27/08/25 Annual Friendly Match: Fareham v Chandlers Ford (Held at Chandlers Ford club venue)

Many months in the planning, our thanks to Chandler’s Ford for hosting our 4th annual friendly match.

Prior to this match, the overall match score stood at 2-1 in our favour. Despite some last-minute player changes, the match went ahead over 16-boards. With a very close average board rating, a tight match was expected, and so it proved.

With the score standing at 7-8, the match result hung in the balance. The last game on board 7 between Ashraf and Peter Eales was nearing its conclusion, and we needed just a draw for outright victory. I was relieved to see Peter’s last pawn removed, leaving just a knight & king. Victory for Fareham by 8.5 to 7.5. It was edge of the seat chess from a Captains point of View.

LMS link Chandlers Ford V Fareham | ECF League Management System

Our hosts put on a buffet of samosas and chips which went down a treat, absolutely scrumptious.

Match report: Tom Philidor (Captain)