|
Match Report
Congratulations to Devon for their victory - now holders of this season's Wayling Cup.
Although the headline result is emphatic, I think nevertheless we can take pride in our collective performance. Cornwall were outrated on every board, heavily in many cases (not unusual versus Devon, who have great strength in depth), yet held our own on the top six boards and as far as I could see, made Devon work hard for their victory.
Kieran, returning from a 'leave of absence', scored our sole full point. Devon's captain today, Steve Dean, mentioned that Kieran's opponent Luke Honey is improving rapidly and likely stronger than his current rating, fresh from a blitz victory against none other than GM John Nunn the other day.
Five players made their debut for Cornwall today: Clive Rothery, Richard Humpleby, Ben Jago, John James and Aaron Hands.
Thanks are due to Clive for making himself available at very short notice (and to Kieran for his recommendation). Similarly, many thanks to Aaron, who not only fought a tough battle on bottom board but also by offering a lift to Gary, ensured we had a full team (Stephen deserves our gratitude for suggesting Aaron). Richard's game ended with an early peace declaration - securing our first half-point. Apologies to John's grandchildren, who would have missed his support at their football matches today (that other Beautiful Game). And great to see the late ("...longtime top Cornish postal player and noted problemist..." *) Doctor Maurice Jago's Grandson Ben, representing Cornwall for the first time with an impressive draw (near-victory it seemed) versus the very experienced Robert Wilby.
As always, I'm grateful to all for being willing to put yourselves in the line of fire - I hope the experience was as worthwhile for you as for myself.
Jamie Morgan
|
|
Played at Victory Hall, Exminster on 29th January 2023 |
| |
Somerset |
9 - 5 |
Cornwall |
| 1 |
2062 |
Arturo Wong |
½ - ½ |
Lloyd Retallick |
2067 |
| 2 |
2032 |
Adam Batson |
0 - 1 |
Jeremy Menadue |
2032 |
| 3 |
2029 |
Kevin Thurlow |
½ - ½ |
Petra Nunn |
2032 |
| 4 |
2019 |
David Stone |
½ - ½ |
Ian George |
1911 |
| 5 |
2001 |
Hugo Fowler |
1 - 0 |
Jamie Morgan |
1845 |
| 6 |
1966 |
Dominic Gibbs |
½ - ½ |
Richard Smith |
1805 |
| 7 |
1966 |
Raimund Klein |
½ - ½ |
Nigel Kirkman |
1780 |
| 8 |
1964 |
John Waterfield |
½ - ½ |
David J Jenkins |
1778 |
| 9 |
1931 |
Andy Hill |
1 - 0 |
Jeff Nicholas |
1760 |
| 10 |
1887 |
Chris Purry |
½ - ½ |
Mick Hill |
1663 |
| 11 |
1905 |
George Miller |
1 - 0 |
Bryan Jones |
1613 |
| 12 |
1766 |
Frey Lant |
½ - ½ |
Andy Young |
1473 |
| 13 |
1731 |
Caspian Fowler |
1 - 0 |
Michael Nunn |
UG |
<
| 14 |
1729 |
Mark Baker |
1 - 0 |
Russ Taylor |
UG |
|
|
Match Report
With respect to our opponents, it feels to me as if the result flatters Somerset to some extent: we won the top four mini-match, held our own (no thanks to yours truly) with the top eight boards, and were outrated, often heavily, from board 4 downwards. Nevertheless of course, congratulations to Somerset on their victory.
I'd like to say something profound about the games but, through neglect and/or ignorance (please forgive the latter at least), will highlight just a few moments that caught my attention during play: Ian quoting Botvinnik: "...a game only of interest to the players..."; Rich's protracted pause after his opponent's 1...e6! (channeling Bronstein, perhaps?); Andy's significant knight fork (and subsequent near-victory); Nigel's enterprising Exchange sacrifice; my opponent's disdain at my stubborn (not to mention futile) refusal to resign; Lloyd's pawn endgame wisdom; Jeremy's decisive winning tactic; and finally but not leastly, Petra's 'moral victory' (draw agreed, pawn-up in the endgame).
Very many thanks to everyone for your efforts, again both on and off the board - Victory Hall has excellent facilities yet maybe Exminster is not the most easily accessible of venues, on a Sunday at least. Thanks especially to Rich, Lloyd and Nigel for their essential chauffeuring services.
Jamie Morgan
|
|
|
Played at Plymouth Bridge Club on 11th December 2022 |
| |
Cornwall |
4½ - 11½ |
Devon |
| 1 |
2558 |
John Nunn |
1 - 0 |
Scott Crockart |
2250 |
| 2 |
2067 |
Lloyd Retallick |
½ - ½ |
Paul O'Neill |
2158 |
| 3 |
2032 |
Petra Nunn |
0 - 1 |
Jonathan Underwood |
2099 |
| 4 |
2032 |
Jeremy Menadue |
1 - 0 |
Paul Hampton |
2100 |
| 5 |
1911 |
Ian George |
0 - 1 |
Alan Brusey |
2038 |
| 6 |
1845 |
Jamie Morgan |
½ - ½ |
Stephen Homer |
2034 |
| 7 |
1805 |
Richard Smith |
½ - ½ |
Richard Truman |
2007 |
| 8 |
1791 |
Colin Sellwood |
0 - 1 |
Graham Bolt |
2000 |
| 9 |
1780 |
Nigel Kirkman |
1 - 0 |
Chris Lowe |
1994 |
| 10 |
1760 |
Jeff Nicholas |
0 - 1 |
Meyrick Shaw |
1984 |
| 11 |
1749 |
Percy Gill |
0 - 1 |
Chris Bellers |
1950 |
| 12 |
1663 |
Mick Hill |
0 - 1 |
Caleb Caleshu |
1920 |
| 13 |
1613 |
Bryan Jones |
0 - 1 |
Michael Stinton-Brownbridge |
1911 |
| 14 |
|
Default |
0 - 1 |
Trefor Thynne |
1890 |
| 15 |
1423 |
Peter Doubleday |
0 - 1 |
Mark Abbott |
1876 |
| 16 |
1345 |
Hugh Brown |
0 - 1 |
Nicholas Bacon |
1870 |
|
|
Match Report
Thank you all for your efforts today, not just on the board but also for traveling in such hazardous icy conditions. Our Board 14, Stephen Pearce, was unable to leave his farm, even with the aid of a 4-wheel drive tractor. Special thanks to Hugh for covering for David, who fell ill - best wishes David for a speedy recovery. Also, many thanks to Peter, who made himself available at short notice after Gary had to withdraw; and Bryan, similarly.
A special mention for Tony Tatam, without whom, as usual, the entire event would've been less straightforward, comfortable and enjoyable.
I only managed to follow a few games, no doubt missing out on many a twist and turn. I want to mention Jeremy's exciting and complicated (for me at least) victory against stern opposition, taken right down to the wire: an excellent finale!
Jamie Morgan
|
| Last updated 03/2/2023 |
|
