Hard Lessons, Steady Progress: Derby E’s Season Takes Shape
The E team’s third match of the season brought the players back to home turf on Tuesday (11/11/25), to face Burton & Lichfield E, another well-balanced and friendly side. This time, the line-up consisted entirely of newer players — all in their first season of competitive chess — continuing the club’s aim of giving members real experience of over-the-board league play.
The match ended in a 2½–1½ win for Burton & Lichfield, but as always, the true story lay in the games themselves and in the lessons each player took away.
As a non-playing captain, I usually have the luxury of watching the matches unfold, offering silent encouragement and observing the ebb and flow of each board. Tonight, however, I was playing in the A team match, and by the time my own game concluded, only Hugo was still playing. A quick glance suggested he was heading for victory — but when I returned shortly afterwards, the game had turned, and he was graciously shaking hands after a tough loss!
On Board 1, Hugo had been a pawn up in an even endgame before a single misstep changed the result. Reflecting afterwards, he admitted it was “a one-move blunder” that proved costly, noting that the game had felt drawn throughout. It was a harsh outcome, but another valuable reminder of how unforgiving endgames can be.
Jake, on Board 2, produced a commanding attacking display with White, breaking through in the centre to create a passed pawn that completely tied down his opponent’s position. From there, he converted confidently, forcing resignation just one move before checkmate — a clear and impressive win.
On Board 3, Josh produced a calm, evenly balanced performance. Neither side could find a decisive plan, and when a draw was offered it felt, as he put it, “a fair reflection of the game.” A well-earned half-point and a testament to patient, solid play.
Chris, on Board 4, was characteristically honest about his evening, describing it as “an excellent learning experience” and resolving to learn from a few mistakes to come back stronger next time — exactly what the E team is all about.
Despite the narrow defeat, the match once again embodied the spirit of the Chess Forge — players learning, growing, and supporting one another while enjoying the challenge of long-play, over-the-board chess. The team spirit remains high, and the steady progress of these new players continues to be the real success story.
| Derby E | 1½ - 2½ | Burton & Lichfield E | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Videira, Hugo | 1677 | 0 - 1 | Grubb, Mark | 1523 |
| 2 | Rowbottom, Jake | 1369 | 1 - 0 | Knight, Terry | 1359 |
| 3 | Gahonia, Josh | 1440 | ½ - ½ | Drayton, Graeme | 1264 |
| 4 | Lacey, Chris | 1482 | 0 - 1 | Whetnall, Connor | 1290 |
Kevin Dalley 12/11/25
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.