Sat 05 Oct 2013
County Match – Greater Manchester vs Staffordshire
Dave Wightman took part in Staffordshire’s first
county match of the season away at Greater Manchester. The teams were
very evenly matched and so a close contest was in prospect. Dave got
the better of the opening, as black, and left
white with an isolated pawn in the centre. However, he was unable to
capitalise on the position and could never bring sufficient pieces to
bear on this structural weakness. Over time, white was able to
stabilise and eventually dominate the centre and, with
the time control approaching, he broke through to win the exchange,
albeit at the cost of the lone pawn.
Dave held on, blockading the centre with his bishop
pair and preventing white’s rooks from getting into the position. As
white manoeuvred for the win, his clock ticked down to a dangerous
position, at which point the draw was agreed.
This was one of eight draws. There were wins for David Anderton, John
Staniforth and David Pritchard but, with a total of five losses, the
match was lost 9 – 7. Well done to Greater Manchester for some fine
games played, and to the caterers for a fine spread
including a wide selection of cakes.
By Dave Wightman
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