Worcestershire Chess Association

Keith Arkell Presents League Prizes at 2009 AGM

Maurice Bissell Retires from Captaincy of First Team

There were no changes of senior officers, but Maurice confirmed his decision to stand down from captaining the first team an intention revealed at the April Executive meeting. No one came forward at the meeting to replace Maurice, and officers will be asking team players during the summer months who will fill this vacancy. Members warmly thanked Maurice for his many years serving in the captain's role and especially the improved results over the last season. Fortunately for the County, Maurice will continue in his role as Honorary Secretary.

Senior Officers of the Worcestershire Chess Association from left to right: Bert Foord (Hon Treasurer), Peter Kitson (President), Maurice Bissell (Hon Secretary). Picture - Ray Collett

Malvern Triumph in League Championship and Hagley win Division 2

Members welcomed English Champion Grandmaster Keith Arkell, former Droitwich Club member to the meeting. Keith thanked members for inviting him and recalled his early participation in Worcestershire League chess.

Keith presented the two League Trophies. Malvern were emphatic League Champions losing no matches and drawing only one. Malvern Captain Geoff Herbert received the Championship trophy for the team (see picture below left). Halesowen 1 were a distant second.

Keith Arkell (left) presents Geoffrey Herbert, Malvern captain, the Bonham Rose Bowl

Keith Arkell presents Peter Keate of Hagley the Division 2 Cobham trophy

In Division Two, a resurgent Hagley team narrowly came first above runners-up Halesowen 2. Hagley's come back after struggling to survive only a few seasons ago owes much to Hagley's Captain, Andy Moore. Andy was officaiating at a junior event and the trophy was received by Peter Keate (see picture above right).

Members reject Quick-play Finish in League Matches

In a long debate, members voted decisively against removing adjournments or adjudications in League match games. The concern expressed by the League Controller and some members, that the results of adjourned games were not reported quickly enough, was addressed by a call to enforce the League Rule that states games should be resumed within 14 days of the first playing session and reported promptly. It was agreed that this decision would be subject to confirmation at the August Executive Meeting.