Midlands Junior Chess League 2009

The MJCL 09 continued where it left off, producing high quality fun chess from juniors throughout the Midlands. Cardiff were unable to defend their plate title due to transport difficulties, but 2 newcomers to the tournament in Bristol and Worcester Sixth form, certainly added to the competition.

It was Bristol who caught the eye first, showing lots of strength in depth. Worcester Sixth Form College also made impressive starts and after 3 matches both teams were sitting 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. The defending Champions, WJCA 1, almost went unnoticed as they took apart every team they faced to win all their league games and finish a comfortable 3 points ahead of the rest. The Championship 2^nd place did though go down to the wire, with both of the teams, as the draw would have it, playing each other for the honour of who faced the mighty WJCA. It was Bristol who came out on top of this exchange although Worcester led 5.5-2.5 with four games remaining.

In the Plate Jamboree, Malvern didn’t enter due to lack of support. Last year’s runners up in the plate were bottom of the league and lacked the guile to see it through the competition; though many did stay for the refreshments that Malvern College put on for all the players, parents and officials. The surprise package of the Jamboree was WJCA 3 who notched up 2.5 point from their 6 boards although 2 of them were defaulted (as they had done throughout the tournament) due to lack of numbers. The Plate came down to the last game with WJCA 2 trailing 3-2.5 with one game to go. Unfortunately for the Worcester Sixth Form Captain, he was unable to stop WJCA 2 matching the extra pawn and so, although WJCA 2 didn’t reach the heights as they did in 2008 (Coming 2^nd), they did take an unlikely plate away from the favourites, Worcester Sixth Form.

The Championship, was an equally close affair. On paper, the WJCA 1 would smash Bristol like they did in the league 10-2 (League – Rapidplay both players play against opponent with both colours. In final, only one game per person but longer time controls). WJCA 1 started terribly with three out of the bottom four losing queens very quickly, fortunately, of the one that didn’t a quick victory meant WJCA 1 were only 2-1 down and board five Jason managed to out fox his opponent to score checkmate with 2 rooks, before Queen and rook had time to react. 2-2 and game on. The top 2 boards were very close, going down to the wire on time and on material. Board 2 scored the victory and board 1 closed out a close game to draw and give WJCA 1 the victory.

It was a fantastic day out for everyone. The Bristol team played very well and have already pledged like WJCA and Malvern to return next year as I hope many more do to. The equipment was ably provided by Chessmaze International and I thank them for doing that. I would also like to thank Malvern College, the sponsors of the event for another excellent venue and catering. John Knee deserves a special thanks for all his hard work behind the scenes at Malvern, preparing their team and helping with the competition/ setup/ pack away, etc. He is retiring from the College at the end of the School year and I, with everyone else, wish him well in his retirement. Further thanks should also go to Ray Dolan, the president of the Midlands Junior Chess League and Matt who controlled the tournament well throughout. I would also like to thank the parents for bringing them and juniors for playing making this tournament so special to so many people.

For your chance to represent your club at the 2010 event, contact Andrew Moore on 07824 394683 or e-mail info@wjca.org.uk

Final League Table

Plate Jamboree

(30 Minutes per person per game; 1 game per person)

Worcester 6^th Form College = 3 pts

WJCA 2 = 3.5 pts

WJCA 3 = 2.5 pts (4 Bd played)

Championship Final

(30 Minutes per person per game; 1 game per person)

WJCA retain the Moore Dolan Championship trophy for another year.