Clifton A have a narrow lead in Div One at the halfway point - though the result of two matches involving Horfield A and Grendel A are not in yet and could disturb the balance. In Div Two Bath B are ahead with games in hand. Since Bath A are struggling for players one wonders why some of the B team members do not simply play in Div One, which they seem quite capable of doing. Downend C look like romping away with Div 3, and University A are obvious favourites for Div 4. Hanham B also have a lead with a game in hand in Div 5. In the relegation stakes, Nailsea A, Thornbury B, Clifton B and Downend E all need to pick up a few points early in the second half to move out of the zone.
For those of a numerate disposition, the first half of the league
has worked as follows:
| Match results received | ||
| Match results outstanding | ||
| Games decided (inc. KO) | ||
| Adjudications decided | ||
| Adjudications outstanding | ||
| Adjournments decided | ||
| Adjournments outstanding | ||
| Defaults (exc KO) | ||
| Players with at least one result | ||
| Players with ten or more results | ||
| Play-ups | ||
| Play-downs |
Despite the lower number of players this year, the Grendel event on 6th December was packed to capacity. Most clubs have room for at least forty players so how about a few more evening events at other clubs to make up for the reduced number of matches this year?
It is the lower ranked players who have been outperforming most impressively this year. Top of the list is Phillip Lawson (Hanham) who at one time was pushing 100 but has moved back a little. Hanham also has second place, held by Nil Patel. Curiously, there is no one over 160 who is running more than 20 points above his published grade.
In the Alan Ashby competition, for the most points scored regardless of games played, Mike Brannan (Downend) is in the lead with 11/15, with Nick Harrington (University) a point behind but on a superior percentage.
The Trust has voted funds to buy chess equipment for a number of schools who wish to start clubs. We are also putting together a data pack for schools, which will include a list of all local schools that have a chess club. If you have a schools connection and would like to be kept informed please contact me or one of the other trustees.
A set of tables and individual performances was sent to clubs on 27th December. The next lot will be produced on 29th January. There will be an update on the Web site and for clubs who receive their tables by email around 15th January.
Jerry Humphreys
27 December 1998