Lichfield 'B' leapfrog 'A' to top of Division 2 table

Cannock & District League Division 2

Wins on Boards 3 and 4 saw Lichfield 'B' achieve their first match victory of the season in Cannock League Division 2, as they defeated Walsall Kipping by 3-1.

David Pickering (White) finished first on Board 1. He and his opponent played a comfortable game, with David opting for an early Queen trade. He was faster in development and missed his chance to secure a winning edge with a temporary Rook sacrifice. He tried to play against a backward e-pawn in a tight position, but a slightly inaccurate pawn sacrifice resulted in a dry position. The two agreed to a draw.

Next was Rob Frost (Black) on Board 4, who was elated with his opening. His opponent fell for a common trap where Rob underpromoted to wreak havoc. His opponent tried to preserve his queen, but the position was untenable as Rob developed rapidly and attacked relentlessly. Victory was assured as his opponent's king was marched all the way to a4!

Peter Rose (White) finished next on Board 3. He was on the front foot from the get-go; his opponent’s reserved opening order let Peter take the centre and start gaining space on the Kingside. Peter maintained the pressure throughout, not letting his opponent find any King safety. By move 22, Peter was fully in control and attacking whilst his opponent lagged in every metric. The win was but assured.

Mick Horrigan (Black) was last to finish on board 2. He was initially worried his opponent would claim d4 early, but to his surprise, he opted for a more measured approach. He quickly got pawns on e5 and c5 to bind d4 in a closed structure. He then traded off his LSB for doubled e-pawns, covering his hole on d5 and hoping the open f-file would prove worthwhile. In the endgame, everything was traded, leaving him with an isolated king’s pawn, which his opponent targeted. He let the pawn go but played a knight sacrifice that seemed to force a perpetual. He was in trouble and was happy when his opponent accepted the draw offer.

The win sees Lichfield 'B' leapfrog Lichfield 'A' into joint first in the table, with a game in hand on Rushall. Next up for Lichfield 'B' are bottom club Rugeley.

(Match played: 29th October)