Mutual Circle were without a number of regular
players for this Birmingham League clash. As a result, they faced an
uphill task, facing a grading deficit of just under 26 points per
board. Jonathan Hunt was the first to break ranks, sacrificing
a rook for bishop in order to generate an attack. Frank Wood also
offered a gambit pawn in the opening, but Peter Pearson-Jones went an
early pawn ahead. In the early middle game, Dave Wightman gained a
piece, due to a decisive check in the middle of a minor
piece exchange, and Mike Townsend gained a pawn which soon became
passed.
With the time control approaching, Dave Wightman
was able to exchange off the last of the major pieces to win, while
Frank Wood executed an exchange sacrifice to break through against his
opponent. Jonathan Hunt managed to conclude his
attack, for three wins in quick succession. Phil Bull’s opponent
managed to reach the first time control, but with just a few seconds
left on the clock, while Mike Townsend gained a second pawn, also
passed, and won shortly afterwards. Phil Bull went a pawn
ahead in the endgame and, with passed pawns on either wing, was able to
close out the match. Finally, Peter Pearson-Jones went two pawns up,
winning on time shortly afterwards at the second time control.
So, a resounding win for Wolverhampton, which keeps
alive their slender hopes of promotion to Division 1. Thanks are due
to Mutual Circle for putting up strong resistance in a difficult
situation, and good luck for the rest of the season.
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By Dave Wightman
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