Suffolk Chess

Last evening Ipswich D had a chance to seal promotion when they faced Bury St Edmunds A, who were only able to field three boards (their Board 1 was ill).   The result, a 2 - 2 draw, leaves things wide open, with no fewer than five teams still in with a chance of promotion!   If Ipswich had won 3½-½, their lead would have been unassailable.

Here's the current league table:

The permutations are these:

a)   On Monday 18 April, Sudbury are at home to Clacton.   A 3 - 1 win or better will put them on top of the division (at least for the time being).

b)   On Tuesday 19 April, Ipswich D are at home to Stowmarket A.   A 2 - 2 draw or better will ensure that Ipswich D are Division 2 Champions.   But Stowmarket could upset the apple cart if they win 3½-½ or better.

c)   On Thursday 21 April, Bury St Edmunds A are at home to Manningtree B and will know exactly what they need to do.   Depending on the other results, a 4 - 0 win could give them the title.

This must be the closest-run title race in any division for many years.   Five teams and just three points between them.   Sudbury have one key advantage - if points are level at the end of the season, they will have won more matches than any other team; they would win on tie-break.