News Archive

SEASON RUN-IN REPORT 2024/25

by Saul Marks

Only a few weeks ago, we were in the depths of winter but now suddenly the clocks have gone forward and we find ourselves hurtling towards the end of the season. The talk is increasingly of titles, promotion and relegation hopes and who might be in which division next season. So, with just seven club nights left of the winter season, let’s have a look at how things stand.

CHAMPIONSHIP

At Christmas, Ed Taylor & Chris Latham were setting a strong pace, with Mike Coffey and Dave Clark in pursuit, with games in hand. …...

RICHIE FLIES THE FLAG FOR WALLASEY

Wallasey’s Richie Kelly is one of 12 contestants in the new TV series, “Chess Masters”, which starts tonight (Monday 10 March) at 8.00pm on BBC2 & iPlayer.

The highly-anticipated series, presented by Sue Perkins, looks to build on the increasing popularity of chess, via online platforms and “The Queen’s Gambit” Netflix series, bringing the game into prime-time. Each of the eight episodes will be screened on a Monday evening and will be available on iPlayer too.

Richie, who doesn’t appear until episode 4 (scheduled for Monday 31 March), joined Wallasey Chess Club in 2019, dominating the Premiership – the …...

WALLASEY JUNIORS IMPRESS AT PENNINE CUP

Five of our club’s best juniors represented Wirral teams at the NCCU Pennine Cup in Swinton on Sunday 23 February and performed admirably.

Wirral submitted three six-board teams to the competition, which included strong opposition from Merseyside, Manchester, Oldham, Lancashire, Cumbria and even Northumberland, competing over six rounds of 25+5 rapid chess for under-18s. The Wirral squad was particularly young, with our oldest player aged 15 and youngest just 9, so there were some interesting responses when 12-year-old girls were facing off against young men with full beards!!

Wirral A comprised four Wallasey players: Thomas Moran on board 2, …...

CLUB STALWART REACHES MILESTONE

A presentation was made on 16 January in honour of the 80th birthday, that very day, of Graham Heath.

Graham joined Wallasey Chess Club in 1982 and has held various senior offices since that time, including President from 2003-13 and over 20 years (in two stints) in his current position as Tournament Secretary.

He is one of the longest-standing and most highly respected members of the club, still arriving early twice a week to open up and set up the playing room, and tidying up afterwards.

Before play got underway on Thursday night, club Secretary Craig Jones presented Graham with …...

BRIAN CLARKE (1945-2024)

by Graham Heath

It is with sadness that we must report that Brian, a member for the past eight years, passed away on 10 December.

He joined is from Hoylake Chess Club as he wanted to play more competitive chess. Initially, he made an impact by qualifying for the Premiership playoffs in 2016. However, a deterioration in his health meant that, after 2017, he was unable to attend regularly. Even so, he continued to support the club. His loyalty and interest in the club remained exemplary.

Brian was well thought of and will be missed by club members.

MID-SEASON REPORT 2024/25

by Saul Marks

The restructuring of the internal league from three divisions into four this season has proven a success, with 86 players having taken part so far and the competition fiercer than ever.

Championship

The running in the top flight is being made by two-time club champion Ed Taylor, whose policy of trying to rack up enough points to secure safety as early as possible has resulted in a fine run of form. He leads the division by six clear points going into Christmas, albeit having played quite a few more games …...