Notts proposals for the new ECF Direct Membership scheme

Nottinghamshire Chess Association as published a paper on the implementation of the new ECF Direct Membership scheme. It can be found here. The ramifications for Grantham Chess Club, as we play in both the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Leagues, that arise should Notts implement one of their options are unclear. Any member's comments are welcome and an item will be placed on the club's AGM agenda at the end of the season.

Grantham 1 draw against West Nottingham

Despite outgrading their opponents on every board, in some cases by a considerable difference, Grantham could only draw their match against West Nottingham 1. On top board, Nigel Birtwistle uncharacteristically lost on time against David Levens although he was in a worse position. Paul Cumbers and Nick Payne won on boards two and three but these wins were cancelled out by Stephen Prior's loss on board 4. Ivan David tried hard to beat his opponent but shed a pawn in the trying and escaped with a draw in an opposite-coloured bishop endgame which is notoriously drawish. That left the result as two and a half points each.

Grantham 2 win at home

Grantham 2 won their latest Nottinghamshire League match at home to Nottingham Central. Board 1 was an odd affair as Ivan David's opponent seemed psychologically unprepared for the fight and in having made a bad opening decision, which was worse but not fatal, prematurely resigned after just 11 moves. There was also a win for new player Andrew Hebert and for Chris Holt to leave the result as 4:1 in Grantham 2's favour.

Grantham 2	4	1	Nottingham Central
Ivan David	1	0	John Harrison
Andrew Hebert	1	0	Alan Griffiths
Trevor Palmer	½	½	Stephen Foster
Ben Mason	½	½	Mark Radford
C Holt	1	0	Geof Forster

Grantham draw away against Louth

In their latest Lincolnshire League match, Grantham made the long trek to Louth and was held to a draw. Two points each, with wins for Grenville Wollerton and Jo Scarborough. Every game had a result so not a bloodless or dry encounter.

Louth	2	2	Grantham
N Louth	1	0	B Mason
A Milson	0	1	G Wollerton
J Grasham	1	0	C Cumbers
C Marnoch	0	1	J Scarborough