Longbridge Chess Club got their Worcester & District League campaign off to a winning start on Wednesday evening with a hard-fought 2½–1½ victory over Redditch 3.
The match was closely contested throughout, with both teams producing some interesting games. Longbridge eventually came away with the win thanks to victories for Craig Bessant and Rohan Kartick Deepak Krishnan, while Tom Sherwood secured a draw on Board 1.
Tom Sherwood Holds Firm on Board 1
Longbridge captain Tom Sherwood faced Giles Stanton on the top board.
Tom described the game as a relaxed but ultimately very even encounter. Despite plenty of pieces remaining on the board, neither player was able to find a clear way to make progress.
With both players still having their queens, two rooks, opposite-coloured bishops and six pawns, the position remained extremely balanced. Tom offered a draw, which was accepted.
Craig Bessant Turns the Game Around
On Board 2, Craig Bessant faced Jamie Steward in what looked to be a difficult game for the Longbridge player.
Craig was under pressure for much of the game and it appeared that Redditch might be heading for another point. However, a crucial blunder from Jamie completely changed the situation.
Craig immediately took advantage, exchanging the rooks and forcing through a promotion. Once the new queen arrived, the game became much more straightforward for Craig, who converted his advantage to give Longbridge Chess Club an important victory.
Elliott Fights to the End
Board 3 saw Elliott Shurvinton take on Kenul Herath.
Elliott found himself under considerable pressure in a complicated position involving very different material. At one stage, Elliott was fighting with a rook and knight against his opponent’s queen, with both players also having two pawns.
Despite the difficult position, Elliott continued to battle on for many moves before eventually having to concede.
It was a tough game, but Elliott’s determination ensured that his opponent had to work hard for the point.
Rohan Produces the Decisive Win
With the match finely balanced, the result came down to Board 4.
Rohan Kartick Deepak Krishnan was facing Miguel Marimon and produced an excellent performance. Rohan managed to win a piece and, importantly, never allowed his opponent back into the game.
He kept control of the position and converted his advantage to secure the full point.
That victory, combined with Craig’s earlier win, gave Longbridge Chess Club the two wins needed to take the match.
A Great Start for Longbridge Chess Club
The final score was: Redditch 1½ – 2½ Longbridge
It was a strong team performance from Longbridge, with every player contributing to the result. Tom’s solid draw on Board 1, Craig’s excellent turnaround, Elliott’s determined fight and Rohan’s decisive victory combined to give Longbridge an important opening win in the Worcester & District League.
A special mention goes to Rohan, our man of the match, whose victory proved crucial in securing the overall result.
It’s a great start to the season for Longbridge Chess Club, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the team gets on in the rest of the Worcester & District League campaign.