Time trouble win by Ben gives combined ‘A’ side vital victory

Derby League Division 1

For the second time this season the combined Burton and Lichfield ‘A’ side defeated Chesterfield ‘A’ by 2.5 – 1.5, lifting them to mid-table in the tough Derby and District League Division 1.

After an unexpected defeat in his last Derby League match, Adam Routledge returned to ‘business as usual’ in his outstanding season. Playing on Board 4, Adam played a new opening line vs. 1 e4, and the players castled to opposite sides, launching attacks against their opponent’s kings. Adam’s attack proved to be faster and stronger, leading to a convincing win.

David Pickering was a last-minute stand-in on Board 3, and was therefore already behind on the clock at the start of his game against a higher-rated opponent. His opponent exploited pawn weaknesses in the middlegame and endgame, eventually forcing the win of a pawn, then converted the winning endgame in impressive style, leaving David with few opportunities for counterplay.

For the second time this season, Mircea Mesesan drew with highly-rated Chesterfield stalwart Peter Ackley. Playing White on Board 1, Mircea had the better of the game, but Peter defended resolutely and Mircea was unable to break through. A draw was agreed.

With the match tied, the deciding game was Ben Nevett-Farman’s game on Board 2. The position emerging from the opening was fairly equal, but Ben’s opponent played an errant ‘en passant’ capture, and Ben seized the initiative. His opponent elected to sacrifice the exchange, giving Ben a winning advantage. However, Ben was also in time trouble, playing on the 10 second increment as he sought to convert for a win. His task was simplified by an exchange of Queens, and despite the time pressure, Ben converted calmly, his opponent resigning in a hopeless endgame position.

The match victory leaves Burton and Lichfield ‘A’ in mid-table. With predominantly home games to come in the New Year, hopes are high that the team can push further up the table when the season resumes in January. (Match played: 16th December)