Learning on the Road: Derby E Team Battle Hard in Belper
The E team’s second outing (on Wednesday 15/10/25) took them on the road to the Red Lion in Belper, where they faced Belper F in what proved to be another valuable step in their early Derbyshire League journey. True to the team’s purpose, the lineup was completely different from the first match — a reflection of our commitment to giving as many players as possible the opportunity to experience over-the-board league chess.
For several of the squad, this was their very first taste of competitive chess, and the evening was played in a wonderfully friendly spirit. The Belper team were generous hosts, helping our newer players settle in and get used to the rhythm of timed, long-play games.
On the board, Belper’s experience showed, taking the match 3½–½ — but the result told only part of the story.
Sherif was the first to finish, meeting a Queen’s Pawn opening (1.d4) in his debut league match — a setup he hadn’t faced as often in practice games. Describing the early moments, he said: “Black after very few moves was threatening a fork of check and rook if he moved his knight to c7, which was defended by his dark bishop on f4. This was my first shock in the game.” Despite finding clever counterplay and creating pins, a lapse in concentration proved costly: “I saw the threat and wanted to trade my bishop with his knight, but my thoughts diverted to the other side of the board and I paid for that with my rook. From that point I lost concentration and made another error that skewered my other rook to the king, so I resigned.” A tough first experience, but one every player recognises — and an important learning step on his chess journey.
Next to finish was Duncan on Board 1, who opened with 1.d4 against a King’s Indian Defence. After a solid start, the game turned sharp in the middlegame. Duncan explained: “After about ten moves I was still doing fine, but then a series of less decisive, weaker moves as we transitioned into the middle game meant that I lost momentum with my queenside attack and he managed to start kingside pawn advances much more effectively. Just at the point where I thought I had stabilised the situation, he cleverly swapped a rook for a bishop, losing the exchange but opening up my weaker kingside. Although I was material ahead I was scrambling to find a strong enough defence. He was able to bring extra pieces across more effectively and I resigned after 40 moves because I was faced with either a checkmate or significant loss of material. He had played the position aggressively and well.”
Jake faced a formidable challenge on Board 2, playing Black against a strong and attacking opponent. He reflected: “Playing as Black, I was immediately forced onto the defensive by a ferocious kingside pawn storm. My attempts to create counterplay with perpetual check threats on the queenside were defended accurately by White, and the mounting pressure eventually cost me decisive material. My opponent converted their advantage cleanly, leaving me with no option but to resign.” Despite the result, it was a composed and courageous performance in a difficult position — the kind of experience that quickly sharpens a player’s resilience and understanding.
Chris, on Board 3, produced a patient performance against a defensive opponent and secured the team’s half-point after an honourable draw in a tense endgame that ran late into the evening. Reflecting afterwards, he said: “A tight game, against a defensive opponent. After a cagey start, I found myself a couple of pawns up and felt maybe I could get the win, but I ended up tying myself in knots a little and came away with a draw. I really enjoyed my very first league game and will look forward to the next one.”
The team all in deep thought!
The night rounded off perfectly with a relaxed post-match analysis and drink in the bar downstairs, where Jake, Chris, and I replayed key moments and shared thoughts on the games — exactly the kind of camaraderie the Chess Forge is all about.
As ever, the focus remains firmly on learning, improvement, and enjoyment, rather than the scoreline. Every game adds another spark to the Chess Forge spirit that drives this team — helping new players grow in confidence and skill as they take their first steps into Derbyshire League chess.
| Belper F | 3½ - ½ | Derby E | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | O'Brien, Michael | 1370 | 1 - 0 | Meikle, A Duncan | 1547 |
| 2 | Gartside, Jenny | 1323 | 1 - 0 | Rowbottom, Jake | 0000 |
| 3 | Davis, Dean | 1278 | ½ - ½ | Lacey, Chris | 0000 |
| 4 | Hughes, S | 0000 | 1 - 0 | Shendidy, Sherif | 0000 |
Kevin Dalley 16/10/25
Fancy trying over-the-board chess?
If you’ve been playing online, or just casually face-to face, and want to make the step into real-life, competitive chess, Derby Chess Club would love to welcome you. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a returning player, or a junior looking to take the next step, we have teams, coaching, and a friendly community ready to help.