Keverel Chess

Today was the final day of the Union’s County Championship with Cornwall playing Somerset at Exminster, near Exeter, and Devon playing Gloucestershire at West Buckland, near Wellington.

There had been talk in the week of the chances of Cornwall actually winning a share of the WECU Championship, bearing in mind their earlier win over Hampshire, who in turn had beaten Somerset. However, this could only happen if, like Hants, Somerset under-estimated their task and sent an under-strength team against a full-strength Cornwall. As things turned out, it was Cornwall who were lightweight by their own standards and Somerset were taking no chances at all, fielding several former WECU Individual Champions. The difference was pointed up on Board 10 where Somerset had Richardt (180 grade) 50 points ahead of his Cornish opponent. In fact, they outgraded Cornwall by an average of 32 points on every board.

In these circumstances, Somerset had little difficulty in running out 11 -3 winners, and winning the WECU Championship in the shape of the Harold Meek Cup. Much credit must go to team captain Roger Morgan in getting out strong teams for even the most distant venues.

Jack Rudd and Ben Edgell both had excellent games, the scores of which should come to hand shortly.

Victory Hall, Exminster, Cornwall's usual venue.

Sherwin vs Hassall and the other top games.

Senior (r) vs Spargo and the bottom boards.

General view.

Meanwhile, 30 miles up the M5 at West Buckland, Devon were able to field a side that was palpably stronger than Gloucestershire - an average of 171 per board compared to 157. Notwithstanding a few inevitable upsets, this difference is always likely to produce a positive result for the stronger side.

Devon captain, Brian Hewson, remarks on three good wins by his players; double exchange sacrifices by Torquay Boys’ G.S. pupil, Jeff Leung, and clinical wins by John Wheeler and Steve Homer. These will become available on chessdevon.

Subject to the ratification of WECU’s tournament controller, Phil Meade, at next Saturday’s Executive Meeting, it seems the final positions are as follows:-