In the last few weeks Leominster Chess Club has hosted it’s first friendly matches against local clubs. First we played host to Hereford Chess Club, who brought along a balanced team of experienced players and newer competitors. We had some good games, but in the end succumbed to a single point defeat; 4½ – 5½. However, all players thoroughly enjoyed the experience of taking on another club.
Two weeks later we took on the traveling team from Worcester, fairing much better with a victory of 6½ – 2½! Below we share a noteable win for Stephen Priestly playing white against Phil Austin, which Stephen has kindly annotated for us.
The full results are below.
Leominster – Worcester Tuesday 18th June 2024
| 1 | 2002 | Richard Croot (b) | 1 – 0 | Ray Collett (w) | 1803 |
| 2 | 1706 | Stephen Priestley | 1 – 0 | Phil Austin | 1760 |
| 3 | John Preece | 0 – 1 | Chris Lee | 1573 | |
| 4 | 1560 | Nick Hanne | ½ – ½ | Arnold Kirkland | 1520 |
| 5 | Kalvin Haley | 0 – 1 | Paul Serafini | 1411 | |
| 6 | Simon | 1 – 0 | John Hesketh | 1316 | |
| 7 | 1393 | Craig Byron | 1 – 0 | Rob Walkowiak | 1228 |
| 8 | Roy Arnold | 1 – 0 | Alex Nicholls | * | |
| 9 | 1220 | Alexander Adarski | 1 – 0 | Luke Elsden | 1153 |
| 6½ -2½ |