"Those who say they understand chess, understand nothing" -- Robert HUBNER

The Thames Valley League

: Created:26 Feb 2008 , by

The second of our league reports

Ealing's first team lead the way in the top division with eight points from ten matches. However because of the large number of undecided matches, the real league position remains unclear. Maidenhead who inflicted upon us our only defeat of this season, appear to be our closest rivals but they still have five away fixtures to negotiate including us on 20th March.

1. Ealing 8 from 10, 2-3 Richmond 4 from 8 including 3 undecided and Kingston 4 from 10 including 3 undecided, 4. Maidenhead 3.5 from 7 including 3 undecided, 5-6 Surbiton 3 from 8 including 2 undecided and Hayes 3 from 8, 7. Wimbledon 1.5 from 10 including 3 undecided, 8. Harrow 0 from 9 including 4 undecided.

Sadly Ealing's second team are relegation candidates in their debut season in the second division because with only one point from nine completed matches and an undecided contest versus Hounslow that we cannot win, it looks very difficult for Ealing even if only one side go down. What is certain is that Ealing will battle to the last pawn in our remaining four matches to avoid the drop.

1-2. Staines 6 from 8 and Richmond 6 from 9, 3. Wimbledon 5 from 8, 4. Maidenhead 4.5 from 10, 5-6. Wimbledon 4 from 7 and Hammersmith 4 from 10, 7. Hounslow 3.5 from 7, 8. Ealing 1 from 9

Ealing always knew that when following the withdrawals of other clubs, the third and fourth divisions were combined that our attempt at expansion with a Thames Valley league third team would be a tough baptism. In the autumn of 2007 results were indifferent but the New Year brought new life to our guys and girls and a big win over Hayes was followed by an undecided match versus Hounslow that will be at least a draw for us. With three matches left we can achieve a very respectable result.

1. Surbiton B 6 from 7, 2. Hounslow 5.5 from 7, 3. Richmond 4 from 6, 4. Staines 3 from 4 and Meadhurst 3 from 5, 6. Wimbledon 2.5 from 7, 7. Maidenhead 2 from 5, 8. Ealing 1 from 5, 9-10 Hayes 0.5 from 5 and Surbiton C 0.5 from 5.