Match Report

This year, the Cambridge City Chess club challenged the University to a "Town v Gown" chess match. The match was intended as a bit of fun, open to players of all ability and it generated a lot of interest from both sides. The match was held at The University Centre on Wednesday 1st May 2002.

After a few ups and downs, the first round saw the Town take a 7-4 lead. The Gown had left themselves a lot of work to do! As round two started, it was clear the Gown's task was going to get even harder; the first four results came in with two draws and two more wins for the Town taking their score to a commanding 10 - 5 lead with only 7 games left. However this seemed to lull the Town into a false sense of security, and as the Town relaxed, game after game fell to the students. A remarkable come-back by the Gown eventually left the match level at 10½ each.

The entire match hung on the result of board 6. Both players only had a few minutes left on the clock. Ola looked to have the better of it, with very active pieces and his doubled rooks on the seventh creating a lot of pressure against White's king. In fact, Joe had to use most of his remaining time to find the defence against Ola's mating threat. Then Ola started using up his time, trying to come up with strong moves, but somehow Joe not only survived but started to improve his position. With only seconds on the clock for Joe, Ola left one piece en prise, and again the very next move, he left another piece en prise. Ola could have tried to play on or offer a draw due to his opponent's extreme time-shortage but sportingly, lay down his king in resignation instead. The Gown had triumphed in the first Town v Gown match by the narrowest of margins!

Congratulations must go to Stephen Pride, John Daugman, Patrick Ribbands and Keiran Darling for scoring 100% for their teams.

Philip Fallon
Cambridge City Chess Club