Huddersfield & District Chess Association

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Round two of the John Newsome Cup last night and a massively welcome addition to the Huddersfield league that allows new players, juniors and those under 1500 to compete equally. Well done to Rob and the organisers in running such a great event.

Details and pictures on the below link.

https://holmfirthchess.org.uk/2024/10/1 ... wsome-cup/

[Stephen Westmoreland]

We are doing this again!

Kirklees vs Calderdale in December (or early January) OUTDOORs at the Piece Hall in Halifax with the time control at 1hr20mins +10. Date to be confirmed (probably a Saturday) and if you want to play for Kirklees, please let me know. Games are going to be unrated so we can enjoy the hospitality of the Wine Barrel.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Huddersfield League ‘Half Term’ Report
As Noddy Holder would delicately shout ‘It’s Christmas’ as weary players, Captains and Organisers draw a deep breath and take a break. Many of the main League competitions are at the halfway point, with much of the League scheduled to end in time for Easter and the cricket season.
So how are we doing?

The Keddie Cup
The trophy is in memory of David Keddie, a well-liked and longstanding member of the League. It is the first competition of the season to complete, with favourites Holmfirth lifting the Trophy. This was powered by some very good juniors.

The John Newsome Cup
This competition is really important. Back when I was doing junior coaching and bringing new adults into the league, I could only pitch them against experienced opposition, as Holmfirth was the only club doing this. It is now a much better environment to introduce people to standard play. It remains tight at the job of the u1500s, with Jacob Westmoreland leading. The u1200s have Eric Walker and Ahmed Haseeb joint top.

The Watkinson’s League
There is one match either due or not inputted but Holmfirth are leading at the half way point. In recent years Honley have won this competition but the strengthening of Holmfirth and Meltham & Denby Dale, make it very tight. For me, Holmfirth are the favourites (I would say that, it is my team) but with no margin for error.

The Examiner League
Current leaders and favourites have to be Meltham, who have tremendous strength in depth and a good layers of 1300-1800s to pick from. They are top of the league but with a match between Honley and Huddersfield outstanding for input.

The Bill Lumley Rapid play
This is yet to start but I would tip Huddersfield for this, courtesy of the low rated Manchester end players, whose lows grading (K and A!) do not match their much better ability.

The Knockout
Again this is yet to start but I would strongly back Meltham to lift.

The Calderdale League
Every Monday the league combines under the Huddersfield banner to play in this strong league. Personally, participating in this has improved my play due to the volume of 1800+ players to compete against. The Barnsley players on a Tuesday are similarity getting fantastic experience.
This season we have agreed to split our strength between the teams, as Hebden Bridge have done the same. This avoids the situation we have encountered in the past, when Hebden Bridge have turned up with two 2100s and two 2000s in the team. That match I was on board one (but actually won!). Hebden Bridge B are leading, followed by Huddersfield A.

The schedule is relentless but we continue to rotate between the teams. Let’s win it again!

The Yorkshire League
The top team remains Huddersfield, who are joint top with Calderdale in the IM Browns as the two clubs continue to bounce in and out of the Woodhouse. In the third division, Holmfirth are a point below a promotion spot, with the remaining three games key to lift the Shield. Meltham are in fourth.

Meltham have also put a second team into the AG Sunderland, which has proved very competitive as a League.

Best of luck to Huddersfield and Holmfirth (ok, another one of the teams I Captain) in their promotion challenge.

Yorkshire County
We continue to boast a good number of players, Captains (Rob Oldfield) and Committee Members (myself) supporting Yorkshire. This is close to my heart and please keep it going! It was great to host the Yorkshire u1850s at the Stumble Inn and best wishes to Rob today at Swinton (post note – like the u1850s it was 6-6).

Yorkshire U18s
Holmfirth are finding it tough in the top division and it is great to see the MaDD junior team at the competition as well. We have in Alex and Isaac as some of the top juniors in the county and they continue to represent the Yorkshire at a high level. Especially the big FIDE international event coming up in the New Year.

Please note, Yorkshire Junior Chess are at Holmfirth High on the 15th March. Let me know if you want to help out please.

Strength in depth
I have previously mentioned about our attempts to rebuild the Huddersfield League. This is happening through Holmfirth, Meltham and now Denby Dale. Meltham & Denby Dale since inception have had 71 registered LMS players through the door. They also run competitions and events (with food) three to four days a week. I am so going to the food events when time permits.

Individual Performance
Using ECF rating listings (K and A as P throws things somewhat) between September and December, the most improved player is joint between Isaac Fossey and Jacob Westmoreland with both gaining 63 points and a 4% improvement. This is followed by Jake Howard (58 and 4%). Due to youth this is not a surprise.

Drew Batley (56 and 4%) and Hamid Faham (55 and 3%) cannot claim the youth card. Sam Hough (54 and 5%) and Will Peacock (38 and 2%) restore matters.

Anyway, Happy Christmas all and see you in the New Year!

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Kirklees Vs Calderdale is scheduled for Saturday 11th Jan OUTSIDE in the Piece Hall, Halifax. Probably a 1pm start. 1hr20 +10. Player interested for Kirklees, please shout me and wrap up warm!

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Fantastic to visit the 4ncl this weekend. The Cedar Court at Huddersfield is a spectacular venue and there was a really great atmosphere. Great to catch up with lots of people.

[MartinCarpenter]

Kirklees Vs Calderdale is scheduled for Saturday 11th Jan OUTSIDE in the Piece Hall, Halifax. Probably a 1pm start. 1hr20 +10. Player interested for Kirklees, please shout me and wrap up warm!

Did you manage to get this played in the weather? Impressed if so

[Stephen Westmoreland]

No people were struggling in the ice and with the Bradford Congress, Calderdale could not raise a team.

[Peter Ackley]

Fantastic to visit the 4ncl this weekend. The Cedar Court at Huddersfield is a spectacular venue and there was a really great atmosphere. Great to catch up with lots of people.

I second this post. The organisation was excellent as always and the hotel served the chess players well, whether they were staying or commuting.

[Andrew Zigmond]

I'm very happy to add my voice to this as well. The playing conditions were excellent and despite at times being under clear pressure the hotel team always did their utmost to ensure players were looked after. It goes without saying that I will miss the Harrogate 4NCL at the Old Swan (the bed and breakfast tended to be cheap) but I'm hoping that there will be future January congresses at the Cedar Court Huddersfield and, if so, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

A strange scenario emerged tonight in the Examiner League with Holmfirth and Meltham & Denby Dale both fielding a father and son combination (Westmoreland's and George's). The dad's faced each other and the sons. This can't be very common, can it?

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Huddersfield League Update
It has been a while since I have done one of these… So here goes.

The Keddie Cup
This one is complete, with Holmfirth winning.

The John Newsome Cup
I cannot speak highly enough of this competition as it allows new players and those lower rated to play in an even and competitive fashion. Ahmed Haseeb leads by a point, followed by Eric and Charles in the u1200s. The last round will be fascinating.

Jacob Westmoreland continues he great run in the u1500s and leads by a point going into the last round. We may actually get a three way tie if he loses, sparking panic amongst the organisers. The competition is scheduled to finish on the 19th March.

The Watkinson’s League
It is a long season with games due to finish at the start of May, with some replays needed after matches were hit my snow at the start of the year. It is tight with Honley leading and Holmfirth half a point behind, with a game in hand. My money is on Holmfirth but I am Captain, so would say that!

The Examiner League
Due to finish at the end of April, Meltham & Denby Dale have a 3 point lead and look like favourites. Honley have a game in hand though, with plenty to play for.

The Bill Lumley Trophy
Meltham & Denby Dale lead again, with Huddersfield and Belgrave set to get there matches rolling on Wednesday. Two more rounds now left and I can’t really call it.

The KO
Starts in May.

Outside the League
Calderdale League

Our mixed league teams in this competition continue to do well, made up of players from Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Honley, Meltham, Wakefield and Manchester.
Huddersfield A have the league title in sight, after the C teams shock win against Hebden Bridge B. After Monday three fixtures remain in March and some catch ups. It has been an intense season, with few breaks. Mondays will see a lot of bored and bereft players from April. Unless like me you have a child playing under 15s cricket, then there is little let up

County
Across the league, we continue to put up players for the County. The NCCU stages finish in March and good luck to all those players who join the County Finals KO from April. Congratulations again to Rob Oldfield, who continues the proud tradition of local players running county teams.
There are positions going for next season, as Treasurer for the YCA, u1450s and u2050s Captains. Personally, I am tempted to go back in, should my scheduling ease.

Events
Two Huddersfield Congresses in 2025! The 4NCL was fantastic at the Cedar Court hotel and it is brilliant to see the Huddersfield Congress returning. These are incredibly good events and massive thanks to Mike Truran (4ncl) and Andy Wainwright (Huddersfield Congress) for putting these in.

Other
We have had a few issues with a local to Huddersfield. Quite a weak player but with strong delusions of adequacy, he is not a member or the league (or any club) and a persistent nuisance online. Sadly, he is making the foray into real life as seen at the 4ncl and more recent local events.
Clubs have their own mitigation strategies from circulating photos and advice to contact the police, to an exit feet first or head first strategy. This bloke clearly needs help, preferably in a secure environment. Police have been contacted a few times and please keep vigilant.

And finally
The work to rebuild the league started in 2019, with an experiment to create a new club in Holmfirth. We now have clubs in Meltham and Denby Dale. The MaDD conglomerate (is that the right word?) has just hit 100 members.

In terms of the league it has not been as busy for over a decade, with the volume of teams and events. It is very pleasing to see so many juniors coming though and new players. I also note an increasing volume of playing coming over from Manchester Clubs with very positive comments on how friendly the HDCA is.

Let’s keep on going!

[Stephen Westmoreland]

For info:

We are holding the Huddersfield and District Chess Association AGM Wednesday 9th July provisionally at Lindley Liberal Club. I am delighted to see that the League has grown (again). Please distribute this to interested members.

The agenda is:

1. Overview of 2024 - 2025 Steve Westmoreland
2. Election of Officers
President - Steve Westmoreland
Treasurer - Alec Ward
Secretary - Nigel Hepworth
Competition Controller - Pavan Telukuntla
Committee - Greg Eagleton, Roger Keely and Dave Colledge

3. Finances - Alec Ward

4. Competitions for next Season
Watkinsons
Examiner
Keddie Cup
Bill Lumley Trophy
John Newsome
HDCA Knockout
Individual Completions

5. Promotion of Chess in Huddersfield - Rob
6. Presentation of trophies
7. AOB

In addition, please can I have any proposals to vote on.

Finally, can all matches be completed by the 27th June. At that point we can close off the League on the LMS. Outstanding matches will be 0-0'd.

Kind regards,

Steve
HDCA President

[Stephen Westmoreland]

Huddersfield League President's Address

My thanks to all those attending the AGM today. It continues to be a privilege to be the President of this fast reviving league. Let’s jump straight into the highlights:
1) More competitions! Alongside the traditional Watkinson’s, Knockout, Bill Lumley and Examiner Leagues, we now have the John Newsome and Keddie Cups.
2) More players! There has been an uptick in membership at Huddersfield and Holmfirth. Membership at Meltham & Denby Dale has shot up beyond 100, courtesy of the fantastic organisational structure.
3) More external participation! The Huddersfield & District Chess Association (HDCA) has one County Captain, ECF representatives for the YCA and NCCU, a County Treasurer and we should soon see a member take up the NCCU secretarial post.
4) More County participation! We had nine league players out on Saturday and circa 22 players featuring this season.
5) We are getting stronger. Move back a few years and 1800 was a good grade for the league, with a few 1900s featuring. We now have Greg at 2071, Alex 2020, Leo 1986, Gerald 1972, Tony 1908, Isaac 1884.
6) More juniors! Good ones too – Alex, Isaac and Will. Jacob also lifted the John Newsome Cup, competing very well against adults.
7) Congratulations to Alex, Leo and Gerald lifting the County title with the 2050s last Saturday.

Where do I wants us to go from here:
1) More clubs would be great, although this is no mean feat. A larger league with an ever improving standard with prevent the drain to stronger leagues.
2) I would like to see some of our older clubs pick up recruitment. Specifically, Huddersfield and Honley. Huddersfield has the potential to be a giant again, with the location and interest in chess out there.

Disciplinary matters
1) There were no internal disciplinary matters yet again! The League is very well behaved and respected, which has led to a number of players in different leagues making the trip to participate.
2) The were again external issues unconnected with the HDCA. This continues to be managed.

Shout outs
1) Huddersfield A coming Second in the Calderdale League
2) Holmfirth winning the Silver Rook for promotion into Division 2
3) Alex and Isaac representing Yorkshire on the world stage at the Chess Mates event in York
4) Lifting the Hardcastle Shield for Services to Chess in Yorkshire
5) People are starting to apply for the England Master titles. This is a fun thing to do and let’s get more people doing it.
6) Rob Mitchells amazing work with the juniors at Meltham. There is an unbelievable amount of work that goes into this.
7) The 4NCL coming to Huddersfield and the Huddersfield Congress re-appearing curtest of Andrew Wainwright. The latter will form a part of the new White Rose Circuit.

And finally
It is a long season, especially for the organisers and county players. We continue to build and become stronger. Chess is still growing.
Let’s support each other as a league and continue to grow.

Trophies
Bill Lumley – Meltham & Denby Dale A
Examiner – Meltham & Denby Dale A
Keddie Cup – Holmfirth
KO – Honley
Watkinsons – Honley
John Newsome 1200-1500 Jacob Westmoreland
John Newsome u1199 – Ahmed Haseeb

[MartinCarpenter]

Very impressive I'd have thought Huddersfield are going to struggle to be a giant in and of themselves with the satellite towns all doing so well.

The White Rose circuit does seem like a very fine thing, lets hope it works out.

[Stephen Westmoreland]

That is an issue. The satellite towns are doing well.