Match reports 2015-2016

Malvern scored their first win in the Worcestershire League with a 4-2 victory over Kidderminster. Ian Clarke withstood time pressure to win a well-controlled game over a dangerous opponent. Lee Davis and Geoff Marchant looked to be in some difficulty but drew their games, John Knee pressed hard but could not overcome strong resistance and Brian Turner's game also simplified to a draw. Leigh Canham played a calm positional game to win material and the match was clinched for Malvern when his opponent courteously resigned the adjourned position.

Jan 16th

Malvern's first match of 2016 hangs in the balance after their fixture with Worecester City in the County League. Although Brian Turner lost quickly, Matthew Jordan and Geoffrey Herbert won convincingly on the lower boards to give Malvern the lead, which was consolidated with a draw from Ian Clarke. However, at the end of the session, Geof Marchant had a poor position which he later resigned and the outcome of the match depends on Lee Davis's double-edged adjourned position on board 1.

Dec 18th

Malvern finished 2015 with a decisive win over Kidderminster Rooks to leave them in second place in the Worcester and District League at the half-way stage. Geoffrey Herbert won his opponent's queen to score Malvern's first point, followed by Brian Turner's piece sacrifice for a winning attack. Malvern's new player, Geoffrey Marchant, won a piece early on board 1, but had to overcome dogged resistance by his opponent to score the full point.

Dec 11th

Malvern played Worcester again but did better this time and recorded their first win of the season. In a game full of tactics, Lee Davis gained revenge for his earlier loss, winning his opponent's queen and the game. Brian Turner and John Knee had small advantages in their games but could only draw as did Ian Clarke to leave Malvern with a narrow victory in a 4-board match.

Dec 3rd

Despite fielding a strong team, Malvern suffered a heavy defeat over six boards in the County League, scoring only a draw from Brian Turner and a fine win from John Knee, who won material early in the game and defended skilfully to hold off a dangerous attack.

Nov 13th

Malvern's latest match in the Worcestershire County League hangs in the balance after a hard-fought contest against Kidderminster. Leigh Canham and Matthew Jordan pressed hard for wins, but were unable to break through. Ian Clarke drew a well-controlled positional game and Brian Turner somehow escaped from a dire position to draw. John Knee lost a piece and fought back well but eventually succumbed to a mating net. Lee Davis had a clear material advantage at the end of the session, but there is still work to do when the game is resumed if Malvern are to draw the match.

Nov 3rd

Malvern continued their Worcester and District programme with a draw against last season's champions, Redditch. John Knee drew a quiet game and, in a game enlivened by time trouble, Lee Davis drew on board 1. Redditch won a well-played game on board 4, but Ian Clarke developed strong pressure and won on time to equalise the match.

Oct 21st

Malvern Chess Club suffered a setback in their first match in the Worcester and District League, losing to Kidderminster in a match of fluctuating fortunes. Brian Turner drew in a quiet game. Lee Davis and Geoffrey Herbert both had potentially winning positions but unfortunately both lost. By contrast Ian Clarke, defending resolutely under strong pressure all evening, won his game on time.

Oct 6th.