Just two interclub matches in Division 1 last week and both went to the higher ranked team. Morriston A faced their B team no doubt thinking back to their earlier encounter when they were beaten 3-2. A reversal of fortunes this time, however, with the A team reversing the score to win 3-2. In the other fixture White Knights A put out their strongest possible team against their C team hoping, no doubt, to emulate the 5-0 victory achieved in their previous meeting. The C team, however, held their own on the top two boards and the A team had to be content with the a 4-1 win. It puts second placed Nidum under pressure to win their two matches in hand just to stay within striking distance.

In Division 2 the first match was between bottom of the table Morriston E and White Knights D. The 3½-1½ win for the Knights was no real surprise although John Ward’s win on board 4 for Morriston was probably a shock to all concerned.

On the Thursday it was the return match between De la Beche B and their C team. Both teams defaulted on board 4, perhaps as a consequence of their E team playing on the same night. The result was never in doubt, however, and the 3½-½ win for the B team allows them to maintain their grip at the top of the table.

On the Friday it was another interclub match with Morriston D playing hosts to their C team. Last time round the D team won 3-2 but in this encounter it ended up all square. The point dropped by the D team means that De la Beche B are now 2 points clear at the top with a healthy game point total. However, De la Beche B are not save yet and this week’s match on Tuesday 22nd when they face White Knights D is one that both teams need to win to keep alive their chances of finishing top.

In Division 3 there were 3 scheduled matches. The one between Morriston F and Morriston G was, in fact, played a week earlier with both teams defaulting bottom board (as they did in their previous match). The result was the same as in their earlier match, a 4-0 win to Morriston F.

De la Beche E, sitting second from bottom, managed to put up a reasonable fight against Tribunes and held them to a draw. However, it made no difference to their position in the table.

The other scheduled match was that between BF Brunel and St Michael’s School. Unfortunately St Michael’s were unable to field a team and decided to default the match. The extra points move Brunel 6 points ahead of Morriston F who have a match in hand. They meet on Feb 3rd in what should be an interesting battle.

In the West Wales Closed Championship (E.J. Clarke Trophy) the final games in round 2 have been played. Moss McCarthy beat Albert Easton while Andrew Smith and Joel Chung had a draw.

There are 5 players with 2 from 2: Duncan Williams, Ian Jones, Moss McCarthy, Peter Bevan and Phillip Pe.

19/01/2020