2B team maintain title challenge

Cannock League Division 2

A great win by Adam Routledge was the prime reason why Lichfield’s 2B team was able to maintain their title challenge. Playing board one above first team skipper David Hulme, Adam overcame a 130 point rating difference to defeat john Mildenhall of Rushall, a 1950 rated player. Adam has now won six of his eight games for the team this season and also had a draw,

Whilst struggling near the bottom of the table Tamworth have consistently fielded strong teams so Lichfield were prepared for a tough contest. David Hulme got them off to a good start on board two having switched positions with Adam for the first time this season

David chipped in with another Lichfield win and a draw from John Fryer on bottom board made it 2.5 – 1.5. John Fryer initially thought that his opponent ‘s understanding of the English opening was not too hot but in factnot only knew his stuff but played quickly, gaining a 20 minute advantage and an attack which threatened to Queen a pawn. Down to 45 seconds John found some mating chances, sacrificed a piece to see off the dangerous pawn and going three pawns up but with no chance of completing a mate in the last 90 seconds. Match drawn.

Peter Rose’s game started well enough with much more active pieces and pressure into the middle game, but it was all at the expense of allowing a passed pawn which he failed to stop. Stafford or Lichfield A need five or more points from their three games in hand to snatch the title. (Match played 9th Feb)