Lichfield sides spar for supremacy in Cannock Division 2 derby

Cannock & District Division 2

The 2-2 scoreline does not reflect the myriad of stories hidden within this Cannock Division 2 derby. Before the match, 'B' team skipper Peter Rose proclaimed that under his tenure, the 'A' team had never outperformed his team. While 'A' team captain Phil Sykes couldn't be present, he surely felt the call to war in his heart ...

On Board 1, Adam Routledge (B) faced Tony Green (A) in a close game. Neither player, each very experienced and knowledgeable about the other, could eke out anything from an opposite-colour bishop middlegame. Both players had the potential to fight for more, but with the position unclear, they agreed to a draw.

On Board 2, David Hulme (B) comfortably defeated Yuriy Slobodyuk (A). He won a pawn with a tactic and held onto it for the rest of the game. Perhaps a fan of Korchnoi? The game ventured into a Rook endgame, with Yuriy unable to stop David’s advance. He resigned.

On Board 3, Peter Rose (B) fell victim to the hours of preparation that Albert Chacko had curated for their fixture with the same colours just three days earlier in Cannock Division 3. On move 12, Peter reached a highly delicate position, and it took just two moves for it to become untenable. Peter resigned, losing to Albert for the second time this week.

On Board 4, Rob Frost, playing for 'B', delivered the start everyone could have guessed before it began. He played aggressively and sacrificed a pawn for an active position. John Fryer showed his experience as he held onto the extra pawn and fought valiantly against Rob's attack. Rob could not make progress, and lacked the time to justify his play. A draw was agreed, and a tied match confirmed.

The next Lichfield derby within Cannock 2 is only next month, and you can bet both captains were unhappy with this draw. Next time, there will not be an impasse; and the rivalry will surely come to a bloody end! But who will win?(Match played: 17th September)