Combined Division 1 team defeated in season opener

Derby League Division 1

Both teams were missing players from their strongest line-ups as the combined Burton and Lichfield ‘A’ team took on Breadsall ‘A’ in their first match of the season since securing promotion back to Derby League Division 1. Ultimately, the strength in depth of the Breadsall team proved to be decisive, as their squad of a 2100 ECF player and three 1900+ players defeated Burton and Lichfield 3 – 1.

The games on the top two boards were both drawn. On Board 1, Mircea Mesesan played very solidly with White in securing a quick draw against 2100-graded Paul Madden’s French Defence. On Board 2, Richard Anderson’s opponent played unambitiously with White in a Slav. The game was even throughout, with neither player making significant errors or missing clear opportunities to improve.

On Board 4, David Pickering missed a tactical idea on the Black side of an Evan’s Gambit, and his opponent took full advantage, finding a series of neat tactics to blow open the Black king position, and then win David’s Queen. Although David had three minor pieces in exchange, his king was still very exposed, and his rooks completely undeveloped. One final tactic was the killing blow.

The final game to finish was on Board 3. Ryan Smith lost a pawn in the early middlegame, and his opponent was always in control from that point on, eventually exchanging into a straightforward won ending, and prompting resignation. (Match played: 29th September)