Last Match Before Christmas

Aber's last match before the Christmas break was played between the B team and Haverfordwest B in the Emlyn Cafe, Tanygroes, on Monday 5th December. Playing Black on Board 1, I took advantage of Jan Sendall's blunder - he left a bishop en prise in an even middle-game, after which the win was comparatively easy. James Cook had more problems at first: Tim Kirby broke through his lines with a knight, creating some confusion, before losing control and allowing his own position to fall to pieces. Tony Geraghty was also uncomfortable, in a blocked position where Robbie Coles seemed to have most of the chances. Eventually it resolved into a difficult rook-and-pawn ending where both players, understandably, committed several inaccuracies before agreeing a draw. Ian Finlay should have had it all his own way with his kingside attack against Margaret Baron; in fact, he made a couple of mistakes which a more experienced opponent might have taken advantage of before clinching what was still a quick win. Haverfordwest were heavily outgraded, so the result, 3½-½, was no great surprise.

Jan Sendall - Matthew Francis 0-1

James Cook - Tim Kirby 1-0

Robbie Coles - Tony Geraghty ½-½

Ian Finlay - Margaret Baron 1-0