As the final match of 2024 unfolded, Anstey 2 proved their mettle yet again with a convincing victory over Melton Mowbray 1. This win cements their position in second place in Division 2, a promotion spot heading into the new year. Despite missing stalwarts Bob and Matt, the team showcased depth and determination, delivering a performance worthy of their lofty ambitions.

The lineup for the evening featured Julian “Mr. Engine”, George “The Rocket”, Rob, John “The Torturer”, and Ted “The Steamroller,” with Captain Boris once again orchestrating from the sidelines. Outrating their opponents on every board, Anstey 2 executed a nearly flawless display of dominance.

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Ted “The Steamroller” (White) vs. David Stanford – 1-0

Ted wasted no time setting the tone for the match. Drawing his opponent into prepared lines, he achieved a material advantage by move 10 and never looked back. Black, reeling from a second blunder later in the game, had no answer as “The Steamroller” calmly consolidated his position. A handshake sealed the deal early, giving Anstey their first point of the night.

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George “The Rocket” (Black) vs. Alan Jex – 1-0

George arrived slightly late but wasted no time asserting himself. Playing quickly and confidently, “The Rocket” found himself with a time advantage early on. The game began with balanced development, but George’s methodical play saw our teammate pushing and squeezing White to the point where the Melton playerhad all his remaining pieces on the first two ranks. Eventually, George’s heavy pieces infiltrated White’s kingside, forcing a desperate tactic from his opponent. The trick backfired spectacularly, costing White a piece and the game. A commanding performance from “The Rocket”.

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Rob (White) vs. Shaun Cope – 1-0

Rob brought a clinical touch to his game, building steadily from the opening. Expanding across the board, he suffocated Black’s pieces, leaving his opponent low on time and with few options. Black’s attempt to strike back with an active queen was met with calm resistance as Rob methodically dismantled his defenses. The decisive blow came when Rob opened the way to Black’s exposed king, forcing a rook blunder and resignation. A masterclass in steady positional dominance.

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Julian “Mr. Engine” (White) vs. Bohdan Stamat – 1-0

Facing the talented youngster and Melton’s top board on the night, Julian navigated a sharp and tactical battle. The queenside opened early, leaving both players to calculate complex lines. A pawn deficit put “Mr. Engine” on the back foot, but his resourceful counterplay kept Black at bay. As time pressure mounted, Black’s aggression led to a fatal blunder. Our teammte pounced, turning the tables and securing the win in what can only be described as the swindle of the night.

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John “The Torturer” (Black) vs. Chris Knight – 0-1

John’s game, the last to finish, was a hard-fought affair. Opting for a solid setup, The Torturer equalized comfortably and began probing for weaknesses in White’s position. The game entered a balanced rook-and-bishop endgame, where John held the advantage with a superior pawn structure. Unfortunately, time pressure struck at the worst moment, leading to a bishop blunder. With White’s rook becoming active and unstoppable pawns charging forward, our teammate was forced to concede.

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The Road Ahead

This victory caps off a stellar 2024 for Anstey 2, leaving them second in Division 2, firmly in promotion territory. The next challenge looms large: a showdown with Ashby 1, the division leaders and an unbeaten powerhouse. A win in that match would see our second team take the top spot and set the tone for the promotion push in the new year.

With the team firing on all cylinders, led by Captain Boris and supported by the collective strength of its roster, Anstey 2 looks poised to make 2025 their year. Stay tuned—this story is only just beginning.

If you want to experience the thrill of competitive chess, or just want to get some friendlies in, pop down to the Anstey Methodist Church every Thursday from 7.30pm!