The final of the Stanley Fortt Memorial Cup took place at Morriston Chess Club and was between White Knights and Swansea University. It was a 2½-1½ victory for the Knights but reports indicate that the University were not easily overcome. Thomas Van Veelan outplayed Gerry Heap on board 1 while on board 2 Neil Stuart was a batch of pawns up against Alan Young but with both clocks hanging a draw was agreed. On board 3 Donovan Sipho apparently outplayed Jason Garcia for chunks of the game but then lost. Adam May, on board 4 blundered his queen late on but the game ended with Ezaq Zaki losing on time. It is believed that had Zaki known the rules regarding quickplay finishes he could have claimed a draw, a result that would have given the University the victory after the application of the bottom board elimination rule. Congratulations, however, go to White Knights who have now won this competition for 3 years in a row and this year complete the “double” having already won the Dr Hanson Trophy for finishing first in Division 1.

Last week also saw the final of the Richard E Jones Trophy for players graded 1800 or under. In this match Swansea University, playing at home, came up against last year’s winners Castell-Nedd Senators. The Senators fielded their strongest possible team, notched up wins on the top three boards, won the match 3-1 and retained the trophy.

The League season is now over with only the Annual General Meeting still to take place. This is scheduled for Thursday 21st June at the Briton Ferry Constitutional Club on Graig Road (start time 7:15 pm). All League members are entitled to attend and vote on any resolutions that are put forward. This is the only opportunity that members have to put forward any changes that they want to see so if there is any alterations to the rules now is the time to propose them. Resolutions must be sent to the League Secretary before the end of the month so that they can be included in the published agenda.

25/05/2018