Combined B team bounce back to earn promotion

Derby League Division 2

Having topped the table all season the combined B team was beaten by Rolls Royce C but the preevious day a weakened side pulled off a draw,2-2 with another title contender, Clay Cross A. and that clinched promotion.With none of the regular top three available David Pickering returned on board one, Nigel Beard was a last minute replacement and Drago Monteano played on three.

Jo Parker lost but Dragos had another good result taking the game into a tight ending and accepted his opponent’s offer of a draw, David Pickering was also offered a draw, turned it down and then agreed a draw three moves later.

The match hung on Nigel Beard’s game No worries. He established a Knight on F7 supported by a well protected e-pawn and duly won to secure the draw. Having secured promotion it remains to be seen whether the B team can defend the Division 2 champions trophy, currently held by Burton and Liccfield A teamMatch played 16th March)

In the other vital match Lichfield and Burton were favourites against Rolls Royce C ut it was not their night. Albert Chacko, a stelllar performer for most of the season blundered on move eight and duly lost.John Hoddy came up with his regular victory, Shun Washiya was another winner and Anuska Ramawickrama drew. (Match played March 17th)