Anstey 2 delivered yet another electrifying performance last night, delivering a 3-2 defeat to Ashby 2 and to consolidating their position in 3rd place in Division 2. With a squad stacked with talent and flair, our sedont team showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with this season. Their opponents, outrated on every board, gave it their all but at the end Anstey’s firepower proved too high a mountain to climb.

It was a night of tactical fireworks, precision play, and a few moments of high drama—exactly what you’d expect from this star-studded team. Here’s how it unfolded:

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Board 1: Bob (Black) vs. Paul Gibson – 1-0

“Ice-cold Bob does it again!”

Bob started with a solid position, but beneath the calm exterior, he had set a devious trap. his opponent fell for it, losing a piece early, and from that moment, it was one-way traffic. Bob orchestrated his pieces with machine-like precision, keeping the White king marooned in the center. After clearing the queens and bishops from the board, Bob unleashed a jaw-dropping knight sacrifice, leaving White no choice but to resign. This was clinical, crushing chess from the second team’s board one maestro.

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Board 2: Matt The Dark Destroyer (White) vs. Christopher Tipper – 0-1

“A heartbreaker for Matt in the dying seconds.”

Matt came out swinging, taking control of the center and activating his pieces with precision. For a while, it looked like The Dark Destroyer had the upper hand, and in spite of Black’s attempts to build counterplay on the queenside, our teammate held everything neatly together. The tension peaked after a c-file opening which led to a few exchanges and Black activating his queen. With time running low, Matt tried desperately the said queen and in the process missed a tricky knight move, leading to crucial material loss down on time. A valiant effort, but the clock proved an unforgiving opponent this time.

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Board 3: Rob (White) vs. Lawrence Hayden – 1-0

“Rob runs the show!”

Rob faced a tough opponent but showed immense composure, turning the tables with a crushing counterattack in the center. His opponent was forced to defend, creating weaknesses that Rob ruthlessly exploited. The turning point came when Rob disconnected the opposing rooks and delivered a stunning central breakthrough. In the flurry that followed, his opponent blundered a queen, and Rob wrapped up the win with style. A powerhouse performance from Anstey’s engine room!

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Board 4: John The Torturer (Black) vs. Steve Emmerton – ½-½

“John grinds it out in a tactical arm-wrestle.”

John was up against a sharp but shaky opening from his opponent, and he kept his cool throughout. Refusing to take unnecessary risks, he played solidly, neutralising the pressure and exchanging into a balanced position. Neither side could find a breakthrough, and a draw was agreed in a game where precision trumped aggression. Classic Torturer—calm, composed, and unshakable.

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Board 5: Brian The Griller (White) vs. Les Fancourt – ½-½

“Brian shows nerves of steel down on time early on.”

Brian might have started the game a few minutes down on the clock, but he didn’t let it rattle him. He navigated the opening smoothly, trading queens early to reach a middle game where his bishop pair gave him an edge. Despite creating pressure and probing for weaknesses, Brian couldn’t find a way to break through. His opponent offered a draw at different times throughout the game, and eventually The Griller felt that it was the practical choice in a tense and well-fought encounter.

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It’s another massive win for Anstey 2, who now sit temporarily in 3rd place and look set to mount a serious challenge in the remaining of the season. Next up, they face Melton 1 — a match they’ll approach with confidence and momentum.

Whether you’re one for chasing the thrill of competition or just want to enjoy a friendly game, come and join us every Thursday from 7:30 pm at the Anstey Methodist Church—there’s always a board waiting for you!