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Scenes from Finals Night 2005


Plenty of games for spectators to choose from
The 2005 cup finals were played simultaneously at Creda on 11th April. As an early finisher I had the opportunity to take a few shots of the rest of the action.
Bob Perry organised the night, setting out tables, arranging for a buffet to be available for players and spectators, and maintaining results charts. Many of the players naturally took advantage of the bar. Indeed it was difficult to take a picture of any size that did not contain a co-starring glass or bottle.
Playing conditions were good with each board having a fair sized table, yet there was also plenty of room for spectators to circulate without disturbing the players. My guess is that at the AGM there will be a request for a similar finals night next year.

Above: John Hicks, another quick finisher, pays particular attention to teammate Des Todd as he takes on John Donaldson with the white pieces in the U135 (Holmes Chapel centre, Creda right), whilst even less in focus to the left of the picture is part of the 8 board final.

Steve Bruce (Newcastle, left) and Malcolm Roberts (Holmes Chapel, right) do sentry duty.


The upper reaches of the 8 board final sees Francis Westfield, Ralph Hayward, Alan Paling, Chris Hankey, Chon Lee (all facing camera from left) taking on Chris Simpson, Dave Buxton, Simon Gilmore, Alex Richardson and Alan Smith respectively. Watching are Creda members Bob Perry, Steve Hill, Tony Cooling and Paul Tullet.

Chris Simpson in prayer
Gus makes himself useful
Ralph Hayward avoids Gus' elbow

Total concentration from Alex Richardson
Francis Westfield spies a chance
Dave Buxton shows more of the Cheddleton concentration

Chon Lee plays top board for Newcastle
Robert Brock ponders his next move on board one in the U110 final
Simon Gilmore checks the action on adjacent boards

Andy Grant tries to make progress for the hosts
Dave Fuller updates his scoresheet
Tom Healey in contemplative mood after resetting the pieces



Kidsgrove players John Gater, Nigel Hearson (both standing), Chris Ford and Gareth Burndred enjoy some practice before the event starts.


Also competing were the Johns team - from the left John Hicks, John Yee, John Blackburn, John Gater and John Donaldson. However they only scored 1½ points between them so did not win a trophy.
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