon, with C teamers Tom Maiden and Howells stepping in to fill the breach.
It all came despite a fraught start to the night that saw Edwards make a quick cycle home as the match was starting to ensure there were enough clocks to ensure all the boards could go ahead.
One of those who will definitely be in contention for a return on Tuesday is regular skipper Vernon, who is back in the area after travelling for work commitments in recent weeks.
Full scores (Shrewsbury colours in brackets):
Shrewsbury B 1.5-3.5 Church Stretton A
1.Ivor Salter (b) 0-1 Ray Sayers
2.David Edwards (w) 1-0 Chris Lear
3.Fred Bennett (b) 0-1 David Hodge
4.Tom Maiden (w) 0-1 Jamie Lear
5.Dafydd Howells (b) 0.5-0.5 Ben Deery