Inverclyde Central Chess Club recorded two emphatic wins in rounds 5 and 6 of the Scottish National Chess League meeting in Dunfermline to secure an unassailable lead in Division 4.
Going into round 5 match with Giffnock B on 7 points out of a possible 8 so far and grading advantages on every board, Inverclyde Central could be confident. They proceeded to secure an impressive 4-1 victory with wins from David Logue (somewhat fortuitously, as his opponent bludered in a drawn position) Alex Fisher and Andy Smith, and draws by Stephen Hilton and Marc Sheridan.
The 6th round game was the return fixture against Pentland Hills whom Inverclyde had narrowly beaten 3-2 in their second match. The teams were almost evenly matched and another close contest was anticipated. This match, however, was not nearly so close as Inverclyde produced their best performance of the tournament in a crushing 4.5-0.5 victory. Excellent performances from Stephen Hilton, Marc Sheridan and Alex Fisher saw them overcome higher-rated opponents. David Logue also won on board two, and Andy Smith produced a clever combination to force a draw by perpetual check in a game he was losing, ensuring that Inverclyde finished the day without losing a game on any board in either round.
These victories take Inverclyde Central to 11 points out 12 guaranteeing a first place finish and promotion with a round to spare.
