ECA discovered that winning feeling again last night with a comfortable win over Division II strugglers Wilmslow A. Here is what happened:
1. John Reed 1-0 Steven Shepherd (158)
Playing against the English John got a great position out of the opening and never let go, eventually winning the exchange and a pawn. A great win against their strongest player.
2. Graham Ball 0.5-0.5 Chris Guffogg (126)
Knowing that he was playing a weaker opponent and taking on his own favourite French Defence Graham must have thought he would have an easy night but Chris more than held his own in an exciting game and in the end Graham was happy to take the draw.
3. Phil Ramsey 1-0 Robin Warhurst (122)
My swindling skills have improved this season – I have now won at least three games that should have been drawn. Robin played the solid Torre Attack but I managed to get a good endgame only to throw away my advantage in time trouble (as usual.) Robin was better in the knight endgame but then miscalculated and let me queen a pawn.
4. Dave Newall 0-1 Colin Mills (120)
Dave played his favourite Bird’s opening and had a very long think on move 4. This cost him dearly later as he ended up in desperate time trouble and allowed a snap checkmate.
5. Dave Broadbent 1-0 David Booth (111)
Dave has had a lot of success with his Cambridge Springs System recently but David played all the right moves and didn’t succumb until the endgame.
6. Keven Holton 1-0 Tony Flynn (109)
Keven played his new Bird’s Opening which ended up looking more like an Advance French Defence. Keven had a lot of space and eventually swept Tony away with a Kingside attack.
Wilmslow will get their chance for rematch on Monday night. See you at the Ship Inn?