14.9.16 Our top two teams met in the opening Division 1 League fixture. Last season the 2 meetings were drawn by 2 makeshift teams. A1 now seemed closer to full strength with 4 regulars. A2 fielded 2 reserves, giving the first team a healthy grading edge. The biggest grading edge was on Board 3 between Andy Toothill and Alan Robinson. Andy 's rook penetration on the seventh rank won a piece and in due course the game. Other boards were tightly contested. Nigel Wright made an assured first division debut to hold Neil Graham. Derek Jarvis missed a winning line against me which led to a holdable ending for the second match draw. The Evergreen Stan Cranmer levelled the match for us (A2) with a win against John Shaw in a game in which both players had winning chances The final game to finish was the Board 1 game between Steve Burke and Jerry Herrington. Steve was pressing for a mating attack. There seemed to be a time scramble. Jerry's nerve and position held. He repeated his win from the corresponding fixture last year, clinching the match for the second team. Ashfield 2 v Ashfield 1 3-2 It promises to be an interesting season. The lucky boxer shorts did the trick again. |
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