WECU Jamboree - Sep 04
The event held on September 19 proved to be an
exciting curtain raiser to the new season. Devon won
with seven points ahead of Wiltshire and Somerset
(six), and Gloucestershire (five). Wiltshire scored 3/4
against Somerset with wins from Tim Headlong,
Andrew Cooper and Josh Hall, with John Le Quesne
losing. 2004 has been a breakthrough year for Josh,
his play has matured and as a consequence his results
have improved dramatically. The way he ruthlessly
exploited an injudicious pawn advance in a long
technical ending was a joy to behold. Against
Gloucestershire, Richard Carver went down early
but Richard Haydon played well with a neat finish
(see diagram). Pablo Padilla also played well and was
set for a win when he blundered into a knight fork.
This reverse was balanced by Daniel Hall's recovery,
turning a losing ending into a win after his opponent
made an ill conceived exchange of pieces which
gave Dan a powerful passed pawn. Johnathan Bourne
rapidly took control of the entire board in his game
with Devon, finishing with a mating attack.
Unfortunately none of the other Wiltshire players
managed to score. Robbie Dams, out graded by
30 points, had a real cut and thrust battle before
blundering. Peter Richmond gave up his queen for
rook, bishop and pawn on move nine which led to a
level but dynamic middle-game. In the critical position
Peter rejected the best move as it led to a repetition
of moves - his choice proved to be a blunder.
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Diagram #12
Richard Haydon, white to move, finished accurately.
Can you find the finish?
Thanks to Peter Richmond for the report.