Here is Bill Tracey’s report on the Knock Out Cup v Lewes.:
Friday 7th saw our 2nd team host Lewes 1st team in The Sussex Knockout Cup.
This was always going to be a huge challenge for our 2nd team as Lewes out rated us by 770 points. The rules of the competition, however, have a handicap system and this meant that we would require 1.5 points from the 4 games to win the match.
Things looked good for much of the evening as Michael Hubbard held a strong advantage on board 1 which he eventually converted into a fine win against an opponent who out rated him by 149 points.
On board 2 James opened up with b4 which caused his opponent to spend several minutes over his first move. For much of the game a draw looked a very real possibility but, under time pressure James just lost his way in the end game and eventually had to resign.
Jo on board 3 was out rated by 236 points and put up a great fight. He perhaps had chances but his opponent played vey well and eventually Jo ran out of time.
On board 4 Oliver continued his recent trend of playing people who heavily out-rate him, this time by 238 points. The game was very close and eventually came down to his opponent having one extra pawn and Oliver being under intense time pressure, and, despite his best efforts it seemed that Oliver would not be able to stop the pawn being promoted. Eventually Oliver ran out of time and therefore Lewes, after a very hard fought match emerged worthy winners.
Well done to our team who represented the club so well against such strong opponents.
Editor : Don’t forget to enter our Rapidplay Tournament on 29 November. Go to ‘Our Events ‘ page for full details and entry