Marcus Osborne (South Norwood) v John Hawksworth (Kingston)
This was the board 1 game in a crucial Surrey division 2 match between South Norwood and Kingston. The loser of the match was likely to face the threat of relegation, so we were mightily relieved to emerge as 5.5-1.5 winners. This proved a fascinating game and was the last one to be concluded.
Kingston 2 secure vital win at South Norwood
This was the proverbial six-pointer. Lose and we would be sucked into a relegation dogfight in ultra-competitive Surrey League division 2, where Kingston 2 face three first teams and Guildford’s strong second team. Win and we would at least have some breathing space, with our opponents on the night South Norwood facing the dreaded drop.
Kingston A beat Maidenhead to go top of TVL
Maidenhead A v Kingston A, Thames Valley League division 1 match played at St Luke’s Community Hall, Maidenhead on 13 January 2025 It is a truth universally acknowledged that half the battle when it comes to winning away chess matches on winter evenings is getting a full team to the venue. This is particularly the
Hounslow C too strong for Kingston’s young talents
In the spirit of Thames Valley Div X, Kingston captain Jon Eckert chose a young and inexperienced team for this match, with three highly promising juniors on boards 1, 2 and 3 and Sean Tay holding the fort on 4. Sean won smoothly, while the juniors found it tough going against good-quality opposition.
Kingston A whitewash depleted Wimbledon
A whitewash is rare in the very competitive Thames Valley division 1, but it happened here. Wimbledon brought a depleted side shorn of their five strongest players to Fortress Willoughby and were duly trounced 6-0. They fought hard, especially with the White pieces, but the rating disparity was just too great.
Chess resolutions for 2025
Stop blundering, get better at time management, study openings, study endgames, study anything, be a different sort of player, be a different sort of person, win a world championship, find God … Kingston members outline what they hope to achieve this year.