AGM and Presentation of Trophies

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Created on Thursday, 24 May 2018 03:17

Last Updated on Thursday, 24 May 2018 03:22

Written by Mr Klopp

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A good turnout tonight for the MCA AGM, the meeting went well with some interesting points for further discussion by the MCA Committee. The most controversial issues were about starred/listed players and disruption by mobile phones. Atticus members Steve Philp and Martin Blasczyk will continue in their important roles as Secretary and Webmaster(and Fixture Secretary). Mike Barrett of Formby stepped down as President following two years of excellent service and Dave Pearcey of Aigburth is now in control. Leon Wolszczak who has done a great job as Treasurer in recent years will continue in the role.

The Presentation of Trophies also took place and Atticus can be very pleased with their return this season!

Division 1 Champions,John Ripley Cup Winners, Lightning Cup Champions,440 League Winners, Player of the Season Division 1 David Odunaiya, Player of the Season Division 2 Luke Boumphrey,Player of the Season 440 Natasha May.

MCA AGM and Presentation of Trophies 2018

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Created on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 01:57

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 01:57

Written by Mr Klopp

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Just a reminder to everyone that the MCA AGM and the Presentation of Trophies is taking place tonight at Aigburth Chess Club 19h30.

John Ripley Cup Final 2018: Hoylake v Atticus 2

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Created on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 20:50

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 12:32

Written by SK

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Prescot & Knotty Ash Chess Club hosted the John Ripley Cup Final, between two of Division 1's big rivals. Matches between us are usually very close, and despite being without three regular team members, Hoylake took it right to the wire. Boards 3-6 of Hoylake saw big grading disparities, yet to their players' credit you would never have guessed it from the positions on the boards.

Atticus 2 scored a relatively early win as the middle-game complications swung my way, as Mike reflected afterwards that ...f5 had given me too many targets. This early setback meant that Hoylake had to fight on every board – and they certainly did that!

The game on top board saw an opposite-sides castling Sicilian scenario develop, a tensely balanced position where both sides played like only a win was on their mind. On board two, David sacced a pawn to post his knight, annoyingly, on d3. Quite a subtle idea as it turned out, as I was convinced Dave looked worse at the time. David on board 4 looked like his kingside attack might settle matters, but when the pieces became liquidated David had a queen v two rooks and a tricky endgame loomed. Giorgos went a pawn up but his rook had got into trouble, and his response to a draw offer from his opponent was 'paused' as he surveyed the progress on the other boards.

Meanwhile, Brian's opponent had found the dangerous-looking g5! After which Brian looked somewhat deflated. However, John offered a draw, understandably so as a 70 point rating gap should not be taken lightly! The offer was accepted by Brian and a valuable half a point was gained for Hoylake on board 6. Next, David on board 4 recognised that playing for a win with the queen against the two rooks wasn't really on, so a draw there too, and much credit to .Bhakti.

On second board, David had just won the exchange, and this persuaded Giorgos to accept the draw offer on board 5! A fantastic achievement for Radu, who had to deal with a 76 point rating difference. (I once offered a draw in a 4NCL match and my opponent said he'd think about it – after looking at the other games for one and a half hours he finally accepted it – I should have just gone to the pub!)

This left the clocks ticking down on the top two boards. Andrej looked like he was in a slightly better position in the ending so a draw was agreed. David realised that although he was the exchange up, the evening could be brought to a successful conclusion if honours were shared there too, and this is what transpired.

So, an Atticus team manages to retain the JR Cup, so congratulations to all of our players, and to those from Hoylake too for a terrific fight. Thanks go to Steve Burge for helping with the transport and support (and quite a few Atticus players came to support too) and of course, our thanks to both Will Cook and Joe Butterworth for presiding over matters, and to Prescot & Knotty Ash Chess Club for hosting.

Summer tournament information

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Created on Saturday, 19 May 2018 19:31

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 May 2018 19:31

Written by Luke Boumphrey

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HI all

At the moment we have 10 official entries, 7 of whom have paid. Please dont leave it to the last minute to register if you can help it.

Also due to a clash with England at the world cup there will be no tournament on the 18th June. the extra round will be played in the first week of August. There will also be a clash if england win their group.This will mean we cannot play on the 2nd July. I will make a decision about if and when we play that round.