Gosforth riding high in Northumbria League

(Chronicle Chess 24 November 2023)

Nothing succeeds like success, they say, and Gosforth Chess Club is on the crest of a wave with its recent victories across the divisions of the Northumbria League. After six weeks of the 2023-24 league season, Gosforth, which continues to add more and more members to its popular Monday club nights, is leading or challenging for the lead in four of the six divisions.

In Division 1, Gosforth Empire are challenging leaders Leam Lane Aces. Scores so far:
1 Leam Lane Aces 5/6;
2 Gosforth Empire 4/6;
3 South Shields A 3/4;
4 Newcastle A 2/2;
5-6 Tynemouth 0/4 and Jesmond A 0/6.

The X factor is pre-season favourites Newcastle A, who have played just one match so far. Once they catch up with their fixtures, the true picture will be clearer.

Division 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling three-horse race between the two Gosforth teams there (the Salters and the Regents) and a resurgent Newcastle University A. Scores so far:
1 Gosforth Salters 7/8;
2 Newcastle University A 6/8;
3 Gosforth Regents 5/8;
4 Morpeth A 2/6;
5-6 South Shields B 0/4 and Forest Hall Foxes 0/6.

Newcastle University Chess Club is reportedly booming this year, with dozens of active players and several strong undergraduate players joining their three teams, including one of Yorkshire’s leading juniors, Mate Ther from Harrogate.

Gosforth Salters may yet have the edge over Newcastle University A, due to Gosforth’s greater strength in depth and student holiday absences potentially affecting the University’s ability to field its strongest team for all matches.

Division 3 is perhaps an even clearer two-way struggle for supremacy between Tynemouth B and Gosforth Centurions. With three rounds completed, they share the lead well ahead of their rivals. Scores so far:
1-2 Tynemouth B and Gosforth Centurions 6/6;
3 Alnwick A 3/6;
4 Morpeth B 2/6;
5 Gosforth Ivy 1/6;
6 Forest Hall Woodpeckers 0/6.

Gosforth teams dominate in Division 4, with the Woodbines and the Hawthorns top dogs. Scores so far:
1 Gosforth Woodbines 7/8;
2 Gosforth Hawthorns 5/8;
3-4 Leam Lane Bullets 4/6 and Gateshead A 4/8;
5 Tynemouth C 3/8;
6 Forest Hall Squirrels 2/8;
7 Morpeth C 1/6.

Newcastle University B is the clear leader of Division 5, winning all three of their matches. Scores so far:
1 Newcastle University B 6/6;
2 South Shields C 5/8;
3 Tynemouth D 4/6;
4 Alnwick B 3/8;
5-6 Leam Lane Comets 2/6 and Gosforth Jedis 2/4;
7 Forest Hall Owls 0/6.

In the brand new Division 6, Newcastle B team are the surprise leaders, winning all three matches. Scores so far:
1 Newcastle B 6/6;
2 Tynedale A 4/4;
3-4 Gosforth Otterburns 2/6 and Newcastle University C 2/4;
5-6 South Shields D and Alnwick C 1/6.