Hampshire County Matches 1890 / 91

CHESS MATCH. Hampshire v. Sussex. The newly formed Hampshire Chess Association must be congratulated on its first victory for three reasons : First, because all the members of the Hampshire team appointed to play attended, notwithstanding the long cold journey most of them undertook by steamboat and railway; secondly, because Sussex has not been defeated for the last three years, having in turn beaten Hants, Kent, Surrey, and Yorkshire (the latter a match by correspondence); thirdly, because Hampshire can now fairly lay claim to the title of premier chess county on the south coast.

The strength of the Hampshire team is largely due to the indefatigable efforts of Mr JH Blake, of Southampton, who is considered by the London professionals to be the strongest amateur in England.

The match took place at Hardham’s Restaurant, East-street, Chichester, on Saturday afternoon at three o’clock. The Presidents of both the Hampshire and Sussex Associations were present. Several of the Hampshire team did not play up to their usual good form owing to indisposition.

Isle of Wight Observer – Saturday 24 January 1891

CHESS MATCH. HAMPSHIRE V. SUSSEX. ANOTHER VICTORY FOR HAMPSHIRE. The match Burghard’s Hotel, Commercial road, Portsmouth, on Saturday last, leaves no doubt to the leading chess county on the south coast. Sussex, with her large and well-organised Association, backed up as it is with a chess journal, certainly has many advantages over Hampshire, whose Association has been existence but eight months.

Had Sussex played 16 a-side, according to arrangement, her defeat would, have been much greater. Thus Dr Foumartin, of Portsmouth, a brilliant player, generously stood out for Mr. Osborne, of Ryde, who had travelled specially from London in order to play. Mr. Osborne was to have played number 16, which position he would have doubtless won his game.

On board 1. Mr JH Blake’s game with Mr. Wilson was adjudicated at 8 pm as a draw, although Mr. Blake had the advantage of a pawn. Both gentlemen played with considerable ability.
Board 2.—Lieutenant Chepmell played a brilliant and faultless game with Mr. Butler. The latter had the opening move and won easily.
Board 3. —Mr. Crassweller finished up hard, contested game with two pawns to the good, and won.
Board 4.—Mr. Elwell, the rising young player of Southampton, managed to secure a draw, although he was a pawn to the bad.
Board 5.—Mr. Raymond after two hours excellent play made a slip, Mr. Erskine cleverly took advantage of it and secured a win.
Board 6.—Mr. Kenny, of Southampton, as usual, won brilliantly.
Board 7.—Mr. Budden secured a masterly position at the start, from which he was never wholly dislodged, although his opponent played well.
Board 8. —Mr. E. Clayton has played four times for his county, winning 3½ out of 4. His game, however, against Mr J Bridger was adjudicated as a draw. Mr. Bridger played a brilliant Ruy Lopez attack, To which Mr Clayton nearly succumbed, he having pawn to the bad.
Board 9.—Mr. Chipperfield’s game with Mr. Malden was even throughout.
Board 10.—The Rev E Wells, after a very even game, left a knight en prise, which Mr Dobel immediately captured, and the former resigned.
Board 11. Mr. Curtis had decidedly the worst of the opening game with Mr. Mussabini, but a series of excellent combinations regained ground, and won one of the best games in the match.
Board 12. —Mr. Osborn played an even game, for three hours, but eventually Mr Arnold secured a winning position, and at eight p.m. Adjudicators awarded the game to Mr. Arnold.

Thus Hampshire has now won three matches and Sussex one.

Portsmouth Evening News – Monday 01 June 1891