Christmas is long gone, and the remnants of the January clothes sales are mostly small or XL size, sporting colours like burgundy or taupe. Under such circumstances we enter the business end of the chess season.
The home first match of 2014, On Tuesday 7th January, started with a win. On top board, Matthew converted a pawn ending after a strong Sicilian defence. Malcolm had a strong material plus, but agreed a draw as his clock was not in a good place. Dan had a comfortable win, but Leon grabbed a pawn too many and got caught out by a clever combination.
Herts League – Division 4
Borehamwood 1 Hoddesdon 1
Board 1 : Simmons, Matthew 193 1-0 Beadle, Mark 144
Board 2 : Gesthuysen, Malcolm 146 1/2 Gore, Alan D 136
Board 3 : Marcos, Dan 143 1-0 Joyce, Richard P 132
Board 4 : O’Sullivan, Terry J 126 1/2 Patmore, Alan 118
Board 5 : Glouzman, Leon 120 0-1 Young, Dane P 116
Match Score : 3 – 2
The following Tuesday against Hemel , whom we beat comfortably away from home, domestic comforts were a bit thin on the ground. Apart from Matthew winning on top board, it was not all plain sailing. Draws for Leon & Terry gave us a shipshape 2-1 edge . Anthony was 2 pawns down in the life raft apropos a misfiring Colorado Gambit. However, tactics and pressure led to a knight for 3 pawns (plus rooks etc.) finale which held for a draw. Dan unfortunately dropped a pawn in an even knight ending just before the time control. He chose to walk the plank and his game was ceded without resumption. Honours even.
Herts League – Division 4
Borehamwood 1 Hemel Hempstead 3
Board 1 : Simmons, Matthew 193 1-0 Gibb, Rodney 153
Board 2 : Kent, Anthony R 148 1/2 Rixon, Tom J 134
Board 3 : Marcos, Dan 143 0-1 Simpson, Derek 133
Board 4 : O’Sullivan, Terry J 126 1/2 Saunders, Barrie 132
Board 5 : Glouzman, Leon 120 1/2 Hall, Ian JL 121
Match Score : 2.5 – 2.5
Borehamwood Chess club 