Anstey’s second team falls just short of a win against close rivals Thurnby
On the 23rd of January, Anstey 2 played their final match of the first half of the season, welcoming Thurnby to the familiar confines of the Anstey Methodist Church. The team fielded a formidable line-up, featuring Julian “Mr. Engine” stepping in last minute on top board, alongside Matt “The Dark Destroyer”, team captain Boris “The Toaster”, Rob, and John “The Torturer”.
The match proved to be as dramatic and sharp as their nicknames promised, with a mix of decisive attacks, strategic battles, and heart-stopping time scrambles.
Board 4: Rob vs Bob Collins
First to finish was Rob, who wasted no time showcasing his incisive preparation with White. His opponent, Bob Collins, attempted to set up a sturdy stronghold, but our teammate methodically dismantled Black’s defences. A kingside breakthrough followed, and Rob launched a ferocious assault on the exposed black king. Black’s desperate attempts to defend cost too much material, and with no counterplay in sight, the Thurnby player resigned. A textbook win for Anstey and the perfect start to the match.
Board 3: Boris “The Toaster” vs John Pattinson
Next to conclude was team captain Boris, who initially adopted a passive stance against John Pattinson. However, “The Toaster” soon found traction on the queenside, where his opponent’s overly defensive approach allowed a powerful b-file passer to emerge. A declined queen trade by the away team player handed Boris a dynamic initiative, and he capitalised beautifully, winning material and achieving a decisive edge. While trying to hold onto the storm in time pressure, White’s flag dropped. A calm, commanding victory by the skipper gave Anstey a 2-0 lead.
Board 2: Matt “The Dark Destroyer” vs Ray Burgess
On Board 2, Matt faced Thurnby’s captain, the 1900+ rated Ray Burgess, in a tense encounter. The Thurnby player advanced on the kingside early, while our teammate struck out in the centre. The game hung in the balance, but time management became the deciding factor. As “The Dark Destroyer”’s clock dwindled, he sought to simplify but overlooked the latent power of Black’s remaining rook. Entering a losing endgame with only seconds remaining, Matt’s valiant efforts fell short, and Thurnby clawed back a point.
Board 5: John “The Torturer” vs Ross Martin
John’s game was another gruelling battle, as he faced Ross Martin on the bottom board. For much of the game, equality reigned, with White pressing slightly on the queenside while our teammate’s solid play kept things in check. However, time trouble loomed large for “The Torturer”, and the position began to favour White. Despite creating his own passed pawn, John couldn’t keep up with the demands of the clock. In a heartbreaking twist, his flag fell, gifting Thurnby an equaliser.
Board 1: Julian “Mr. Engine” vs Craig Norton
All eyes turned to the top board, where Julian “Mr. Engine” faced the formidable Craig Norton, a 2000+ ECF-rated player. The game was a high-wire act from the outset, with Julian opting for a critical line in the opening. The resulting middlegame was a minefield, with traps and tactical shots lurking everywhere.
Our teammate’s tenacity earned him a slight edge heading into the endgame, where he queened first. Yet under severe time pressure, the Thurnby player defended like a machine, steering the game towards a theoretical draw. Playing against a bishop pawn poised on the 7th rank with an advanced white king, “Mr. Engine” probed for any last chances but ultimately conceded a stalemate after a heroic defensive effort by his opponent.
Final Score: 2.5-2.5
The draw brought the match to a fittingly dramatic conclusion. Anstey 2 can hold their heads high as they end the first half of the season with 9 points, securing a commendable third place in the standings. Thurnby, two points behind, remain close rivals, ensuring the second half of the season will be one to watch.
Anstey 2 return on the 6th February at home against the promotion favourites Loughborough 2 with renewed determination. Until then, well played, team!
If you want to be part of the thrill, or just want to have a few thrilling friendlies, pop down to the Anstey Methodist Church for a taster session! We start 7.30pm, every Thursday, all year long, so don’t be a stranger, just come and play!
(Report by your ever-faithful scribe, Boris “The Toaster”)
Anstey Chess Club 