Lichfield clinch Cannock first division title

Lichfield swept to a fine 3.5 – 0.5 win over Stafford to win the Cannock Division 1, but Stafford are odds on to win the win Division 2 by holding off the challenge of both the Lichfield 2A and 2B teams.

Despite the winning margin there were moments in several of the games when Stafford might have gained the upper hand. The wobbles started on board one when Ben Nevett-Farman’s opponent played a tricky gambit and created an awkward dilemma. His response was to deviate from theory and gainea winning position. His opponent resigned.

On board Mircea also had his problems after playing a few dodgy moves but he recovered and then played a near perfect game. He was down a Queen for two minor pieces yet ended a drawn game with two minor pieces against a Rook.

Adam Routledge had a rating advantage and it showed as he recovered from a slightly shaky opening, equalising and then building an attack. He created an isolated but poisoned pawn and when it was captured he gained lots of play, his opponent being forced to sacrifice his Queen to stay in the game- for a while.

Albert Chacko’s opponent played a a very tricky opening which only cost space and control. Albert won a piece and kept the opposing King in the middle of the board. Albert then over estimated a plan and blundered the piece back but with a dominant position it only delayed the inevitabl by 10 moves. (Match played 24th April