Redditch recorded their second successive victory in Division Four of the Birmingham League on Tuesday night with a convincing 4.5-1.5 win over Soliull. The match started badly for Redditch, however, as Steve Crockett found his queen pinned to his king by Nigel Byrne's bishop on Board 1. Despite currently being ungraded after ten years away from competitive chess, Nigel used to be graded 148 and it would appear he's returned at this level. Derek Abraham swiftly equalised for Redditch with a victory over John Hodges on Board 6 before Peter Seeley and Robin Anderton agreed a draw in a complex position on Board 3. Peter felt he had an initiative and subsequent analysis showed he could have won a pawn and possibly exchanged down to force this through; however, he deemed it too risky to play on in practical terms being 20 minutes behind on the clock. By this stage, Redditch's Kevin Day had won a piece against John Green on Board 3 and was able to convert this material advantage into a victory before Giles Stanton defeated Philip Ravenscroft on Board 5. With the match decided, Michele Clack and former Redditch player Irina Amelkina continued their duel on Board 4. As the clocks ran down, Michele had a material advantage of a bishop for two pawns, although Irina appeared to have some initiative as compensation. This did not prove to be the case however and Irina's time ran out when faced with the unenviable choice of losing her queen or being mated.
There was no such joy for Redditch in two resumed matches against Warley Quinborne in Division Two as Dave Spowart and Andrew Wiggins both lost their matches against higher graded opponents to hand Warley an unassailable 3.5-1.5 lead with just one adjourned match between Michele Clack and John Fahy remaining.
Redditch get their Division One campaign in the Worcester & District League underway next Tuesday with a home match against fellow Redditch club Headless Cross. However, the main event of the evening is a visit by Keith Arkell. Originating from Worcestershire, Arkell is ranked 15th in England with a grade of 234 and was English Champion in 2008. Although it is unclear what will occur at the club on Tuesday, possible events are taking on challengers at speed chess or playing multiple members simultaneously. He will also be signing copies of his recently released autobiography. It will certainly be a delight for members to meet him.
Closing thought: "It is always better to sacrifice your opponents' men." - Savielly Tartakower
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