The C team hosted Division 4 league leaders, Cheddleton E last night and were up against a team within 1 grading point of the maximum allowed. We got off to a cracking start when Simon Layhe won on board 4 to keep up his 100% record in the NSDCA this season. Soon after draws were agreed on boards 1 and 2 by Doug Barnett and Dave Price. Special mention should be made as Doug was playing a 165 grade opponent and was good value after a typical early piece sacrifice was later rewarded with extra material. James Marshall kept up his 50% record for the C team with a sound draw to ensure the team were victorious. This result leaves the C team on level match points with Ched E and with two matches in hand. We face Ched’s F team next for the first of two crucial matches against them, while they have a game in hand and trail our C team by 4 points.
The A team traveled to Newcastle last night to take on the hosts C team in a Division 2 match. First over the line was Neville Layhe on board 4 keeping up his top scoring efforts for the team. Olawale Titiloye continued his impressive run of results with another win as Karl Lockett and Chris Rhodes stumbled to defeats to leave David Hulme playing on top board against his 187 grade opponent. Having offered a draw on 3 occasions he was forced to play on and was fortunate to win an endgame despite having trailed by 3 pawns at one stage. The “A” team won 3-2 to go second in the table and only trail leaders Cheddleton B on game points who they play next week at the AMAL club.