Dear St Johnites,
A great win for the Crusaders last night v Norwich and Norfolk B at the UEA. The Crusaders arrived at the busy and noisy cafe area in the INTO building to find N&N hosting 3 league matches, Missing their international player Christina Casti, N&N looked vulnerable and we were ready to take advantage. First to finish was Nathan Abbott, guesting on board 4. Nathans opponent was Einstein lookalike Adrian Bell. Nathan won a piece in the early middle game and comfortably converted the win. On board 3 I was playing Callum Foard, a newcomer to Norfolk chess and a student at the UEA. I got a slight edge out of the English opening but lost the initiative and had to fend off a kingside attack from the youngster. After forcing the queens off, the dust settled and it seemed I was slightly worse but my pair of bishops were causing problems for black. Callum made a tactical error and I won a piece for 2 pawns. The endgame that followed was tricky, but I felt I should have enough to win, and win I did, under the gaze of some of the Norfolk "big guns" (Orton, Collinson, Jon Wells etc). Despite a plucky defence, Callum was unable to prevent the loss. So 2-0 to the Crusaders. With most of the games in the packed room over there was lots of additional noise and Dan and Mark had to hunker down and keep focus while the world watched, Marks game was unbalanced and at one point he had N&B v R&R but fortunately he had a few extra pawns, the most important one on the 7th rank. A few exchanges ensued and his opponent Ryan Barnes offered the draw. Mark gave due consideration to the offer and made peace. Dan had the rapidly improving and very much on form Adam Leech and looked to have a very difficult position and getting desperately short of time. As the game to finish there was a large group of spectators hovering around the board. Dan kept his concentration and defended against a dangerous passed pawn. Adams clock was also running short and despite a board full of pieces and lots of play, Adam offered the draw, which was accepted.
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October 2022
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