West Wales Closed Championship (E.J. Clarke Trophy)

The 4th round of the West Wales Closed Championship was played at the Upper Killay Chess Club on Wednesday 12 April. As is now the norm some players opted to postpone their games and make their own arrangements. They have just under 4 weeks to do so as the final round will probably be taking place on Tuesday the 9th May at the Morriston Chess Club (to be confirmed). Bill Hewitt remains the clear leader ½ point ahead of Ian Jones.

Results

Bill Hewitt (3) ½ v ½ Ian Jones (2½)

Alan Bean (1½) 1 v 0 Bill Flew (2)

Paul Bevan (1) 0 v 1 Tony Goodchild (1½)

Leighton Anthony (1½) 1 v 0 Ian Dyer (1) {played on the 29th March}

Joe Spooner (1) 1 v 0 Janet Evans (0)

Still to be played

Ralph Cook (2) v Peter Bevan (2)

Neil Stuart (2) v Andrew Smith (2)

Norman Speak (1) v June Evans (0)

Division 1

Just the 1 match with Morriston A playing host to White Knights C. In spite of a default by Morriston and a board 1 win by the Knights the home team scrapped through 3-2 thanks to wins on boards 2,3 and 4. Although they lost the Knights gained 2 valuable game points and this brings them on to level pegging with the Emperors with both having equal match and game points. White Knights C and the Emperors meet each other in the last Division 1 match of the season and if there is a loser that team will get relegated. If the match is drawn then things really get interesting and unless Morriston B get at least a draw against White Knights B in their last match they will also be included in the calculations.

Division 2

Two matches in Division 2 and yet again the results muddied the relegation battle. Morriston C were at home to second placed Bluebell and needed at least a draw to guarantee safety. Yet again it was not to be and although the middle order all managed draws the wins by Bluebell on boards 1 and 5 ensured them of the victory 1½-3½. The only other match played was that between BF Giants and De la Beche A. Giants also needed a win or a draw to guarantee safety and yet again it was not to be. A comprehensive 3½-1½ victory for De la Beche kept the Sketty team well ahead of the bottom four who will now be sweating on the result of the forthcoming Bluebell v Merlin match scheduled for the 25th April. An unlikely Merlin's win would stop the Upper Killay team getting relegated while at the same time put pressure on Morriston C and White Knights D to get some sort of result in their last matches.

13/03/2017