In the absense of the blogs Snodland has had a lot to talk about over the past few months!
We as a Club have reached 2 National Semi-finals, A county Final (once again) just when we thought the club couldn't get any more successful than last year it proves that we have done it again this year.
Furthermore we actually Won the county final of the Tom Fuller cup! Excellently led by the Captain Doug Smith who had a fantastic record all through the season and to all the teams players. Snodland got through the National Club Minor Championship final with a great win over Wanstead. Tremendous wins from David Nicholls and Tyrone Jefferies, a well faught draw by Chris Marshall who from what I'm told could have won against his higher rated opponent, and David Lettington unfortunately lost but again a great effort from the captain, who has sailed yet another team to a final, and not just with the club! Snodland failed to retain the National Club u100 trophy to a well prepared Hackney team who we wish all the best in the final.
Elsewhere in the past few months we now have the official A-league Champion! Matthew Bunn won the league with 2 games to spare after beating a tough David Fowler to seal his seasoned victory. Every player has played some exceptional chess this season and credit goes to everyone who took part. I have a feeling that with the continued rise in the attraction of players each season that next years leagues will be even tougher for certain.
Snodland also held their Speed Chess Tournament in which was won in the end by Matthew Bunn. Narrowly beating Bob Fenn to reach the final, him and David Fowler was to battle out this grueling game in which Matthew just about scraped a victory to seal a 2nd title this year.
Elswhere in the Challenge Trophy Matthew overcame Chris Marshall in the semi-final to play Doug Smith who triumphed over David Fowler in the other Semi-final to battle it out next Thursday at the club to decide the winner.
Neil Miners is now looking for Snodland's 'Game of the Year Award' for the 3rd year running. If you have a game that is worthy of the game of the year that has been played for the club then hand in the score sheet to either Neil Miners of David Lettington where it will be considered against other games to decide the award.
One Final reminder to all is the '2nd SNODLAND RAPIDPLAY CONGRESS' which is held at the Wolfe Centre in Holmesdale School, Malling Rd, Snodland, Kent ME6 5HS on SATURDAY 18th JULY. Early entry is advised as spaces are limited. This congress also holds the 'KENT INDIVIDUAL RAPIDPLAY CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.' This tournament promises to be strong, fun and plently of money prizes and general prizes at the end. A link to the official website and more info at: http://www.snodlandcongress.blogspot.com/
Friday, 12 June 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Recent Progress
Snodlands prestigous A-league is going very well indeed and has some very interesting line ups. Matthew Bunn is leading the league but still has some very tough games (notably against David Fowler and Bob Fenn who we know to be "hard to beat" players and who are still in the running for the title). David Fowler doing very well also who is still a main challenger for honours at the end of the season. Most notable progress has been Len Hammond who has had some brilliant results in the league and is emphatically shining in the league. A brilliant turnout for him. Some very unlucky results from Nick in his games where from what is told he had the advantages in his games but very unfortunately lost, but still is by every means a very strong player has to be considered as that.
A few results in the Harvey has swindled our way and vice versa. We won against Tonbridge 2 at home 4.5 - 1.5 which was very convincing and brilliant results from all players.
We very unfortunately lost against the ever strong maidstone where we looked strong on every board but in the end swindled their way to overcome us 3.5 - 2.5. However a fantastic contribution from Soriah Williams on board 6 beating Brian Stock and also to Nick and David Fowler also for their results. Tyrone Jefferies, Henry Williams and Matthew Bunn were believed to be either winning or materially ahead in their games which they unfortunately lost to very strong opponents indeed.
However bouncing back from the unfortunate match against Maidstone, we beat Weald of Kent where indeed we were the fortunate and lucky ones. The match finished 3.5 - 2.5 to Snodland but the last two games more or less finished at the same time (about 3 minutes before both players times were up, and lead to a very quickplay finish) Snodland were 1.5 - 2.5 down where David Fowler beat Henry Cove on time and thus levelled the match, very shortly afterwards Matthew Bunn beat a strong David Warrick on board one on time but was a whole Bishop up and if more time required I think the game would have favoured Matthew and the Bishop. So a result Snodland were satisfied with.
Elsewhere in the En Passant Snodland 1 lost to Folkestone which made certainty that Snodland 1 Could not go through, However credit must be mentioned to David Nicholls who drew to Jim Bayford 185 which was thought to be a fantastic result for Snodlands board 1. And also to Tyrone Jefferies who won and who has believed to of had a brilliant season in terms of his results. David Fowler once again being his solid style drew to Chris Siebert who is a good player and again we very rarely see David Fowler losing. A Fantastic season for him also with many wins and draws and the one we always want to see, very few losses.
Also a victory for the En Passant team where we again overcame Tunbridge Wells 4-2 a brilliant result from David Fowler, Chris Marshall and Matthew Bunn who all won on boards 2, 3 and 4. Tyrone and Nick also achieving draws, while David Nicholls unfortunately lost. We all know the results he can pull off but even with Grandmasters, not everyone can pull off the results they want because chess nowadays is becoming so much more flexible and stronger. Saying that David is 9 times out of 10 on the stronger side of things than most of his opponents.
As always more to follow soon
A few results in the Harvey has swindled our way and vice versa. We won against Tonbridge 2 at home 4.5 - 1.5 which was very convincing and brilliant results from all players.
We very unfortunately lost against the ever strong maidstone where we looked strong on every board but in the end swindled their way to overcome us 3.5 - 2.5. However a fantastic contribution from Soriah Williams on board 6 beating Brian Stock and also to Nick and David Fowler also for their results. Tyrone Jefferies, Henry Williams and Matthew Bunn were believed to be either winning or materially ahead in their games which they unfortunately lost to very strong opponents indeed.
However bouncing back from the unfortunate match against Maidstone, we beat Weald of Kent where indeed we were the fortunate and lucky ones. The match finished 3.5 - 2.5 to Snodland but the last two games more or less finished at the same time (about 3 minutes before both players times were up, and lead to a very quickplay finish) Snodland were 1.5 - 2.5 down where David Fowler beat Henry Cove on time and thus levelled the match, very shortly afterwards Matthew Bunn beat a strong David Warrick on board one on time but was a whole Bishop up and if more time required I think the game would have favoured Matthew and the Bishop. So a result Snodland were satisfied with.
Elsewhere in the En Passant Snodland 1 lost to Folkestone which made certainty that Snodland 1 Could not go through, However credit must be mentioned to David Nicholls who drew to Jim Bayford 185 which was thought to be a fantastic result for Snodlands board 1. And also to Tyrone Jefferies who won and who has believed to of had a brilliant season in terms of his results. David Fowler once again being his solid style drew to Chris Siebert who is a good player and again we very rarely see David Fowler losing. A Fantastic season for him also with many wins and draws and the one we always want to see, very few losses.
Also a victory for the En Passant team where we again overcame Tunbridge Wells 4-2 a brilliant result from David Fowler, Chris Marshall and Matthew Bunn who all won on boards 2, 3 and 4. Tyrone and Nick also achieving draws, while David Nicholls unfortunately lost. We all know the results he can pull off but even with Grandmasters, not everyone can pull off the results they want because chess nowadays is becoming so much more flexible and stronger. Saying that David is 9 times out of 10 on the stronger side of things than most of his opponents.
As always more to follow soon
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Snodland's 5th Anniversary
On Thursday the 18th of December Snodland celebrated its 5th year as a chess club. To celebrate we had Steve Giddins come down to do some coaching to an eager audience. Before starting Steve very kindly presented some awards for everybody that participated in the success of winning the Harvey Cup last season.
Steve showed us some fantastic games with the Kings Gambit (one memorable game with Shirov at a very young age smashing his opponent as white with the gambit). He mentioned it was an opening that is do or die, as it can become very promising but very exposing. Also mentioning that Mark Hebdon is a fantastic expert of the Kings Gambit and can demonstrate just how lethal it can be.
After some examples he then moved on to some puzzles etc where the audience could chip in, in what they were thinking. Overall it was a fantastic night, well celebrated and with the success the club is having of late, we hope next years anniversary will celebrate even more successfull aspects of the season.
Steve showed us some fantastic games with the Kings Gambit (one memorable game with Shirov at a very young age smashing his opponent as white with the gambit). He mentioned it was an opening that is do or die, as it can become very promising but very exposing. Also mentioning that Mark Hebdon is a fantastic expert of the Kings Gambit and can demonstrate just how lethal it can be.
After some examples he then moved on to some puzzles etc where the audience could chip in, in what they were thinking. Overall it was a fantastic night, well celebrated and with the success the club is having of late, we hope next years anniversary will celebrate even more successfull aspects of the season.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
A bit of good luck cancels out a bit of bad luck
Snodlands team 2 travelled to far away Thanet yesterday and came away with a 3-3 draw in which considering the circumstances must fill Snodland with some breathing space.
Many events made availability for the match very difficult and could muster just 5 players available to travel to the sea-side club. Thanet having won both there 1st two matches (one notable result being a 5-1 smashing over Hastings) meant that they were looking in great shape and very strong indeed.
Having won the toss Snodland chose to have white on odd boards (sensible as there was no board 6) and played some fantastic chess.
Chris Marshalls game with Keith Findley finished 1st with a draw. Same grade, same board, same strength, meant it was a respectable result.
Len Hammond played a well faught battle who looked winning to begin with but unfortunatly lost when his opponent gradually took the upper hand, but a great effort
Matthew Bunn won a very complicated game against Bob Pooley on board one, full of mind numbing variations and did well to win, both having very little time making the match 2.5 - 1.5 (to Thanet)
David Fowler reached a position in the endgame where he had the extra pawn in a 6 v 7 pawns, 2 rooks and a king endgame. It looked very cramped up at the end and as well having little time agreed a draw which was a fair result Making the match 3-2 to Thanet
Last game to finish Tyrone Jefferies winning eventually on time with an inferior position however in the game it was said he was on top for a majority and might just have made up for the bad luck we had before the game.
However Snodland as the "current reigning champions" of the Harvey cup have started the season with a result that the team is happy with considering only having 5 players. Imagine what we will accomplish with 6.
Below as requested is board one's game Matthew Bunn's (118) game versus Bob Pooley (127)
Many events made availability for the match very difficult and could muster just 5 players available to travel to the sea-side club. Thanet having won both there 1st two matches (one notable result being a 5-1 smashing over Hastings) meant that they were looking in great shape and very strong indeed.
Having won the toss Snodland chose to have white on odd boards (sensible as there was no board 6) and played some fantastic chess.
Chris Marshalls game with Keith Findley finished 1st with a draw. Same grade, same board, same strength, meant it was a respectable result.
Len Hammond played a well faught battle who looked winning to begin with but unfortunatly lost when his opponent gradually took the upper hand, but a great effort
Matthew Bunn won a very complicated game against Bob Pooley on board one, full of mind numbing variations and did well to win, both having very little time making the match 2.5 - 1.5 (to Thanet)
David Fowler reached a position in the endgame where he had the extra pawn in a 6 v 7 pawns, 2 rooks and a king endgame. It looked very cramped up at the end and as well having little time agreed a draw which was a fair result Making the match 3-2 to Thanet
Last game to finish Tyrone Jefferies winning eventually on time with an inferior position however in the game it was said he was on top for a majority and might just have made up for the bad luck we had before the game.
However Snodland as the "current reigning champions" of the Harvey cup have started the season with a result that the team is happy with considering only having 5 players. Imagine what we will accomplish with 6.
Below as requested is board one's game Matthew Bunn's (118) game versus Bob Pooley (127)
Results
A number of En Passant matches have already been played, and for the clubs 1st season in the En Passant competition we have battled and come away with good results. More details to follow.
Below is an excellent win from Snodlands David Nicholls on board one against Folkestones John Atherton.
Impressive win David! David has been in very good form this season marking some fantastic wins against his higher rated opponents. Other players have achieved some steady and reliable results Chris Marshall and David Fowler just to name a few. Nick Allen has continued his good string of results, keen and determinated he is and hence the reason he is putting in some good performances. I'm sure if this commitment from the members of the club continues, we can achieve many more things to come.
More details of all matches to come shortly
Below is an excellent win from Snodlands David Nicholls on board one against Folkestones John Atherton.
Impressive win David! David has been in very good form this season marking some fantastic wins against his higher rated opponents. Other players have achieved some steady and reliable results Chris Marshall and David Fowler just to name a few. Nick Allen has continued his good string of results, keen and determinated he is and hence the reason he is putting in some good performances. I'm sure if this commitment from the members of the club continues, we can achieve many more things to come.
More details of all matches to come shortly
Recent Progress
The A-league has been running well with some interesting results and games. Matthew Bunn and David Fowler still unbeaten while Chris leads the A-league having played 7 of his 10 games. All to play for still and despite who wins, there will be a new champion come the end of the season.
A LEAGUE P W D L Pts
1 Chris Marshall 7 3 2 2 4
2= Tyrone Jefferies6 3 1 2 3.5
2= David Fowler 4 3 1 0 3.5
4= David Lettington5 2 2 1 3
4= Matthew Bunn 3 3 0 0 3
6= Bob Fenn 4 1 1 2 1.5
6= Nick Allen 4 1 1 2 1.5
6= Len Hammond 3 1 1 1 1.5
6= Matt Gazes 4 1 1 2 1.5
10 Doug Smith 4 1 0 3 1
11= John Simons 4 0 0 4 0
A LEAGUE P W D L Pts
1 Chris Marshall 7 3 2 2 4
2= Tyrone Jefferies6 3 1 2 3.5
2= David Fowler 4 3 1 0 3.5
4= David Lettington5 2 2 1 3
4= Matthew Bunn 3 3 0 0 3
6= Bob Fenn 4 1 1 2 1.5
6= Nick Allen 4 1 1 2 1.5
6= Len Hammond 3 1 1 1 1.5
6= Matt Gazes 4 1 1 2 1.5
10 Doug Smith 4 1 0 3 1
11= John Simons 4 0 0 4 0
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Sad News
A very close friend of Snodland Chess Club and of the entire nation of chess has very sadly passed away. IM Bob Wade was a credit to British Chess, a true talent, and a fantastic coach to say the least. He had an outstanding and devoted commitment to chess and that passion inspired many alike. I for one say and I believe I speak for everyone that he will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace
IM Bob Wade
Rest In Peace
IM Bob Wade
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