Teams of 4 :: 12 minutes per player per game.
This year’s entry was increased both in quantity (up from 7 to 9 teams) and quality, with one IM entering the lists. It was clear that last year’s winners, Exmouth, would have a much tougher task defending the Thomas Cup they won last year. The new entry from Barnstaple, headed by IM Jack Rudd and Somerset’s former team Captain, Ben Edgell, looked likely to be their most serious rivals.
Exmouth A and Barnstaple met in Round 3 and finished 2-2. At the start of the final round, both teams had amassed 15½ points, but Barnstaple were facing the strong Tiverton A team, while Exmouth A took on Newton Abbot Juniors, possibly a slightly easier prospect, though at this rate of play, anything was possible and nothing could be taken for granted. Exmouth’s lower boards established a 2-1 lead, while John Stephens and Robert Thompson were still locked in combat. On the adjacent table, Barnstaple also led 2 – 1 with one game still in play. With minutes to go, Barnstaple lost that game to finish on 2 – 2 and, with 2 minutes left on each clock, Stephens immediately offered a draw in a complicated position, which was accepted, giving Exmouth A the Cup by a solitary half point. It doesn’t come much closer than that.
Of the other teams involved, Tiverton are clearly a club on the rise again, with the advent of Simon Bartlett, Keith Atkins and John Morrison, and will doubtless feature in Devon’s other leagues during the season. It was also good to see a team from Brixham.
In spite of the vagaries of chess at this speed, it was noticeable how the final scores largely went in concert with the grade totals of each team.
The event was organised by Trefor Thynne, President of the host club, and refreshments were provided by Mr. & Mrs. John Doidge.
This report was by R.H. Jones
For further information visit:
http://www.chessdevon.co.uk/HTML/News/dcca/dcca1.htm
note the top scorer on board 2
