Title wins and first team near miss mark great season for Market Harborough Chess Club
Market Harborough Chess Club has enjoyed its most successful season on record, with the first team narrowly missing out on the Northamptonshire League Division One title after a season-long tussle with Chess Mates B.
Harborough’s first team also secured a mid-table finish in Division One of the Leicestershire and Rutland League, widely regarded as one of the strongest chess leagues in the East Midlands.
The impressive season followed the arrival of experienced Wigston players Alan Byron and Phil Horspool last year, strengthening the club’s playing ranks.
Silverware did come courtesy of the third and fourth teams, who both clinched division titles in the Leicestershire and Rutland League.
The third team lost just one of 16 league matches to win Division Four in a five-division structure, while the fourth team topped Division Five after rotating its squad and fielding stronger sides in key fixtures.
The club’s Player of the Year award went to Daniel Talbott, who was praised by members for his team ethic throughout the season. They highlighted his willingness to accept draws when required for the good of the team, as well as his determination to keep fighting in closely contested positions when crucial match points were at stake.
Club Secretary René Butler said: “It has been a grand year. We have put a lot of effort into making sure players of all levels get the chance to play competitive chess. The new players who joined from Wigston raised standards, while it has been just as encouraging to see other newcomers turn up every Tuesday evening for social play.
“It didn’t take long for them to be representing the club in league matches and making their mark.”
The club has also welcomed a small number of younger and developing players in recent months, with one sixth-form student at Robert Smyth Academy already representing Harborough in summer competitions.
René added: “Special thanks must go to Philip Irwin for giving up his free time to coach a beginner. Meanwhile, Ray Haddon from Robert Smyth is progressing at a rate of knots.”
Market Harborough Chess Club meets at the Conservative Club on Fairfield Road from 7pm every Tuesday and invites new players of all abilities.