League

The struggle to see who wins the Dr Hanson Trophy remains close. Title holders White Knights A travelled to Plasmarl on the Monday to take on Morriston A. They needed the win just to keep in touch with leaders Nidum and a win it was by a fairly convincing 1½-3½. Nidum, however, were not to be outdone and the following evening had one of their best results of the season when they defeated the Emperors ½-4½. Nidum remain 5 points ahead of the Knights but the Knights have two matches in hand and have the much healthier looking game points total. Their upcoming match on the 8th March could prove decisive one way or another.

There was one other match in Division 1 and it was an inter-club affair between White Knights C and White Knights B. The teams were evenly matched but White Knights B had a no show on their board 3 and the resulting default gave the C team the win (3-2). This was White Knight C’s second win of the season and brings them up level with both Emperors and Morriston B on points and makes the fight to avoid relegation a bit more interesting!

The Division 2 title now appears to be within the grasp of the University. They played second placed Bluebell on the Wednesday and although it was close the resulting 3-2 win for the University moves them even further ahead. The University have not lost a match since the end of September and it will take a serious drop in form if the chasing pack are to have any hope of catching them.

In the other Division 2 match White Knights D gave themselves a bit of breathing space by defeating Giants 3-2 away at Briton Ferry. Still too close to call, however, with just 2 points covering the “bottom” 5 teams.

There were no matches in Division 3.

Richard E Jones Trophy

The last quarter-final in the Under 1800 knockout competition was played between Morriston and White Knights C. It was a resounding victory for the Knights by 3½-½ and means that the White Knights club now has two teams going into the semi-finals.

As there were 9 entries into this competition an intermediate round was needed to eliminate one of the teams. This took place last week between the University and CN Senators. The match was drawn over the 4 boards played but after bottom board elimination the Senators emerged the victors and go through to the semi-finals.

The four semi-finalists are Senators, White Knights B, White Knights C and Nidum A.

26/02/2017