Two Staffordshire teams had a double match on January 24th 2026 with Nottinghamshire in the pleasant village of Bramcote, on the outskirts of the county town.
Both the
Under 1850 and 1450 teams were playing their opening matches in the Midland
Counties Championship. Selection had been difficult, players in the rating
range 1650 to 1849 have other opportunities to play at weekends. Under 1450
captain, Stephen Smithson was then troubled by illness withdrawals, but with
some remarkable juggling, and cooperation from Nottinghamshire, 12 boards for
the Under 1850 and 11 for the Under 1450 were found.
The Under
1850 team was out graded by most of their opponents and Notts were able to take
an early three-point lead. There were several
determined performances by the new recruits and with time running out
Nottingham won 7.4 to 4.5 to win the MCCU U1850 Championship and qualify for
the National Stages.
In the
Under 1450 the situation was reversed. Staffs took an early lead. Notts caught
up and won the deciding board to win 6.5 to 5.5. Nottinghamshire win the Championship
and both teams qualify for the National Championship.
Thanks are
due to many people. To Neil Graham from the Nottinghamshire Chess Association
for his organization. To all the players, many of whom were making their Staffordshire
debut. To Stephen Smithson for his efforts in selecting enough players at short
notice to ensure Staffordshire fulfilled the fixtures. To the drivers especially
Martyn and Charisse Fletcher, who attended every match with their son, Malcolm
and facilitated the county debut of his schoolmate Waylon.
The Under
1450 team had a limited program and will not be in action again until the
National Stages. The Under 1650 team will play their last match of the season
against Worcestershire on Saturday February 7th. A win in this tie
will secure the Midlands Championship. The Under 1850 team has a further match on
Saturday Feb 21st against Lincolnshire. Any Staffordshire player within the rating
limits who wishes to play in either match should contact Peter Evans.
