County Match Programme 2016-17
Essex Home double
SCCU U180: Essex 9-7 Middx
At Wanstead. The afternoon started badly for the Home team, with Middx shooting into an early 2-0 lead after three results. Kevin White and Vladimir Parols won, however, to steady the boat, then Essex went ahead with wins from Malcolm Kingsley and Edison Figueroa to take a two point lead; some turnaround! There were no further wins for either side, although Martin McCall had to hold on a pawn down for some time, before securing the draw. Having outscored the Middx 8½-7½ win at Willesden in the first match, Essex now hold the tie-break advantage over Middx, with all to play for in the final fixture.
The match was overshadowed by the sad news of the sudden death of George Dickson last Monday. He was 77. George had been in the Middlesex team for this match and before play began, Middx captain Anthony Fulton paid tribute to the long-serving Middlesex player - a 200-class player in his day - and a minute's silence was observed. We offer our condolences to his family and Middx chess colleagues on their loss. The Webmaster remembers being tied in knots by G.A. Dickson years ago when his grade was 202.
SCCU U140: Essex 10-6 Sussex
At Wanstead. Essex on a roll have Sussex to thank for declaring four defaults in advance. Two more Sussex defaults gave Essex a 6-0 start. The Sussex players present, however, won 6-4 over the contested boards, but couldn't prevent the inevitable Home win.
SCCU U100: Kent 7½-4½ Essex
St Anselms Parish Hall, Dartford. Dartford, but not as we know it as this was not the Mick Jagger Centre. Kent, however, can apparently play anywhere: while Essex won the middle boards, Kent held sway top and bottom, for their first win in three matches, although one of those was defaulted.