Cumnor Chess Club

Please note, the junior membership of the club is now full. The club will not be taking on any more junior players, (under 13's), until further notice.

The Chiltern League has decided to enter a new tournament. In the past there have been only two tournaments in the league: One for the Under 185's and another for the Under 125's. I know Edward and I have played in these tournaments in the past. The new tournament is going to be for Under 100's. However, with this tournament a team will consist of 12 players, half of which will be made up of junior players, (under 18's). The idea of the new tournament is to get junior players to play senior players at County level. The Chiltern League has four Counties, Oxon, Berks, Hants and Bucks. There will be four matches in a season. The first match will be in September 2008, with the remaining three matches being played from January through to March 2009.

I have been approached to Captain/Organise this new division/tournament for Oxfordshire, of which I have accepted. Currently the Oxon U185's and U125's home fixtures are played at Magdalen College School, courtesy of John Place.  I intend to host the Under 100's home fixture at our venue in Cumnor. I think this will be great for the club and the local community.

Sorry to say most of the Cumnor players wont qualify to play, as they are graded above 100. But Robert, Liam, Louis, Patrick and I do so, and rest assured you will be picked to play in the tournament. Although please understand I cannot fill the Oxon U100's with Cumnor players all the time, but at least you will get a game or two each season.

By the way, for the rest of you above 100. I know the Captain of the U125 division. Most of you also know him, Ray Cordon of Wantage Chess Club. If you are interested in playing in the Chiltern League U125's let me know, and I will pass your name and contact details to him. I know it is sometimes a struggle for him to fill a team, which consists of 20 players!

Steve.

P.S. We are over half-way through the club year. The Players Cup tournaments have been taken very seriously this year, which I think is great. So I would like to remind those of you who are behind in games to get cracking before it's too late to catch up. Remember, the amount of games played has no bearing on the ultimate result, only points scored are important.