Redditch's campaign in Division 2 of the Worcester and District League got off to a flying start on Monday with a 3.5-0.5 victory away against Droitwich. Board 4 was the first to finish after 90 minutes of play. Droitwich's Rhodri Furlong played the Reti Opening against Derek Abraham. Derek won a pawn and had a 5-4 pawn advantage with a supported passed pawn in a same-coloured bishops endgame. Derek was unable to find a way through, however, and a draw was agreed. Giles felt he played poorly in his opening against John Hargreaves on Board 3 and dropped a pawn. However, his attack was sufficient enough to claim the win. Shortly afterwards, Andrew Wiggins beat Arnold Kirkland on top board. Droitwich's Barry Tisdell sacrificed his c-pawn for quick development against Peter Seeley's Queen's Indian Defence on Board 4. However, his subsequent plan was too slow and allowed Peter to consolidate his position before a couple of further errors allowed Peter to win further material and the game.
Tuesday evening saw a much tougher match in Division 2 of the Birmingham League against Warley Quinborne - arguably one of the stronger sides in the division. In fact, Redditch had the highest graded player of both teams, but their second player had a lower grade than all Warley Quinborne players. This gulf in class was evident on Board 4 as Ian Emery defeated Peter Seeley under an hour. Peter stepped into a trap following Ian's Scotch Gambit that allowed Ian to emerge a pawn ahead. Further inaccuracies lost a second pawn before a mate in just 22 moves. Ian Clack held his own on Board 6 against Jon Turner until the endgame when he dropped his queen for Jon's rook. Tom Robinson got Redditch off the mark after refuting Michael Doran's pawn sacrifice before closing out a win. Redditch were 2-1 behind at the end of the playing session but Dave Spowart, Andrew Wiggins and Michele Clack will hope to salvage a result for Redditch when the matches are resumed.
The internal standardplay all-play-all also commenced on Tuesday with two matches. Giles Stanton overcame David Smith and Richard Turner defeated John Harrison.
Both Birmingham League sides are in action next week. Redditch 2 face another tough match with a trip to Kynoch on Monday, whilst Redditch 4 visit Olton 4B on Tuesday. The weekend also sees the Birmingham Rapidplay, for which the key question is whether or not Tob Robinson and Steve Crockett can continue their recent success.
Closing thought: "A male scorpion is stabbed to death after mating. In chess, the powerful queen often does the same to the king without giving him the satisfaction of a lover." - Gregor Piatigorsky
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