The 18th BOBBY GOW MEMORIAL 2023 – Report!
The 18th BOBBY GOW MEMORIAL 2023
Thurs 14th Dec 23 – 7:30pm – Castlehill Chess Club Dundee
Castlehill Chess Club (1503) 9½ – 2½ (1150) Dundee Chess Club
Congratulations to Castlehill Chess Club Dundee on retaining the Bobby Gow Memorial Cup for the 10th time in a row (Not counting two-year break for COVID). This is the 12th time Castlehill have won the Cup (Twice jointly; once with Dundee & Victoria CC & once with Dundee CC)!
From left to right: James Anderson (Dundee) & Daniel Coleman (Castlehill)
This was a rearranged fixture from September 23 after it was postponed due to unexpected venue issues at Castlehill Chess Club.
The earliest date to hold it was Thurs 14th December 23, which made it a Festive Special event. Of course, we would have no idea if this would have any effect how many players could make it at this busy time!
With Castlehill Club Secretary, Daniel Coleman, enforcing a 3-line whip on members, Castlehill managed an amazing 24 players on the night, which was more than we were expecting given the time of year! Dundee was not so lucky with a few last-minute withdraws due to illness, work and of course Christmas, which limited their number to 12 players.
That did not stop it being a great night of chess with plenty atmosphere, and while the score-line was big, I think it was a little bit flattering as a few Castlehill players said they had a tough battle, but just edged it in the end.
Both clubs were missing some big players, but that did not stop it being a competitive night’s chess and one that all players enjoyed!
Dundee Chess Club also had a lot of “NEW & UNGRADED” adult and junior players, playing in their first big tournament! They did Dundee Chess Club proud and some showed a lot of promise for the future! The difference was simple, Castlehill had more seasoned and experienced players which gave them an edge on the night!
The result of the night went to Castlehill`s Andre Babin (1897) who with black, drew his match on top board against, Scottish Champion Ed Spencer (2132)! Way to go Andre!
Thank you, to Daniel Coleman who provided Mince Pies and Shortbread on the night! Thank you to Dundee Chess Club and it`s players, and to Castlehill Chess Club and it`s player for supporting us on the night! Also thank you to Castlehill CC for hosting the event.
That`s it for another year when Dundee Chess Club will host it in it`s usual slot in September 24!
Bobby Gow would have been proud of us all!
For all the results, click the link “HERE“