All-Lichfield season opener leads to convincing victory for 3C team

Wolverhampton & District Division 3

The chess season is underway, and the first match of the season was an all-Lichfield Division 3 encounter at The Guildhall. The match ultimately went as ratings would predict, with Lichfield 3C emerging as 3-1 winners over 3D.

On Board 2, Mike Hoare and Yuriy Slobovyuk were the first to finish. Mike overlooked an incursion by Yuriy's queen and, although he felt for a time that he had some counterplay, Yuriy's accurate play saw Mike's position deteriorate rapidly, giving 3C the first point.

On top board, Phil Sykes and David Hulme played out a competitive game. The game was in the balance for a long time, but eventually David's pieces coordinated effectively to target Phil's king and force resignation.

On board 3, Brian Homewood and Frances Fields engaged in a long battle, reaching an ending with two rooks and five pawns apiece. Frances then found a lovely combination which would have led to the queening of a pawn, securing a third point for 3C.

A 4-0 whitewash looked to be on the cards, with Mick Horrigan appearing to be in control against Connor Whetnall. Mike won the exchange of rook for knight, and Connor then sacrificed a second rook for a knight. However, Mick was in time trouble and, with only two minutes remaining, blundered, allowing Connor to fork the king and queen to claim a consolation point for 3D. (Match played: 3 September 2026)

Match card to be added later.