National Club Finals 2003
Two Essex clubs fought their way through to the Finals of the National Club Championship, held at Wanstead Library, but both were ultimately disappointed in their quest for the trophy for their respective sections, but at least they had their day in the limelight.
|
National Club Open - Final |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Ilford |
v |
Cavendish |
|
J. Rogers 225 |
0-1 |
J. Parker 238 |
|
R. Palliser 223 |
½-½ |
B. Kelly 233 |
|
D.A. Sands 207 |
0-1 |
M. Ferguson 225 |
|
J.H. Hodgson 191 |
½-½ |
P. Taylor 202 |
|
J.P. Manley 197 |
1-0 |
G. Kenworthy 203 |
|
R.P. White 185 |
½-½ |
M. Macdonald-Ross 186 |
|
|
2½-3½ |
|
Ilford beat Mushrooms 4½-1½, Kingston 5½-½ and Bedford 3½-2½.
In the final they met the mighty Cavendish club; with its origins in Essex and affiliation through the County, this seemed like a local derby. Cavendish struck a telling blow when GM Jonathan Parker beat Jonathan Rogers' Dutch defence; from now on, board count, should the question arise, would favour Cavendish. Palliser-Kelly was drawn soon after, but the remaining results took most of the remainder of the five-hour session. Jon Manley levelled the scores, but IM Mark Ferguson put Cavendish back in front when finally breaking through in a dour struggle with David Sands. Ilford could not claw back any more points, leaving Cavendish the winners by 3½-2½.
Pics 1 - Views of Ilford-Cavendish | Pics 2 - Presentation of trophies
|
National Club Major - Final |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Wanstead & Woodford |
v |
Baskingstoke Juniors |
|
Li Wu 187 |
½-½ |
S. Williams 171 |
|
L.E. Marden 17 |
0-1 |
M. Harborne 165 |
|
I.D. Hunnable 156 |
0-1 |
O. Payne 163 |
|
P.R. Barclay 147 |
½-½ |
P. Roberson 149 |
|
G.M. Brown |
0-1 |
O. Coddington 147 |
|
|
1-4 |
|
Wanstead & Woodford accounted for Metropolitan, Tonbridge Wells, Brown Jack 'B' and Lichfield to reach the final, but all the time there was the spectre of Basingstoke Juniors.
The tone in the final was set by the first result when Ian Hunnable compromised his position shortly after the exchange of queens and his young opponent cleaned up quickly. The next result was a while coming, but eventually Graham Brown was worn down on the Q-side. Paul Barclay steadied the boat with a draw after weathering a position with a pawn minus. Things might have worked out differently had Larry Marden pressed home a winning advantage, but unfortunately he found a losing line instead. This left Li Wu, whose constant pressure came close, but eventually, White's resilience brought matteres into a Q + P ending which, with both clocks moving into their last five minutes, was agreed drawn before any QPF arguments could ensue.
Pics 3 - Views of Wanstead & Woodford v Baskingstoke Juniors
