| Cumbria played the second U150 county match of the season on the 17th February 2008 against Yorkshire at the Alwoodley Community Centre in Leeds. The Yorkshire team were very strong side and we were outgraded on every board. In their match against Lancashire, Yorkshire had lost by 1-11 due to a poor management as the Yorkshire team had to default 9 boards out of 12! Therefore a draw was sufficient to bring us to the national level. However even a draw against such a strong team was difficult to get. In spite of a good effort put on each board, our county team lost on the score of 2-10 to Yorkshire. There were some good performances, including for some losses that could have easily turned into draws or even wins. For instance, George Horne faced strong resistance in a closed position with bishop against knight and his endgame looked a draw. But his opponent managed to move his knight behind George‘s pawns line, and eventually damage his pawn structure. Peter Shaw finished his game with a double edge position where both players were developing mating threats, but Peter was one move short to prevent his opponent getting the advantage. Andy McAtear got an early draw by trading all material. A fruitful strategy that gave half a point to the team! Also congratulations to Jim Woodburn who managed to get a draw against a strong opponent on top board. The only win for the team was achieved by Neil Jones who got a positional advantage from his opening, and converted it to a gain of a minor piece later in the game. Well done Neil! This match against Yorkshire marks the end of the adventure for this year's county matches. Many thanks to all that played for the team and supported our effort to these matches. No doubt we are all looking forward to get our revenge next season. |
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Philippe Gleizon
Cumbria Match Captain |
The first county match of the season 2007-08 was played on the 18th November against Lancashire at the Reform Club in Lancaster. Our Cumbrian team was facing a very strong opposition, as we were lower graded on every board, the bottom board of the Lancashire team being graded at 136. Cumbria fought valiantly but eventually lost the match on the score of 4.5 / 7.5. This was an honourable score in regard to the grading difference between the two teams.
There have been also some good individual performances. Your team captain won his game after a well-calculated series of exchange that gave him an extra passed pawn and a favourable endgame. But the most remarkable performance was achieved by Mark Houlsby who joined Cumbria only this year, in Ulverston Chess Club. Mark had the largest grading difference with his opponent, from all boards. He was two pawns down in the endgame but gambled on a little tactic to get an unstoppable passed pawn that won him the game.
This match proved that even with a weaker team in grade, Cumbria is a county to reckon with. I am confident that we can win against Yorkshire for our second county match in February. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to be involved.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for your commitment and dedication to chess in Cumbria. |
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Philippe Gleizon
Cumbria Match Captain |
Lancashire played White on odd boards.
![[knight]](Knight.gif)