Lichfield 'B' secure Friday night draw in Stafford

Cannock & District League Division 2

It is now played three, drawn three for Lichfield 'B' in Cannock Division 2 after their Friday night away trip to Stafford ended in another 2-2 draw. Lichfield players were defeated on the top two boards, but victorious on Boards 3 and 4.

David Pickering, playing White on Board 1, was caught out in a rare opening variation, and was quickly in trouble. He battled on, but was forced to resign within 25 moves. On Board 2, Francis Fields, as Black, also struggled against an aggressive opening plan from his opponent, lost a pawn, and then went on to lose.

Lichfield fared much better on the bottom two boards. On Board 3, Mick Horrigan as White launched a dangerous attack, sacrificing his Rook. His opponent chose to sacrifice material back to keep the game going, but Mick retained the initiative in the endgame and pushed a passed pawn to promotion for victory.

On Board 4, Peter Rose, Black, took advantage of his opponent choosing to make too many pawn moves in the opening phase, and targeted the weak squares left in the White position. Eventually, the pressure was too much, and his opponent's over-extended pawns started to drop off the board. When major pieces were also then exchanged, the material deficit led White to resign.

(Match played: 23rd October)