Finals Day! Our u1850s team faced off against Middlesex at Syston and the 2050s against Greater Manchester in the new Archery & Chess Centre at Wakefield.
My own preparations were somewhat inhibited by work and kids. In particular, my daughter’s (deserved) partying post A-Levels, the carnage unleashed by Jacob’s post GSCE failed sleep over on the Thursday night and Matthew’s late movement cricket clubs. The typical dramas of any chess playing mum or dad.
Which was why I was really glad to have booked an overnight stay in Leicester, arriving via rail around 3pm and cheerfully assuming we were all prepped for the big game. I met James at the hotel, who sheepishly realised he had actually forgot the book the hotel. Rupert arrived (late) and to the horror of the Leeds players realised he had not brought along their hoodies and polos. He had also missed out on booking single beds in his room, meaning that he was snuggling up to Peter Mason in a double.
‘We are total on this’ I did not say the next day, on the way to the shops to buy the toothpaste I forgot.
Leicester itself was quite crowded but very pleasant. Especially near the gardens and church. I had a nice pint at the Globe and a couple more with James as we waited for a very late Rupert and the Leeds contingent to arrive.
We ate at the Kayal restaurant, which served absolutely amazing South Indian cuisine. It was one of the best I have tasted, which is no mean claim as I am from Bradford. Full and happy the team retired early to their own beds, with the exception of Rupert and Peter who got to share.
The big day arrived. Syson is a very nice town and the Community Centre proved quite spacious, accommodating both the Open and u1850s. Whilst warm outside, it was fine conditions with my case propping open the door.
Last time I was here, it was in stifling heat with three matches going. It was not pleasant and famous for me losing the toss for all three Yorkshire teams. No Captain has allowed me near the coin since.
A number of players had brought their hoodies and polos, so many of us cut distinct figures in blue, with the White Rose. Again, people got on very well across the teams and the Arbiters were very pleasant. There were no incidents.
Yorkshire were under strict instructions not to take any draws inside of two hours and absolutely not as white unless losing. This rule was broken by Rupert after 1hour 45 minutes.
‘I am Captain, so I can do what I like’ Rupert grandly declared. My own game (as black) fizzled out after 1hr 30 into a draw and was declared as the most boring game of the match. John George and Dave Patrick joined us in the naughty corner, with earlier draws.
As previously stated, Yorkshire are a hard team to beat and it proved a very tight match. At one point Yorkshire were winning on four boards but the draws flooded in, with the exception of a couple of excellent wins from Keith Thompson and Granville Boot. Middlesex however won on three boards, meaning they took the title.
So, a huge thanks to the team and particularly our junior contingent, who finished the season on top boards and will no doubt bolster the 2050s into 2026. Each year we have a crop of juniors flying through the ratings.
Congratulations to Middlesex and they are well deserved winners. Well done to our u2050s convincingly beating Greater Manchester to win the title.
This has been a brilliant and enjoyable season. Back from September in the Northern Counties rounds.