Longbridge shared the points with Warndon after a closely contested 2–2 draw in the Worcestershire Chess Association Challengers on Tuesday 27 October. Tom Sherwood secured the team’s only win, while Gavin Cartwright and Craig Bessant both contributed valuable draws.
Longbridge Chess Club welcomed Warndon for their latest fixture in the WCA Challengers, with both teams closely matched on average rating. The four-board match proved to be an evenly balanced contest, with neither side able to pull ahead.
Cartwright Holds on Board One
Gavin Cartwright faced Alex Nicholls on the top board. Despite being the higher-rated player, Gavin was unable to find a decisive advantage and the game ended in a draw.
Half a point apiece was a fair contribution in what was an important top-board encounter.
Kadar Goes Down on Board Two
Joe Kadar faced Phillip Austin on Board Two, but unfortunately this was one of the points that went Warndon’s way.
Austin secured the full point for the visitors, giving Warndon an advantage in the match and putting pressure on the remaining Longbridge players to find results.
Sherwood Secures a Full Point
Tom Sherwood produced an excellent result on Board Three, defeating Tony Shaw to claim a full point for Longbridge.
Tom’s victory was particularly important, bringing the scores level and ensuring Longbridge stayed firmly in contention for the overall match result.
Bessant Completes the Score
Craig Bessant faced Tamas Molnar on Board Four in another closely matched game. The players shared the point, with the game finishing in a draw.
Craig’s half point completed Longbridge’s total and ensured the team came away with a share of the match points.
Honours Even Against Warndon
With one win, two draws and one defeat, Longbridge finished the evening with a 2–2 draw against Warndon.
It was a competitive match between two evenly rated teams, with Tom’s win and the draws from Gavin and Craig helping Longbridge secure a share of the points.
Final score: Longbridge 2–2 Warndon.