The club’s final league match of 2024 saw the second team defeat West Nottingham 2, winning all four games. Despite the convincing scoreline, the match was a tough one and it was only late in the evening that the match swung Newark’s way.
First to finish was Jim Wellington. His opponent, Sean Gilligan, had the option of taking a draw through repetition but instead tried to force a win. Jim was able to take advantage of counter-play to earn a victory.
Keith Aiton’s game produced a very interesting endgame. Keith’s knight proved to be a better piece than his opponent’s bishop. Keith created a passed pawn which deflected his opponent’s pieces away from the centre of the board, and this enabled Keith’s king to capture pawns and secure a victory.
On board two, Nigel Bowler had to defend resolutely before achieving a position later on to earn a hard fought victory.
The final game to finish saw Martyn Wynn clinch an endgame against Nigel Marshall. Martyn had slight pressure against his opponent and played very precisely to win a pawn, and eventually the game.
After a disappointing start to their season, Newark 2 have now been unbeaten in the last four matches, placing them fifth in the league table over the Christmas break. Their final game of the first half of the season is away to Nottingham Central on Tuesday 7th January 2025.