As planned the fifth and last round of the Individual West Wales Closed Championship (E.J. Clarke) took place at the Coopers Arms on Monday the 16th May. With last year’s winner Richard Cleveland on 4 points he was guaranteed a share of the title no matter what but needed just a draw to retain it outright. However, Peter Bevan, his opponent on the night and on 3 points, has a history of doing well in this competition having first won it in 1976 and on numerous occasions since. Their hard fought game was the last to finish but with the advantage of rook & pawn v bishop & pawn the result eventually went the way of Peter. In the meantime Andrew Smith who was also on 3 points had already defeated Mike Cleaves and now found himself taking a share of the spoils. Three players on 4 points so three names to be engraved on the trophy with Andrew’s name the only one appearing for the first time. Grading prizes were awarded to Ralph Cook (Under 1700) on 3½; Bill Flew and Paul Bevan (Under 1400) on 2½ and Greg Goold (Under 1200) on 3. Full Results below.

White Black 2028 Peter Bevan (3) 1 v 0 Richard Cleveland (4) 2075 1787 Mike Cleaves (2.5) 0 v 1 Andrew Smith (3) 1665 2031 Ian Jones (2.5) 1 v 0 Bill Flew (2.5) 1390 1114 Carl Halpin (2) 0.5 v 0.5 Paul Bevan (2) 1318 1473 Tony Goodchild (1) 0.5 v 0.5 Albert Easton (1.5) 1498 942 June Evans (1) 1 v 0 Janet Evans (0.5) 941 Bye 0 1 Ralph Cook (2.5) 1593 Bye 0 1 Greg Goold (2) 1174 1081 Harry Lewis (2.5) 0 Defaulted 1203 Cecil Rowland (1) 0 Defaulted The last playing event of the season takes place next Monday 23rd May. Yet again it is being held at the Coopers Arms and it is the final rounds of the KO Cup Competitions.

White Knights have three teams competing, Morriston two teams and BF Nidum the one.

The very last event is the AGM which has been rescheduled for Thursday 16th June. It is being held at the home of the Briton Ferry Chess Club (Graig House), NOT the Coopers Arms!

18/05/2016