Inverclyde Central secured an important win against Polytechnic B in the first match of the Glasgow League. The club comfortably outgraded their opponents and were clear favourites, but had to rely upon John Calder holding out for a draw in the last match to finish to secure the win. Inverclyde's top two players Kevin McDonald and Jim Montgomery were too strong for their opponents, winning comfortably. Gary McPheator on board six also won comfortably: developing checkmate threats on the kingside to cramp his opponent's position, before switching his attack to the queenside where his opponent misplayed a queen exchange, losing a piece. David Logue on board seven overcame a rocky start playing a Center Counter opening, winning a piece in an unbalanced middlegame to gain a decisive advantage. However, surprize defeats for Stephen Hilton, Stephen Doherty and Jim McGranghan left Polytechnic in contention until John Calder secured the deciding half point. The win is particulary valuable in that the newly promoted opponents are potential rivals in a battle to avoid relegation should Inverclyde struggle this season.
Full Match Result:
Bd Grade Inverclyde (7) vs (9) Glasgow Polytechnic B Grade Comments
1 2107 McDonald, Kevin 1 - 0 Brookens, Lewis 1684 Home Win
2 2085 Montgomery, Jim 1 - 0 Breslin, Daniel 1675 Home Win
3 1797 Calder, John ½ - ½ Eldridge, John 1606 Draw
4 1751 Hilton, Steve H 0 - 1 Glen, Hamish 1587 Away Win
5 1711 Doherty, Stephen 0 - 1 Martin, Eric D 1552 Away Win
6 1670 McPheator, Gary 1 - 0 Innes, Robert 1454 Home Win
7 1675 Logue, David 1 - 0 Goodall, Alistair 1432 Home Win
8 1635 McGranaghan, James 0 - 1 MacAloon, Paul 1330 Away Win
4½ - 3½
