9th October 2017
Our first match as defending champions was away to Southbourne A. We sat down and immediately noticed that our board 3 was not there ( Graham had a diary malfunction ! ). As it happened Mike Davidson had come to watch and I asked if he would be willing to stand in and he agreed to play after was apparent Graham was not going to be there ( Also I had forgotten new rule about 10 grading point limit for substitute players so thanks to Martin for allowing him to play ).
The matches started well for us with our new board 4 Eddie Barker playing an excellent game against John Catchpole and after turning down the draw offer went on to nicely win a rook and knight ending.
Mike on 3 despite giving away 25 minutes and 60 grading points was playing a fine game and in the end James Forster had to agree a draw as Mike had him under great pressure and could not move without probably losing. So very well done Mike as super sub.
I ended up playing a modern defence against Russell Pegg and after early pressure managed to find some aggressive moves pushing him back and eventually he had to sacrifice a piece for 2 pawns and he could not withstand my attack and resigned.
Allan on 1 against Martin Simons seemed to have a good position from opening and just built up pressure and eventually forced 2 connected passed pawns and this too much and Martin resigned.
This gave us a great 3.5 to 0.5 win and on to a big match against a very strong Poole A on 25th October.
Ian
Our first match as defending champions was away to Southbourne A. We sat down and immediately noticed that our board 3 was not there ( Graham had a diary malfunction ! ). As it happened Mike Davidson had come to watch and I asked if he would be willing to stand in and he agreed to play after was apparent Graham was not going to be there ( Also I had forgotten new rule about 10 grading point limit for substitute players so thanks to Martin for allowing him to play ).
The matches started well for us with our new board 4 Eddie Barker playing an excellent game against John Catchpole and after turning down the draw offer went on to nicely win a rook and knight ending.
Mike on 3 despite giving away 25 minutes and 60 grading points was playing a fine game and in the end James Forster had to agree a draw as Mike had him under great pressure and could not move without probably losing. So very well done Mike as super sub.
I ended up playing a modern defence against Russell Pegg and after early pressure managed to find some aggressive moves pushing him back and eventually he had to sacrifice a piece for 2 pawns and he could not withstand my attack and resigned.
Allan on 1 against Martin Simons seemed to have a good position from opening and just built up pressure and eventually forced 2 connected passed pawns and this too much and Martin resigned.
This gave us a great 3.5 to 0.5 win and on to a big match against a very strong Poole A on 25th October.
Ian
Wimborne A 3 v 1 Ringwood A
The match against Ringwood A commenced with us knowing if we won the match we would win the 1st Division. The 4 man team was changed for the first time in season with Allan Pleasants playing in Jersey. Steve Culleton came in on board 4.
Peter was playing Tim Weir and soon managed an advantage which he kept and eventually forced a win. Steve was playing Pete Donaldson and in an open game lost his way and Pete with 2 passed pawns was able to win the game to level the scores.
I was playing Martin Clancy on board 1 and although under pressure was able to soak up the attack and then managed a counter attack and when Martin allowed me to win a crucial pawn his position began to fall apart and I was able to win.
Graham against Neil Woodger was last to finish ( as usual ! ) and played his Blackmar Diemar keeping long term pressure for the gambit pawn. He forced an end game where his bishop was stronger than knight and converted nicely the pawn ending.
The 3-1 win gives us the Division 1 title with 1 draw against Southbourne A ( with the return match to come ) and 8 wins. Congratulations to all players in the team.
The only matter outstanding is the division individual award for best performance. I believe current position is Graham leading with 7.5/9 with myself second on 7/9.
The match against Ringwood A commenced with us knowing if we won the match we would win the 1st Division. The 4 man team was changed for the first time in season with Allan Pleasants playing in Jersey. Steve Culleton came in on board 4.
Peter was playing Tim Weir and soon managed an advantage which he kept and eventually forced a win. Steve was playing Pete Donaldson and in an open game lost his way and Pete with 2 passed pawns was able to win the game to level the scores.
I was playing Martin Clancy on board 1 and although under pressure was able to soak up the attack and then managed a counter attack and when Martin allowed me to win a crucial pawn his position began to fall apart and I was able to win.
Graham against Neil Woodger was last to finish ( as usual ! ) and played his Blackmar Diemar keeping long term pressure for the gambit pawn. He forced an end game where his bishop was stronger than knight and converted nicely the pawn ending.
The 3-1 win gives us the Division 1 title with 1 draw against Southbourne A ( with the return match to come ) and 8 wins. Congratulations to all players in the team.
The only matter outstanding is the division individual award for best performance. I believe current position is Graham leading with 7.5/9 with myself second on 7/9.
Wimborne A 2.5 v 1.5 Southbourne B
The A team moved a step closer the league title by winning 2.5 to 1.5 against Southbourne B.
On board 2 I played my normal line against Nimzowitch defence and Len Laker fell into a trap on move 9 and had no defence against my queenside attack after he had castled queenside and was over after 1 hour.
On board 3 Graham seemed to have a good attack against Brian Curran but seemed to lose the thread of the attack and missed a simple pawn fork of rook and queen and was no way back.
On top board Allan had a comfortable position against Paul Kemp and went into a rooks and pawn endgame with a strong king in centre and broke through to win.
Peter Wilcock was playing Anthony Pitcher on board 4 and had a strong position in idle game with Queen, Knight and a few pawns each and coming up to final timecheck was winning but started to panic ( as did I watching ! ) when time was running out but Anthony's clock went a few seconds first and as Peter had only a Knight against 2 pawns a draw was agreed.
The A team moved a step closer the league title by winning 2.5 to 1.5 against Southbourne B.
On board 2 I played my normal line against Nimzowitch defence and Len Laker fell into a trap on move 9 and had no defence against my queenside attack after he had castled queenside and was over after 1 hour.
On board 3 Graham seemed to have a good attack against Brian Curran but seemed to lose the thread of the attack and missed a simple pawn fork of rook and queen and was no way back.
On top board Allan had a comfortable position against Paul Kemp and went into a rooks and pawn endgame with a strong king in centre and broke through to win.
Peter Wilcock was playing Anthony Pitcher on board 4 and had a strong position in idle game with Queen, Knight and a few pawns each and coming up to final timecheck was winning but started to panic ( as did I watching ! ) when time was running out but Anthony's clock went a few seconds first and as Peter had only a Knight against 2 pawns a draw was agreed.
Wimborne B 3.5 v 0.5 Weymouth B
Wimborne B continued their forward momentum and clambered off the bottom of the table with this impressive win against Weymouth B. In truth the match was much closer than the scoreline might suggest. Wins for Mark Littleton and Phil Holden on top and bottom boards respectively, bolstered by a draw for Jorgen on board 3 guaranteed the win. However, those who stayed until the end witnessed a cracking finish to a very close match on board 2 in which, to the less skilled eye i.e. mine, any outcome seemed possible. Pete Wilcock stayed seemingly unperturbed in the face of a ticking down clock and proved that a dangerously advanced supported pawn can help to overcome a material disadvantage, provided that you you get the sequence of moves right - which he did in calm and clinical fashion.
Colin Wilson 28/02/17
Wimborne B continued their forward momentum and clambered off the bottom of the table with this impressive win against Weymouth B. In truth the match was much closer than the scoreline might suggest. Wins for Mark Littleton and Phil Holden on top and bottom boards respectively, bolstered by a draw for Jorgen on board 3 guaranteed the win. However, those who stayed until the end witnessed a cracking finish to a very close match on board 2 in which, to the less skilled eye i.e. mine, any outcome seemed possible. Pete Wilcock stayed seemingly unperturbed in the face of a ticking down clock and proved that a dangerously advanced supported pawn can help to overcome a material disadvantage, provided that you you get the sequence of moves right - which he did in calm and clinical fashion.
Colin Wilson 28/02/17
Purbeck B 1.5 v 2.5 Wimborne B
This looks like a shock result - Wimborne B picking up their first win and points of the season against runaway leaders Purbeck A. In truth we were able to field our strongest line up thus far, helped by the captain's attentions being diverted to losing elsewhere (see below), and our players fought hard to pull off an excellent win. Mark Littleton was a pawn up at one stage on the top board in a clash of giants against Steve Pierson, his team mate in the B & D first team, but the game turned into a drawn rook and pawn ending. However, this half point proved decisive as Pete Wilcock and Jorgen produced fine wins on boards 2 and 3 respectively to secure overall success.
Highcliffe A 3 v 1 Wimborne D
On the same evening it was defeat for the D team at Highcliffe but that had nothing to do with our two reserves, both of whom achieved commendable draws. The lesser spotted Cornelius found himself in a game of opposite colour bishops which so often results in a drawn situation, while Tony Buckfield managed to acquire a queen for a rook, which seems like good business, but in doing so found himself facing a connected pawn avalanche that convinced him too to accept the offer of a draw. Tony has now completed his maximum allotment of games for the D team as a reserve and I thank him for his valued and cheery contributions throughout.
This looks like a shock result - Wimborne B picking up their first win and points of the season against runaway leaders Purbeck A. In truth we were able to field our strongest line up thus far, helped by the captain's attentions being diverted to losing elsewhere (see below), and our players fought hard to pull off an excellent win. Mark Littleton was a pawn up at one stage on the top board in a clash of giants against Steve Pierson, his team mate in the B & D first team, but the game turned into a drawn rook and pawn ending. However, this half point proved decisive as Pete Wilcock and Jorgen produced fine wins on boards 2 and 3 respectively to secure overall success.
Highcliffe A 3 v 1 Wimborne D
On the same evening it was defeat for the D team at Highcliffe but that had nothing to do with our two reserves, both of whom achieved commendable draws. The lesser spotted Cornelius found himself in a game of opposite colour bishops which so often results in a drawn situation, while Tony Buckfield managed to acquire a queen for a rook, which seems like good business, but in doing so found himself facing a connected pawn avalanche that convinced him too to accept the offer of a draw. Tony has now completed his maximum allotment of games for the D team as a reserve and I thank him for his valued and cheery contributions throughout.
Wimborne D 2 v 2 Wimborne C
It finished all square in the D v C derby match. The C team had a few surprises up their sleeves, not least in trying once again to wrong foot the D team by not competing on the top board! This at least gave me the chance to play three matches in my head as an observer which proved far more taxing and anxiety inducing than playing a single game in my own right. Steve Culleton, tactically demoted to the bottom board by the C team, would undoubtedly have been a match for any of us on the night and duly got the better of D team reserve, the estimable Tony Buckfield. It was a close affair all the way on board 2 between Jørgen H Nielsen (C) and Alan Tyler (D) which seemed to be heading for a worthy draw, until an oversight by Alan in the final throes, involving a rook and pawns, cost him the game. To my eyes the most exciting match was still continuing on board 3 between C team captain, John Bowley, and D team stalwart, Paul Brackner. I think everyone in the vicinity knew from the audible exasperations from Paul during the course of the match that he was under extreme pressure throughout from some typically imaginative and relentless attacking play by John. It was great credit to Paul that he not only contrived somehow to dig himself out of every defensive hole he appeared to be in but also managed to accrue a time advantage in the process. It was this that was to prove crucial as John agonisingly ran out of time before completing his 35th move. The only question that remained was whether Paul, self-confessedly bamboozled by the workings of the digital clock, would realise he had won. Thankfully for the D team, he did!
In a most competitive Division 2, both teams continue their campaigns either to be promoted or to avoid relegation, depending entirely on your perspective of the table. Incredibly at this stage of the season there are just a mere three points between top and bottom positions; promotion and relegation remain distinct possibilities for all seven teams. I suspect a satisfying conclusion for both Wimborne outfits at this stage would be mid table security.
Colin Wilson 07/02/17
It finished all square in the D v C derby match. The C team had a few surprises up their sleeves, not least in trying once again to wrong foot the D team by not competing on the top board! This at least gave me the chance to play three matches in my head as an observer which proved far more taxing and anxiety inducing than playing a single game in my own right. Steve Culleton, tactically demoted to the bottom board by the C team, would undoubtedly have been a match for any of us on the night and duly got the better of D team reserve, the estimable Tony Buckfield. It was a close affair all the way on board 2 between Jørgen H Nielsen (C) and Alan Tyler (D) which seemed to be heading for a worthy draw, until an oversight by Alan in the final throes, involving a rook and pawns, cost him the game. To my eyes the most exciting match was still continuing on board 3 between C team captain, John Bowley, and D team stalwart, Paul Brackner. I think everyone in the vicinity knew from the audible exasperations from Paul during the course of the match that he was under extreme pressure throughout from some typically imaginative and relentless attacking play by John. It was great credit to Paul that he not only contrived somehow to dig himself out of every defensive hole he appeared to be in but also managed to accrue a time advantage in the process. It was this that was to prove crucial as John agonisingly ran out of time before completing his 35th move. The only question that remained was whether Paul, self-confessedly bamboozled by the workings of the digital clock, would realise he had won. Thankfully for the D team, he did!
In a most competitive Division 2, both teams continue their campaigns either to be promoted or to avoid relegation, depending entirely on your perspective of the table. Incredibly at this stage of the season there are just a mere three points between top and bottom positions; promotion and relegation remain distinct possibilities for all seven teams. I suspect a satisfying conclusion for both Wimborne outfits at this stage would be mid table security.
Colin Wilson 07/02/17
Dorset League: Wimborne A 2 v 2 Dorchester A
Wimborne A drew with Dorchester A in what turned out to be a finely balanced match. On board 1 Ian had the most difficult and almost the longest game of the night against Mike Waddington. When I looked across I saw that he was slightly worse off having a rook and pawn against two minor pieces. Once the queens came off Ian seemed to have little counter play and despite a late rear guard action against his opponent’s queen side pwans, had to concede. This game was certainly more interesting than my own which petered out to a draw once most of the major pieces were exchanged. On board 4 Pete had a good and fairly clear win. Last to finish was Stephen on board 3 who sacrificed (or lost depending on your point of view) a pawn to gain counter play. After various twists and turns the game was agreed drawn as was the match.
Mark Littleton
Wimborne A drew with Dorchester A in what turned out to be a finely balanced match. On board 1 Ian had the most difficult and almost the longest game of the night against Mike Waddington. When I looked across I saw that he was slightly worse off having a rook and pawn against two minor pieces. Once the queens came off Ian seemed to have little counter play and despite a late rear guard action against his opponent’s queen side pwans, had to concede. This game was certainly more interesting than my own which petered out to a draw once most of the major pieces were exchanged. On board 4 Pete had a good and fairly clear win. Last to finish was Stephen on board 3 who sacrificed (or lost depending on your point of view) a pawn to gain counter play. After various twists and turns the game was agreed drawn as was the match.
Mark Littleton
Dorset League: Wimborne B 1 v 3 Purbeck A
In the opening match of 2017 all four games went the way of the players with the higher grade. Unfortunately for us we only had one of those in the personage of John Bowley on board 4 whose persistent probing eventually bore fruit at the very end of the evening. The quest for our first point of the season goes on but with games now coming thicker and faster we hope the wait will not be for too much longer.
Colin Wilson 03/01/17
In the opening match of 2017 all four games went the way of the players with the higher grade. Unfortunately for us we only had one of those in the personage of John Bowley on board 4 whose persistent probing eventually bore fruit at the very end of the evening. The quest for our first point of the season goes on but with games now coming thicker and faster we hope the wait will not be for too much longer.
Colin Wilson 03/01/17
Dorset League: Southbourne 1.5 Wimborne C 2.5
Christmas Cheer for the C Team
In the last league match of 2016 good wins for Alan Tyler and John Bowley on boards 2 and 3 respectively put us in a strong position. The decisive extra half point came from the ever dependable Mike Davidson on the bottom board against a player 20+ grading points higher; this proved crucial as our captain capitulated late on in his game on the top board. This excellent win leaves the C team unbeaten and joint top of Division 3 with two matches left to play in March. My thanks to the eight Wimborne players whose efforts to date have put us in this strong position and my best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.
Colin Wilson 16/12/16
Christmas Cheer for the C Team
In the last league match of 2016 good wins for Alan Tyler and John Bowley on boards 2 and 3 respectively put us in a strong position. The decisive extra half point came from the ever dependable Mike Davidson on the bottom board against a player 20+ grading points higher; this proved crucial as our captain capitulated late on in his game on the top board. This excellent win leaves the C team unbeaten and joint top of Division 3 with two matches left to play in March. My thanks to the eight Wimborne players whose efforts to date have put us in this strong position and my best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.
Colin Wilson 16/12/16
Dorset League: Wimborne C 2 Purbeck B 2
Drawing Conclusions
Not all drawn matches are the same and there were four examples of the different types available in this match. On Board 3 John George accepted an early draw, on bottom board Mike Davidson settled for a front foot draw and on top board Tim Joyce was pleased to agree a rearguard draw. However, it was left to Tony Buckfield on Board 2 to demonstrate the most exciting draw of all - the frantic fight to the finish draw. Tony had by-passed the three other possibilities - the early draw and the front foot draw that for a while was turning into the rearguard draw - and was making determinedly for the finishing line with two pawns and a knight against a knight. Both players were in time trouble and, as blitz chess ensued, it was Tony's flag that fell first in the face of clever and resolute defending by his opponent. Fortunately there was not the requisite material for a win to be claimed and a fourth draw of the evening was the outcome. In the end this was a fair result and a satisfactory outcome for both teams, with Wimborne C reaching the halfway point of the season unbeaten and Purbeck B pleased to pick up their first point.
Colin Wilson 6/12/16
Drawing Conclusions
Not all drawn matches are the same and there were four examples of the different types available in this match. On Board 3 John George accepted an early draw, on bottom board Mike Davidson settled for a front foot draw and on top board Tim Joyce was pleased to agree a rearguard draw. However, it was left to Tony Buckfield on Board 2 to demonstrate the most exciting draw of all - the frantic fight to the finish draw. Tony had by-passed the three other possibilities - the early draw and the front foot draw that for a while was turning into the rearguard draw - and was making determinedly for the finishing line with two pawns and a knight against a knight. Both players were in time trouble and, as blitz chess ensued, it was Tony's flag that fell first in the face of clever and resolute defending by his opponent. Fortunately there was not the requisite material for a win to be claimed and a fourth draw of the evening was the outcome. In the end this was a fair result and a satisfactory outcome for both teams, with Wimborne C reaching the halfway point of the season unbeaten and Purbeck B pleased to pick up their first point.
Colin Wilson 6/12/16
Wimborne C 0.5 Wimborne D 3.5
Derby Day Delight for D team
Excellent wins by Mike Jackson and Paul Brackner on Boards 3 and 4 respectively, backed up by a solid draw for Alan Tyler on Board 2, saw the D team home against the C team who had earlier had to default on Board 1, putting themselves at a considerable disadvantage from the outset. Both Mike and Paul took full advantage of two against one split pawn endings with the defending kings unable to defend both sides of the board. As we approach the halfway point Division 2 looks like being extremely tight this season, with little to choose between teams from top to bottom.
Colin Wilson 6/12/16
Derby Day Delight for D team
Excellent wins by Mike Jackson and Paul Brackner on Boards 3 and 4 respectively, backed up by a solid draw for Alan Tyler on Board 2, saw the D team home against the C team who had earlier had to default on Board 1, putting themselves at a considerable disadvantage from the outset. Both Mike and Paul took full advantage of two against one split pawn endings with the defending kings unable to defend both sides of the board. As we approach the halfway point Division 2 looks like being extremely tight this season, with little to choose between teams from top to bottom.
Colin Wilson 6/12/16
Poole 2.5 Wimborne B 1.5
Colin Wilson - 24/11/16
Our B team remains pointless in the Dorset League after a second narrow away defeat, this time at the hands of a strong Poole outfit. Colin Wilson and Sergey Sim both slipped up in the end game, following generally sound play up to that point, on boards 1 and 2 respectively, while John Bowley's fluctuating game on the bottom board eventually ended in a draw, brought about by his opponent's perpetual check, when John perhaps had slightly the upper hand. Star performance of the evening came from Tim Joyce on board 3, who secured an excellent win against an opponent graded more than 20 points higher. We came tantalisingly close to getting at least a point out of this match - and possibly deserved to, given the considerably lower grade profile of our team - but the Poole players took full advantage of the opportunities that came their way.
Colin Wilson - 24/11/16
Our B team remains pointless in the Dorset League after a second narrow away defeat, this time at the hands of a strong Poole outfit. Colin Wilson and Sergey Sim both slipped up in the end game, following generally sound play up to that point, on boards 1 and 2 respectively, while John Bowley's fluctuating game on the bottom board eventually ended in a draw, brought about by his opponent's perpetual check, when John perhaps had slightly the upper hand. Star performance of the evening came from Tim Joyce on board 3, who secured an excellent win against an opponent graded more than 20 points higher. We came tantalisingly close to getting at least a point out of this match - and possibly deserved to, given the considerably lower grade profile of our team - but the Poole players took full advantage of the opportunities that came their way.
Dorchester B 0.5 Wimborne A 3.5
Mark Littleton - Thursday Nov 24th
Wimborne A scored a convincing win against Dorchester B with a 3.5 to 0.5 scoreline. First to finish was Ian on board 1 who won quite quickly against his opponent’s Scandinavian. First he was a pawn or two up and when I next looked round he had won a piece and it was only move 12! Several moves later it was all over. I next managed to win with what turned out to be a lucky kingside attack which, had my opponent found the correct response, could easily have gone the other way. Next to finish was Pete on board 4 who agreed a draw once the team had established a winning position. On board 3 Stephen was two pawns up in a won endgame in which his opponent soon resigned to leave us with our first win of the season.
Mark Littleton - Thursday Nov 24th
Wimborne A scored a convincing win against Dorchester B with a 3.5 to 0.5 scoreline. First to finish was Ian on board 1 who won quite quickly against his opponent’s Scandinavian. First he was a pawn or two up and when I next looked round he had won a piece and it was only move 12! Several moves later it was all over. I next managed to win with what turned out to be a lucky kingside attack which, had my opponent found the correct response, could easily have gone the other way. Next to finish was Pete on board 4 who agreed a draw once the team had established a winning position. On board 3 Stephen was two pawns up in a won endgame in which his opponent soon resigned to leave us with our first win of the season.
Dorchester D 1.5 Wimborne C 2.5
Colin Wilson (match played 17/11/16)
This was a very close affair with the outcome in the balance throughout. Mike Jackson continued his run of impressive form, in his debut season for the club, with a win against John Kelly on board 2 but this was matched by a win for Dorchester's captain, Bill Woodhouse, against John George on board 3. My game on the top board, against our very own Paul Brackner, looked like ending up even, as it so often does. However, I turned down Paul's sensible offer of a draw, aware that we were up against it a little on board 4. Within a couple of moves Paul had won a knight and understandably politely declined my somewhat desperate reciprocal offer. Forced into a manic pawn counter attack, with both clocks ticking, the game remarkably swung back in my favour and an unlikely win was somehow secured. The overall result now hinged on Mike Davidson's match against Ivan Stringer. Material was slightly against Mike - a rook, bishop and pawns against two rooks and pawns - but his position was secure enough to elicit an offer of a draw from his opponent, who was at a time disadvantage inside the last five minutes. Mike's doughty performance saw us as a team gratefully just across the victory line and we beat a welcome and hasty retreat to the bar, where John George was as generous as he always is.
Colin Wilson (match played 17/11/16)
This was a very close affair with the outcome in the balance throughout. Mike Jackson continued his run of impressive form, in his debut season for the club, with a win against John Kelly on board 2 but this was matched by a win for Dorchester's captain, Bill Woodhouse, against John George on board 3. My game on the top board, against our very own Paul Brackner, looked like ending up even, as it so often does. However, I turned down Paul's sensible offer of a draw, aware that we were up against it a little on board 4. Within a couple of moves Paul had won a knight and understandably politely declined my somewhat desperate reciprocal offer. Forced into a manic pawn counter attack, with both clocks ticking, the game remarkably swung back in my favour and an unlikely win was somehow secured. The overall result now hinged on Mike Davidson's match against Ivan Stringer. Material was slightly against Mike - a rook, bishop and pawns against two rooks and pawns - but his position was secure enough to elicit an offer of a draw from his opponent, who was at a time disadvantage inside the last five minutes. Mike's doughty performance saw us as a team gratefully just across the victory line and we beat a welcome and hasty retreat to the bar, where John George was as generous as he always is.
Wimborne A 2.5 vs Poole A 1.5
14-11-16 - Ian Clarke
The match was very close against Poole. Board 1 was a tight affair with Allan playing a safe opening and managed to keep control and a draw was agreed.
I was playing the opposing captain "Chip" and was very exciting when I decided to sacrifice piece for 2 pawns for kingside attack. This just looked good although had not seen all the moves. Found a decent if not the best follow up to force a won ending.
Peter on 4 was playing a new player ( another Sergei! but from Romania ) and despite seeming to have a good position lost out and eventually had to resign.
This left Graham on 3 who seemed to be under pressure from kingside attack but managed to swop off Queens to end up I a rook and pawn ending in which he specialises and forced a win with at least 30 seconds left!
This gave us a 2.5 to 1.5 win and keeps up at top of table.
14-11-16 - Ian Clarke
The match was very close against Poole. Board 1 was a tight affair with Allan playing a safe opening and managed to keep control and a draw was agreed.
I was playing the opposing captain "Chip" and was very exciting when I decided to sacrifice piece for 2 pawns for kingside attack. This just looked good although had not seen all the moves. Found a decent if not the best follow up to force a won ending.
Peter on 4 was playing a new player ( another Sergei! but from Romania ) and despite seeming to have a good position lost out and eventually had to resign.
This left Graham on 3 who seemed to be under pressure from kingside attack but managed to swop off Queens to end up I a rook and pawn ending in which he specialises and forced a win with at least 30 seconds left!
This gave us a 2.5 to 1.5 win and keeps up at top of table.
Southbourne C 1.5 Wimborne D 2.5
11/09/2016 - Colin Wilson
What a (k)night!
Things looked bleak after Alan Tyler (board 2), hero of our last outing at Poole, gave away a knight fairly early on and with it the game. On board 1 Colin Wilson played resolutely enough to eke out a draw. Meanwhile two very close games - both of which looked like potential draws - were being tensely played out on boards 3 and 4. First to conclude was Mike Jackson who played thoughtfully, creatively and relentlessly with his knight and pawns to force his opponent (bishop and pawns) into a resignation through shortage of time. All hinged on super stand in Tony Buckfield on board 4. Tony offered a draw on a number of occasions, which in itself would have been a creditable result against an adversary graded 20+ points higher, but his opponent was determined to see it through to the finish. However, it was Tony's knight that played its part to win a crucial pawn through a cleverly veiled check. Clocks were ticking on both sides, which added to the excitement, but in the end it was two linked passed pawns, supported by Tony's knight and king, pushing relentlessly up the centre of the board towards a defending bishop and king, that caused his opponent's flag to drop first. This was a morale boosting win for the D team, our first of the season, against a strong Southbourne side who out-graded us on all four boards.
11/09/2016 - Colin Wilson
What a (k)night!
Things looked bleak after Alan Tyler (board 2), hero of our last outing at Poole, gave away a knight fairly early on and with it the game. On board 1 Colin Wilson played resolutely enough to eke out a draw. Meanwhile two very close games - both of which looked like potential draws - were being tensely played out on boards 3 and 4. First to conclude was Mike Jackson who played thoughtfully, creatively and relentlessly with his knight and pawns to force his opponent (bishop and pawns) into a resignation through shortage of time. All hinged on super stand in Tony Buckfield on board 4. Tony offered a draw on a number of occasions, which in itself would have been a creditable result against an adversary graded 20+ points higher, but his opponent was determined to see it through to the finish. However, it was Tony's knight that played its part to win a crucial pawn through a cleverly veiled check. Clocks were ticking on both sides, which added to the excitement, but in the end it was two linked passed pawns, supported by Tony's knight and king, pushing relentlessly up the centre of the board towards a defending bishop and king, that caused his opponent's flag to drop first. This was a morale boosting win for the D team, our first of the season, against a strong Southbourne side who out-graded us on all four boards.
Wimborne B 2.5 vs Southborne B 1.5
05/11/2016 - Mark Littleton
You may have heard fireworks last night. Contrary to what you may think these were not actually for Guy Fawkes night, but rather to celebrate Wimborne B’s first win of the season against Southbourne B. On board 3 Stephen agreed a draw in an equal position to give us the first half point of the night. Soon afterwards I was able to convert an advantage of one pawn into two pawns and then into the exchange to beat Len Laker. On board 1 Steve Peirson beat Paul Kemp with a tactical combination. Last to finish was Joergen on board 4 standing in for Steve Pollyn. Although he fought bravely he was unable to overcome the two pawn advantage his opponent had in a knight and pawn endgame. Nevertheless the 2.5 to 1.5 victory was very welcome!
05/11/2016 - Mark Littleton
You may have heard fireworks last night. Contrary to what you may think these were not actually for Guy Fawkes night, but rather to celebrate Wimborne B’s first win of the season against Southbourne B. On board 3 Stephen agreed a draw in an equal position to give us the first half point of the night. Soon afterwards I was able to convert an advantage of one pawn into two pawns and then into the exchange to beat Len Laker. On board 1 Steve Peirson beat Paul Kemp with a tactical combination. Last to finish was Joergen on board 4 standing in for Steve Pollyn. Although he fought bravely he was unable to overcome the two pawn advantage his opponent had in a knight and pawn endgame. Nevertheless the 2.5 to 1.5 victory was very welcome!
Wimborne A 3 vs Ringwood A 1
26-10-16 - Ian Clarke
We arrived at Ringwood to find they had a much weaker team than expected due to illness, etc.
I was on board 2 against Malcolm Day and I played the Benko against his queens pawn. He did not take my pawn so I achieved a similar benko type position without the loss of a pawn. I managed to put my pieces on good squares and eventually Malcolm missed my threat of winning the exchange and then his position crumbled and I had an early win.
On board 4 Peter was playing Mike Jay and Mike seemed to have a good opening but allowed Peter a King side attack and missed the winning of the exchange which soon became a rook and game was over.
On board 3 Graham was playing Rob Davenport and had a comfortable opening and prised open Rob's defences and found a nice winning combination forcing mate or winning of queen.
On board 1 Allan was playing Martin Clancy and played a slow opening with 2 b3. He never seemed to get any advantage and in a time scramble gave up a rook for 2 passed pawns but these were not sufficient so he had to concede the game.
26-10-16 - Ian Clarke
We arrived at Ringwood to find they had a much weaker team than expected due to illness, etc.
I was on board 2 against Malcolm Day and I played the Benko against his queens pawn. He did not take my pawn so I achieved a similar benko type position without the loss of a pawn. I managed to put my pieces on good squares and eventually Malcolm missed my threat of winning the exchange and then his position crumbled and I had an early win.
On board 4 Peter was playing Mike Jay and Mike seemed to have a good opening but allowed Peter a King side attack and missed the winning of the exchange which soon became a rook and game was over.
On board 3 Graham was playing Rob Davenport and had a comfortable opening and prised open Rob's defences and found a nice winning combination forcing mate or winning of queen.
On board 1 Allan was playing Martin Clancy and played a slow opening with 2 b3. He never seemed to get any advantage and in a time scramble gave up a rook for 2 passed pawns but these were not sufficient so he had to concede the game.
Wimborne G 3 vs Purbeck 1
25-10-16 - Mike Davidson
Our latest recruit Sam Walker won on Board 4 , he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat ! Phil on Board 1 did the opposite . Jim on 2 and me on 3 had routine wins . Purbeck new team was very under-graded compared to us
25-10-16 - Mike Davidson
Our latest recruit Sam Walker won on Board 4 , he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat ! Phil on Board 1 did the opposite . Jim on 2 and me on 3 had routine wins . Purbeck new team was very under-graded compared to us
Match report- Wimborne E v Poole D 14-10-16 - Tony Buckfield
A useful start for Wimborne E, winning 3 - 1
Tim Joyce,heavily out-graded lost after a hard battle on board 1
Cornelius and Phil Wallace both won despite being out-graded.
Tony won after a long game on board 4.
A useful start for Wimborne E, winning 3 - 1
Tim Joyce,heavily out-graded lost after a hard battle on board 1
Cornelius and Phil Wallace both won despite being out-graded.
Tony won after a long game on board 4.
Match report- Wimborne G v New Milton 11-10-16 - Jim Newman
Not a good start for the G team, as the visitors wre victorious 3-1, although in our defence we were considerably outgraded.
On board 1, Phil Holden seemed to have the initiative at the early stages being the exchange up, equality on position and having a small time advantage. But a blunder after some 25 moves resulted a bishop in the loss of a bishop without any compensation. Shortly after this error, white threatened an unstoppable mate, so Phil had no option but to resign.
Jim Newman on board 2 maintained equality on material and position beyond move 35, but an ambitious push of G and H pawns to dislodge a dangerous black Knight proved to be his undoing. This tactic allowed black to advance his E and F pawns towards whites king with positive effect, such that white was forced to give a bishop to avoid mate. Moving into the end game, the extra piece proved telling and white resigned.
George Dodman, playing black on board 3, had a very close game progressing to around 50 moves. George was a single pawn down, but had a time advantage. The end game progressed to King, Knight and pawns opposed by King, bishop and pawns. Unfortunately for black, the single pawn advantage was sufficient to secure a win for white.
Sepp W-clarke played his first league game for Wimborne on board 4, and was our only successful player. Well done Sepp. In the white side of the English opening he managed to win the exchange early on at move 8 at the expense of giving the initiative to black. After a lot of pressure from black, white was able to get into a safe position and was able to execute a nice tactic which ended up in him being a full rook up. A good win followed on board 4 to save the whitewash!
Not a good start for the G team, as the visitors wre victorious 3-1, although in our defence we were considerably outgraded.
On board 1, Phil Holden seemed to have the initiative at the early stages being the exchange up, equality on position and having a small time advantage. But a blunder after some 25 moves resulted a bishop in the loss of a bishop without any compensation. Shortly after this error, white threatened an unstoppable mate, so Phil had no option but to resign.
Jim Newman on board 2 maintained equality on material and position beyond move 35, but an ambitious push of G and H pawns to dislodge a dangerous black Knight proved to be his undoing. This tactic allowed black to advance his E and F pawns towards whites king with positive effect, such that white was forced to give a bishop to avoid mate. Moving into the end game, the extra piece proved telling and white resigned.
George Dodman, playing black on board 3, had a very close game progressing to around 50 moves. George was a single pawn down, but had a time advantage. The end game progressed to King, Knight and pawns opposed by King, bishop and pawns. Unfortunately for black, the single pawn advantage was sufficient to secure a win for white.
Sepp W-clarke played his first league game for Wimborne on board 4, and was our only successful player. Well done Sepp. In the white side of the English opening he managed to win the exchange early on at move 8 at the expense of giving the initiative to black. After a lot of pressure from black, white was able to get into a safe position and was able to execute a nice tactic which ended up in him being a full rook up. A good win followed on board 4 to save the whitewash!
Match report- Wimborne D v New Milton A 28-09-16 - Colin Wilson
Draw 2-2
It was wins for white across the boards in the D team's opening match against New Milton A. Fortunately of course two of those players were our own and it was sterling work by Alan Tyler and debutant Mike Jackson on boards 2 and 4 respectively that earned a share of the spoils.
Draw 2-2
It was wins for white across the boards in the D team's opening match against New Milton A. Fortunately of course two of those players were our own and it was sterling work by Alan Tyler and debutant Mike Jackson on boards 2 and 4 respectively that earned a share of the spoils.
16th September 2016 - Tim Joyce
Fantastic Victory for some at Wimborne
A great turnout of about a dozen Wimborne players for the the annual two towns match (Poole vs Bournemouth) at the Legion on North Road. Many Wimborne players ended up playing for Bournemouth which resulted in an overwhelming Bournemouth victory. Great to see new faces, including our latest signing - Sergei from Kazakhstan who won his first competitive match on European soil playing on board 5.
Fantastic Victory for some at Wimborne
A great turnout of about a dozen Wimborne players for the the annual two towns match (Poole vs Bournemouth) at the Legion on North Road. Many Wimborne players ended up playing for Bournemouth which resulted in an overwhelming Bournemouth victory. Great to see new faces, including our latest signing - Sergei from Kazakhstan who won his first competitive match on European soil playing on board 5.
13 September 2016 - Ian Clarke
Reg Valentine Trophy
There were 20 players taking part including new members Sergei ( from Kazakstan ) , Will Moore and Sepp. There were 4 all play all groups and top 2 from each going through with tie break of lowest players if a tie ( which was bad news for Ian and Peter !). The 4 quarter finals were David Lane v Steve Pollyn ; Mark Littleton v Cornelius Cornes; Sergei ( given 150 estimate ) v Tim Joyce and Greg Webb v Sepp. Tim managed to win an exciting game against Sergei with seconds remaining.
In semi’s Steve beat Mark and Greg used his time well to beat Tim. The final was close with Greg having a decent position but was worse although the clock plays a major part and Steve in time trouble managed to leave his King en-prise which Greg took!
Congratulations to Greg and a good tournament for start of season.
Reg Valentine Trophy
There were 20 players taking part including new members Sergei ( from Kazakstan ) , Will Moore and Sepp. There were 4 all play all groups and top 2 from each going through with tie break of lowest players if a tie ( which was bad news for Ian and Peter !). The 4 quarter finals were David Lane v Steve Pollyn ; Mark Littleton v Cornelius Cornes; Sergei ( given 150 estimate ) v Tim Joyce and Greg Webb v Sepp. Tim managed to win an exciting game against Sergei with seconds remaining.
In semi’s Steve beat Mark and Greg used his time well to beat Tim. The final was close with Greg having a decent position but was worse although the clock plays a major part and Steve in time trouble managed to leave his King en-prise which Greg took!
Congratulations to Greg and a good tournament for start of season.
6th September 2016 - Mike Jay
An eventful season for Wimborne "C"!
Very well done to our "C" team who won Division 3 of the Dorset County League!
Wimborne "C" were also in the news in Division 2 escaping relegation by the narrowest of margins. It would have hard to plan a closer finish! Crucially they drew 2-2 at home with relegation rivals Poole "C" in their penultimate encounter. And with a game in hand, at least a point was needed from the last match away to 2nd in the table Southbourne "C". This was achieved, despite being out graded on all boards, with 4 draws, so 2-2. Phew!
An eventful season for Wimborne "C"!
Very well done to our "C" team who won Division 3 of the Dorset County League!
Wimborne "C" were also in the news in Division 2 escaping relegation by the narrowest of margins. It would have hard to plan a closer finish! Crucially they drew 2-2 at home with relegation rivals Poole "C" in their penultimate encounter. And with a game in hand, at least a point was needed from the last match away to 2nd in the table Southbourne "C". This was achieved, despite being out graded on all boards, with 4 draws, so 2-2. Phew!
5th September 2016 - Mike Jay
Organised by Ian Clark, The 51st Dorset Open will take place at the Ocean View Hotel, Bournemouth over the weekend 2-4 December 2016. Click here for the entry form.
Organised by Ian Clark, The 51st Dorset Open will take place at the Ocean View Hotel, Bournemouth over the weekend 2-4 December 2016. Click here for the entry form.
5th September 2016 - Tim Joyce
The club AGM will be held at the scout hut on Tuesday 6th September at 7.00pm. All welcome.
The club AGM will be held at the scout hut on Tuesday 6th September at 7.00pm. All welcome.
1st May 2016 - Mike Jay
Another season has drawn to a close and we will not be back at our Scout Hut venue in Redcotts Lane until September. The new programme will be emailed to members before then and details will also appear on this website.
But for those keen to continue playing chess in Wimborne through the summer, please see the "home" page of this website for information.
Another season has drawn to a close and we will not be back at our Scout Hut venue in Redcotts Lane until September. The new programme will be emailed to members before then and details will also appear on this website.
But for those keen to continue playing chess in Wimborne through the summer, please see the "home" page of this website for information.
1st May 2016 - Mike Jay
We we soon move to a new website design. Here are May posts from the Wimborne Chess Club website which will close down
during Summer 2016.
You can access the site by clicking on:- www.wimbornechessclub.org.uk
On behalf of all members we sincerely thank Phil Taylor-Bowd for creating and then running the website for over 10 years and we wish him well in Germany (where incidentally he has already set up a website for his new club!)
We we soon move to a new website design. Here are May posts from the Wimborne Chess Club website which will close down
during Summer 2016.
You can access the site by clicking on:- www.wimbornechessclub.org.uk
On behalf of all members we sincerely thank Phil Taylor-Bowd for creating and then running the website for over 10 years and we wish him well in Germany (where incidentally he has already set up a website for his new club!)
