A-Team's Progress Stalled

After a good first match of the season, Aberystwyth A found themselves facing the A-team of their previous opponents, Haverfordwest, at the Emlyn Cafe, Tayngroes, on Wednesday 10th October. Despite strengthening the side with the addition of James Cook on Board 4, Aber found the opposition much tougher this time. Not on top board, however, where Rudy van Kemenade emerged from an unusual line of the French Winawer into a queenless middlegame where he had the two bishops, a superior development and a dangerous attack down the h-file. Ron Wade capitulated quickly, though he might well have played on against a less formidable opponent. Julie van Kemenade's game was the longest of the evening, and characteristically wild, as Colin Denham countered her trademark kingside attack with an unexpectedly successful foray against the queenside-castled king, picking up queen for rook. The position was still complicated however, and Black was able to sustain enough pressure to secure the draw. David Ferguson, playing his first match in a long time, seemed a bit rusty against the new Board 3, John Miller. While he hesitated between queenside and kingside development, Black worked up a fierce attack against the king, leading to a quick mate. Finally, James Cook carelessly dropped a pawn with his Caro-Kann, but kept his pieces active, and Jan Sendall was content with the draw. 2-2 represents a rather disappointing result for Aber, and a good performance by Haverfordwest.

Rudy van Kemenade - Ron Wade 1-0

Colin Denham - Julie van Kemenade ½-½

David Ferguson- John Miller 0-1

Jan Sendall - James Cook ½-½