PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is always pleased to feature new sport or competitions so we were delighted to hear of the success of our only local chess team competing in the Welsh Chess Union – and we let Martin Jones, better known for his cricket involvement with Neyland and the Pembroke County Cricket Club, plus across the county in his role as Cricket Development Officer at Sport Pembrokeshire, tell us all about it!
 
“Steynton Chess Club team have just won the 3rd Welsh Chess Union Under 1800 League with a convincing win over a young North Cardiff Team who were heavily out-graded on all boards but never gave up and on another night the result could have been different.
 
“Steynton has competed in this tournament both online and over the board but has never won before in a league comprising teams from Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, Llanelli and Cardigan.

“Steynton started the campaign with a drawn match against our near neighbours Cardigan, who finished second so congratulations to them also. There followed wins against Bridgend, Swansea and another two Cardiff teams, one of which, the reigning champions, was a very close encounter which  went right down to the wire.
 
“The Steynton side is vastly experienced, and with the addition of Peter Jones, who previously played for Pontypridd, Aberystwyth University and Weston Super Mare, returning to chess after an absence of 25 years, playing on Board One.

“This enabled David Pinch and Martin Jones, both having played Board One previously, to dominate the middle boards with Mark Paffard able to express himself on Board Four.
 
Individual results were:
Peter Jones      P6 W2 D3 L1   3.5/6
David Pinch    P6 W4 D2 L0   5/6
Martin Jones   P6 W4  D2 L 0   5/6
Mark Paffard   P6 W5 D0  L1   5/6

“Whilst we have all enjoyed playing online we all look forward to getting back playing over the board when Welsh Government restrictions allow. In England this is allowed!  Steynton Chess Club is the only chess club in Pembrokeshire and always welcomes new players.  Please visit us on www.pembschess.co.uk.”