W/C 25/11/24 – Week 9

Week 9 saw 4 Anstey teams in action.

First up were the 6th team on the Wednesday, travelling to the proverbial igloo that is Melton’s Royal British Legion venue. Wrapped up in layers (but not enough of them as they were still cold!), the 6th team started against what must be said was a very strong team for division 5 – two 1700+ players, alongside two 1500+ players meant a strong average grade over 6 boards of 1492 for division 5, comparing to Anstey’s average was a shade over 1200. In Melton’s defence, they haven’t got a huge squad to select from. Anyway, averages don’t play the match, but it wasn’t surprising to hear that a 5.5-0.5 defeat ensued. Well done to Alfie for securing the only half point for the team.

Three teams were in action on the Thursday, with Anstey’s first team making the daunting trip over to Champions elect Wigston 1 (it will either be these guys, or Syston 1). A couple of strong lineups were selected by both sides, as Wigston’s total grade over the 5 boards was the highest aggregate grade they’ve selected this year – a notable mark of respect. A closely fought battle took place, with Anstey just losing out by a 3-2 scoreline, the closest it can be. Unlucky guys.

Anstey’s 3rd team welcomed Kirby’s 1st team to the Methodist Church arena (C). The third team welcomed 2nd team captain Boris The Toaster into it’s ranks for this game, as a match up for board 1 (and more specifically to give him games), with Sophie, Mick and Dami making up the team. Well done to Sophie and Mick for their wins in the 2-2 match draw that followed – Sophie getting her first win since her move from Braunstone.

Finally, but by no means least, Anstey’s 5th team welcomed Ashby’s 5th team to the Methodist Church arena (C). A strong Anstey side was selected, but a little bit by accident, as Neil Roberts (the absent captain of Ashby’s 5th team), had contacted Rudy (Anstey’s 6th team captain) and agreed to play 6 boards, not realising that they were playing the 5th team. A few WhatsApps later and a team was cobbled together and whilst all of the games were close (some more than others), Anstey ran out 5-1 winners.