H&D Final (19 Jun 2025)

Welwyn Hatfield vs St Albans

A trip to Bishop's Stortford for the final of the H&D has been somewhat of an annual tradition in recent years. We have, unfortunately, always come away empty-handed.

Not this time!! Not again!!

The board order from top to bottom: Andrew R, Edo, Roger, Dave F and Andrew "The Pawnslayer" (stepping in as a last minute replacement for Dave W). The team was determined to come away victorious.

The evening followed the usual routine with us losing the coin toss, meaning St Albans had advantage of white on odd boards. At the half-way stage it was not looking good. The 2 Andrew's positions were losing quite badly. The other 3 boards looked draw-ish.

Luck was on our side though. Andrew R somehow miraculously converted his losing game to a draw (mostly due to opponent's time-trouble). Edo grovelled a half-point through the old "Bishop and wrong Rook's Pawn" ending. Finally we had the breakthrough as Dave F claimed victory after a well fought game.

Just 2 boards left. In reality though it all depended on Roger. A draw would be enough to seal victory through tie-break*. If Roger lost it would mean we'd have to rely on Andrew Sm to produce a second miracle comeback of the night to win his game.

Roger brought home the bacon. With a slightly stronger position he accepted a draw. It no longer mattered what happened on the last board. Andrew Sm double-checked the result and graciously resigned (seeming rather relieved to end his game). Victory belonged to Welwyn Hatfield. Final score 2.5 each.

The shield is ours (for a year).

*tie break decided the match in our favour as our win was on a higher board