Division 2 latest
Last evening Ipswich D had a chance to seal promotion when they faced Bury St Edmunds A, who were only able to field three boards (their Board 1 was ill). The result, a 2 – 2 draw, leaves things wide open, with no fewer than five teams still in with a chance of promotion! If Ipswich had won 3½-½, their lead would have been unassailable.
Here’s the current league table:
The permutations are these:
a) On Monday 18 April, Sudbury are at home to Clacton. A 3 – 1 win or better will put them on top of the division (at least for the time being).
b) On Tuesday 19 April, Ipswich D are at home to Stowmarket A. A 2 – 2 draw or better will ensure that Ipswich D are Division 2 Champions. But Stowmarket could upset the apple cart if they win 3½-½ or better.
c) On Thursday 21 April, Bury St Edmunds A are at home to Manningtree B and will know exactly what they need to do. Depending on the other results, a 4 – 0 win could give them the title.
This must be the closest-run title race in any division for many years. Five teams and just three points between them. Sudbury have one key advantage – if points are level at the end of the season, they will have won more matches than any other team; they would win on tie-break.