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All was set for a fabulous day. I had arranged the players into two strong all-play-all groups, with the winners of each group scheduled to play in the big final.
However, the weather threw a considerable spanner in the works and a combination of 11 inches of snow, cancelled trains and ungritted roads frustrated the intentions of no fewer than five of our players. Yet others had a clearer passage from home and contacted me to say they were confident of getting through. It was a busy morning on the phone, emails and Facebook as messages pinged in and out with alarming regularity.
I decided to wait and see who turned up before altering the format and I took along some trusty Swiss pairing cards just in case.
Eventually it became clear we had seven players able to make it through the snow and ice and I added myself to make it an equal number, then changed the format to make it all-play-all with 25 minutes on each clock.
The original plan included a lunch break but I didn't want anyone venturing out so I cleaned out McColl's on my way to the venue.
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And so, the players were:
Sean Cassidy, Buffs and Stockton Library Supremo |
Matt Jackman - the future Teesside No.1 |
Bernie Price - The Hartlepool Gamibteer |
Peter Harker - former Hartlepool Junior and club stalwart |
Mike 'Smiler' Creaney - one of the strongest 1 d4 players around |
Paul Weightman - library chess tutor and all-round gent |
Brian Whitaker - CCA Chairperson and Thornaby Library supremo |
Me - in a late switch from organiser to player |
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6.5: Sean Marsh (a draw with Bernie)
5.5: Matt Jackman (defeat against me; a draw with Sean C)
5: Bernie Price
4: Sean Cassidy
2.5: Brian Whitaker
2: Peter Harker, Mike Creaney
0.5: Paul Weightman
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Project 30 wasn't quite done for the day, as some of us headed directly to Borges for an excellent celebratory meal, where many a good laugh was had and, in one case, an authentic Teesside Parmo.
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There is still plenty more Project 30 action to come.
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