During the pandemic a lot more chess has been played online (including our Thursday night Clashes) so the English Chess Federation has implemented an Online National Club Championship.
Obviously we jumped at the chance of playing in the competition so Ian set up a team and The Six Horses of the Apocalypse rode again!
We were placed in the Intermediate section with 12 other teams from across the country from Hackey to Leeds.
The first match was on Friday evening and it saw us up against Wimbledon (I know some teams chose the name of their clubs…. but where is the fun in that), sadly we lost 2.5 – 3.5 to the eventual winners.
On Saturday there where 2 rounds, the first at 10am against Downend & Fishponds (Birstol) which we won 3.5 – 2.5. Our second against Trelawney’s Army (Cornwall County) which we won 5 – 1!
This put us up to third by Saturday evening, in a position where we could win something.
On Sunday morning we faced Horsham and we needed a win to keep the pressure up on the leaders, Wimbledon and Leeds Uni who were set to play each other. We eventual won that match 4.5 – 1.5!
With Leeds Uni winning, the pressure was now on us.. .all or nothing…. winner takes all… in our clash against Lewisham, the tie brake at the top of the tournament was pretty complicated head to head but we eventually concluded a win would mean glory a shot at the trophy (depending on other results ) or at worse rating prize.
After a tense match we came up just a bit short losing 3.5 – 2.5. It means our final position was 5th but I think I can say on behalf of the players it was very enjoyable.
A thanks to Ian for organising and all the tournament organisers from the English Chess Federation.
Until the The Six Horses of the Apocalypse ride again………
