Another great win for Dorset Juniors 1 in their campaign for promotion to Division 1. Equally, despite being under quite a bit of pressure for a good result this round, Dorset Juniors 2 did well to secure a draw.

Dorset Juniors 1: won 7- 0

There were nice double wins for Zander and Hugo, with Zander’s matches lasting 56 and 57 moves respectively.  Unfortunately, Michal’s opponent failed to arrive at the board to play, giving Michal a double default victory and causing our opponents to be deducted a point. This was just one of many defaults across the various matches this round, with a couple of teams defaulting on every board. Jack played two closely contested matches both ending in a clear drawn position.

Zander’s second match had an entertaining double pawn promotion!

Dorset Juniors 1 retain their position at the top of Group A.

The play-offs will be on 25th April with first a semi-final and then a final on the same evening. Winners of Group A play the runners up in Group B and vice versa, with the respective winners progressing to the final. It’s looking like Rogue Rooks, our nemesis from last season, will be top of group B, so hopefully we can avoid them in the semi-final this time.

Dorset Juniors 2: Drew 4 – 4

For Dorset Juniors 2, the pressure was on for at least a draw and possibly a win to ensure that they avoided the risk of relegation. Lying in 5th position, the two teams below in 6yj and 7th were only one point behind and could leapfrog us. Only the team in 8th was definitely in the relegation zone. And to add more tension, our opponents were the team in 6th position, just below us, before the start of the round!

Well done team, especially to Beatrice and Arthur who scored excellent double victories!

Commiserations to Ben, as a new player to the team, who found himself up against an opponent with a 1600+ Lichess rating. Ben put up a good fight and it will have been a good learning experience for him. Louis looked determined against a higher rated opponent, with the upper hand fluctuating back and forth as some interesting moves were played. Both Louis and his opponent should be careful of bringing out their queen far too early.

The result keeps Dorset Juniors 2 in 5th place and should secure their safety in Division 3. Well done.