Match Report

The Cambridge City and University Chess clubs played the annual Town v Gown chess match on Thursday 8th May 2003 at St. Matthews Church Hall. Instead of being a show of strength, the aim is a social match open to all players - especially those who don't often get to represent their club alongside the top players. The idea has caught on and this year proved even more popular than last. The turnout was bigger and better, with thirteen boards and both the top players rated over 200.

The University fielded an impressive team featuring three of this year's record winning Varsity team. Fortunately the Town managed to get a team which matched them over the thirteen boards, and an exciting match was in prospect.

After some close encounters in the first round, the dust settled and the Town had taken an 8 - 5 lead. This was a useful lead, but after last year when the Gown had come back from being 7-4 down, there was still all to play for in round two!

Unfortunately, I am unable to report on exactly how the games progressed as I was chasing my first Town v Gown win and being held by some excellent play from my opponent. Nevertheless, as the results came in it was clear that the Town were not allowing their defences to be overrun a second year running. In round two, the Gown scored just one win allowing the Town to take wins and draws on the rest. The round finished 9 - 4, and the Town had triumphed.

Congratulations go to Andrew Harley, Paul Kemp, Tom Bramley, David Smith and Gerard McGlew for scoring 100% for their teams.

Philip Fallon
Cambridge City Chess Club