Derby D Battle to 2–2 Draw in Key Division 3 Clash

On Tuesday (13/1/26), Clay Cross B visited Derby to take on our D team. Going into the match we were tied with them for second place in Division 3, and having beaten them earlier in the season they were clearly keen to even things up.

On board one, Chris Sharp faced Neil Cameron, who launched an early pawn storm with White. This prevented Black from developing comfortably, leaving Chris struggling to get his pieces onto decent squares while under sustained pressure. White was able to build a strong kingside attack, and although Chris held on for a while, the pressure eventually proved too much. With the choice of losing his queen or being checkmated, Chris chose to resign.

On board two, my opponent George Heath played a Benoni, which left him with a very cramped position out of the opening. In my eagerness to attack the centre, I allowed him a very annoying knight outpost on e5. However, I had a space advantage and was able to manoeuvre my pieces towards the kingside and advance my pawns. George then blundered a rook and resigned shortly afterwards.

Curtis Morrell’s game on board three was relatively quiet. There was a moment when his opponent had the chance to press for an advantage, but the position eventually simplified and the game ended in a draw with opposite-coloured bishops.

On board four, Chris Cole appeared to be involved in a steady and closely contested game. It eventually reached an even rook ending, and when a draw was offered, Chris accepted.

The match finished 2–2, leaving both teams still tied for second place in the division.

Andre 13/1/26

	Derby D		2 - 2	Clay Cross B
1	Sharp, Chris	1560	0 - 1	Cameron, Neil	1678
2	Cockburn, Andre	1546	1 - 0	Heath, George K	1471
3	Morrell, Curtis	1546	½ - ½	Fores, Craig	1362
4	Cole, Chris	1487	½ - ½	Newsam, Malcolm	1278

Andre