The various sections of the KO competitions got off the ground last week with a total of eight quarter-final matches being played. In the Open section (for the Stan Fortt Memorial Cup) a less than full strength Morriston A visited CN Emperors and came away 3 -1 winners. They go into the semi-finals where they will play BF Brunel who had a bye. The other semi-final will be between the cup holders White Knights A and Nidum, both of whom also had quarter-final byes.

The Under 1800 section (for the Richard E Jones Trophy) started with Morriston B playing host to BF Giants. The Morriston team have struggled all season and currently prop up Division 1. This match only added to their woes. In spite of outgrading their opponents on every board and being given a 1 point start through a Giants default they could only scrape a draw. After the bottom board was discounted they were eliminated; the first time in many years that they have failed to make the semi-finals. In the other matches Upper Killay entered two teams into this section but both came up against strong opposition and both went down by the same score. 3 -1 defeats for Merlins against White Knights B and Harriers against CN Senators. The final match in this sector saw Port Talbot, last year's winners, triumph against Woodman A and yet again the score was 3 -1. Port Talbot will now play White Knights B while CN Senators will come up against BF Giants.

The Under 1400 section (for the A.D. Nicholson Shield) also started with a Morriston v Briton Ferry match. This time fortune favoured the Morriston team with two wins and a draw giving Morriston C the victory, 2½ - 1½, against Briton Ferry Ferrymen. Upper Killay have also entered two teams in this section but with Eagles getting a bye only the Hawks had to compete for a place in the semi-final. It was not to be, however, and they went down 1½ - 2½ to Woodman B. Morriston C and Woodman B will now meet in the semi-finals. The last match of the week between White Knights C and CN Tribunes was settled by wins for Tribunes on the bottom two boards; 1 - 3 to Tribunes who will meet UK Eagles in the other semi-final.

02/02/2015