4NCL Online – Season 2 Finale
The 1st team drew 2-2 with Warwick University. The final game was a hard-fought win by Simeon Bott against myself, which earned the out-rated University side a well-deserve share of the points.
The result places the 1st team in =4th position in Division 1 / Group C: a respectable standing, but a long way behind ChessPlus Kingston and Barbican who dominated the group.
The 2nd team lost 1.5-2.5 in a closely fought encounter with CSC, probably the strongest side in Division 2. The decisive game was Ed Player’s loss to Peter Finn on B2, a result which was as determined as much by the technology as the chess moves. In a tense position with only 2 minutes left on the clock, Ed’s internet service lost connectivity with the LiChess server. By the time the connection had re-stabilized, the LiChess server had awarded the game to Ed’s opponent on time.
The result places the 2nd team in 7th place in Division 2 / Group B. On the face of it, this means that the 2nd team are relegated into Division 3. However, it is possible that due to withdrawals from the League, the 2nd team may yet retain onto their Division 2 foothold. No situation is without hope.
The brightest point in the evening was the 3rd team’s 4-0 demolition of Hertford. This gives the 3rd team a dignified =10th position in Division 6: just one match point shy of contention for promotion to Division 5th.
Results, tables & games are available on the 4NCL Home Page.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in Season 2.
The 3rd Season is expected to commence on 26th Jan 2021. I can hardly wait!