Newcastle Mini Congress U130 section

Round five crowd scene. From the left Jack Healings, Julian Hawthorne, Sam Parry and Michael Lee have white respectively against Doug Barnett, Dave Price, Steve Emmerton and Roger Walker

A healthy fifteen players turned out to contest the U130 section, and it soon became apparent that contested it would indeed be, for the top three seeds all lost in round one. Only winner Michael Lee and Roger Walker, one of the joint seconds, emerged unbeaten from the carnage, though it has to be admitted that here were several examples of self-inflicted wounds.

Action from round two featuring Roger Walker, Julian Hawthorne and Steve Emmerton who would all go on to share second place with Jack Healings.

Going into the final round Micheal led on 3½ with Roger just behind on 3. With these two playing each other the five players on 2½ all knew that a last round win would secure a place in the prize list. Jack Healings was the first of the five to finish with a smooth win over Doug Barnett who had the dubious privilege of being upfloated into the prize seeking group. Sam Parry reached a double knight and pawn ending against Steve Emmerton, and smelling money turned down a draw offer. Unfortunately the money he could smell was destined for Steve's pocket. Dave Price reached a winning ending against Julian Hawthorne, but switched into blitz mode with 3 or 4 minutes plus increments on his clock. The inevitable blunder left him with a losing ending, a compliment that Julian declined to return despite being equally short of time.

Mike Lee (left) and Sam Parry unfazed by the water hazards

Final scores:
   4: Michael Lee
3½: Jack Healings, Steve Emmerton, Julian Hawthorne, Roger Walker
2½: John Day, David Price, Nic Wright, Sam Parry
   2: Douglas Barnett, Alberto Gissi, Ernest Wilkinson
1½: Sandra Blackburn, Pete Shaw, Steve Szwajkun

Newcastle mini match as the host club's John Day, Pete Shaw and Alberto Gissi all with white take on visitors Sandra Blackburn, Ernie Wilkinson and Steve Szwajkun. Newcastle won the match 2 - 1. In the background Rich Wiltshir takes a break from the rigours of spectating.