Archive: 2023-2024
2023-2024 Season Report
We made a strong start, topping the table at times, including a magnificent win over eventual champions Yate & Sodbury, and various players getting fantastic results against higher-rated opponents. Sadly we weren't able to sustain our early season form across all 6 boards for the entire season. We finally posted a creditable mid table finish on 14 points.
Whilst we set out hoping for a sustained promotion challenge, it was a good solid season as we settled into playing on Tuesday nights at our new home. We adapted to the unavailability of some club stalwarts, with new and existing players stepping into their shoes.
The (almost)* undisputed player of the 2023-24 season was Richard Millener. Richard remained undefeated against all comers in the league, posting a massive 12½ points from a possible 14 (Played 14, Won 11, Drew 3, Lost 0). Almost all of Richard’s games were played on the lofty heights of Board 1, often against more highly rated players. Richard’s excellent performance across the season secured him the Alan Ashby Salver, awarded annually to the highest scoring player across the league’s divisions, plus the club's Player of the Season trophy.
*Club legend Pete Saunders will tell you his 100% record (Played 1, Won 1) surpassed anything the rest of us could manage. Well done Pete!
Alan Ashby Salver Winner and 2023-24 Player of the Season!
The player of the 2023-24 season was Richard Millener. Richard remained undefeated against all comers in the league, posting a massive 12½ points from a possible 14 (Played 14, Won 11, Drew 3, Lost 0). Almost all of Richard’s games were played on the lofty heights of Board 1, often against more highly rated players. Richard’s excellent performance across the season secured him the Alan Ashby Salver, awarded annually to the highest scoring player across the league’s divisions, plus the club's coveted Player of the Season trophy.
Very well done to Richard!
Club Captain Jason LeRoy awards Richard Millener the 2023-2024 North Bristol Player of the Season Trophy
2024 Club Classical Champion!
The 2024 North Bristol Club Championship used the Swiss format. Five rounds of classical chess, spread over the summer during the break in league play. Competition was fierce, with many of our junior players and adult improvers threatening to cause upsets against the established club players. After a hard fought tournament, three players – Will Mullaney, Jonny Penn and James Bingham – finished tied on 4/5 points. James had led from week one, but was pegged back at the last, defeated by Will in an intense game where both players had winning chances.
The championship was decided by a three-way blitz playoff, with the each player facing off against one another, watched by an enthusiastic audience. Will and Jonny kicked off with an honourable 1½-1½ draw, before James defeated Jonny 2-1 to edge into the lead. Will re-entered the fray to win the first game against James, who fought back to equalise. It all came down to the last game. Will took advantage of a tactical opportunity to force home a devastating attack on James’ king.
Congratulations Will Mullaney, North Bristol Chess Club Champion 2024.
Congratulations also go to our beaten finalists James Bingham and Jonny Penn, and to the rest of our clubmates who took part in what was an excellent tournament, played in a competitive but Corinthian spirit.
2024 Club Blitz Champion!
Congratulations to James Bingham, who won the inaugural club blitz championship, posting an impressive 6/7 which included wins over strong players Richard Millener and Advik Goyal on the road to victory. The tournament was fiercely contested, with a cluster of players finishing close behind James on 5 points. The 5+0 time control resulted in some fantastic games, many of the wins being achieved with literally seconds to spare. We all had great fun, and Blitz Night will certainly be returning next year.