Hampshire played four matches this season, with the three SCCU ones, and their annual match against Wiltshire. Following on from the disappointing season the previous year, this year was much better with two wins and two losses. The match against Surrey was also much more competitive than the last couple of years.
For the record of Hampshire County matches, and links to any articles I have written, the table on the Hampshire County Chess Matches page will detail these. The Hampshire County Chess History page summaries the leagues Hampshire have played in, and the successes Hampshire have achieved. Both of these are available from the menu at the top of the site as well.
Hampshire 9 Sussex 7 – Sept 24th 1904 – Portsmouth
Hampshire’s first match was against Sussex and this year was played in Portsmouth. After three losses to Sussex, Hampshire returned to winning ways with a narrow 9 -7 result.
Playing in Portsmouth was a big advantage for Hampshire in this match, and they were certainly strong on the top boards, with a number of excellent players. This can be seen from the result as they scored 5½ points on the first 7 boards. Sussex were probably missing a few of their players, due to the location. In the fixture the year before, which was held in Chichester, the two Sussex players on the top boards were not playing.
S Pilch drew his game the previous year in this fixture, this year he went one better, winning his game. Unfortunately he was playing for Sussex though, rather than Hampshire!
Hampshire winners were JH Blake, FJH Elwell, GA Thomas, JS Flower, WC Kenny, R Targett, RH Wadeson and H Turner and this was an excellent start to the season, following the disaster in 1903/04.
The report in the Portsmouth Evening News also mentioned the newly formed British Chess Federation.
HANTS BEAT SUSSEX. Portsmouth was on Saturday the scene of the first inter-county chess match under the auspices of the newly formed British Chess Federation. The contest was also the first of the series of matches that will be played between Hants, Kent, Surrey and Sussex for the championship of the South-Eastern. Division.
Portsmouth Evening News – Tuesday 27 September 1904
| Board | Hampshire | Club | Result | Sussex | Club | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JH Blake | Southampton | 1 | HE Dobell | Hastings | 0 |
| 2 | FJH Elwell | Southampton | 1 | EG Reed | Brighton | 0 |
| 3 | T Crassweller | Portsmouth | ½ | HW Butler | Brighton | ½ |
| 4 | Sir GA Thomas | Portsmouth | 1 | CJA Wade | Henfield | 0 |
| 5 | E Draycott | Portsmouth | 0 | JA Watt | Hastings | 1 |
| 6 | JS Flower | IOW | 1 | IE Mannington | do? | 0 |
| 7 | WC Kenny | Southampton | 1 | W Wicks | Brighton | 0 |
| 8 | E Clayton | Portsmouth | 0 | J Creevy | Uckfield | 1 |
| 9 | R Targett | Southampton | 1 | J Chandler | Lewes | 0 |
| 10 | G Wood | Portsmouth | 0 | FE Purchas | Brighton | 1 |
| 11 | RH Wadeson | Portsmouth | 1 | F Brook | Brighton | 0 |
| 12 | S Oaten | Winchester | ½ | JG Johnson | Brighton | ½ |
| 13 | SD Caws | IOW | 0 | FJ Mann | Hastings | 1 |
| 14 | H Turner | Andover | 1 | HT Grover | Brighton | 0 |
| 15 | DHH Wassell | Petersfield | 0 | HJ Stephenson | Hastings | 1 |
| 16 | WH Killick | Southampton | 0 | S Pilch | Brighton | 1 |
| Total | 9 | Total | 7 |
Hampshire 5 v Kent 11- Nov 19th 1904 – London
The Kent match was played in London again, at the same time that Surrey played Sussex. The Hampshire team were weaker than the one against Sussex, missing Sir George Thomas and the Isle of Wight players. Players such as DHH Wassell were playing on a higher board in this match as well (board 13 compared to 15).
In the end Kent were comfortable winners, 11 to 5. Hampshire three winners were FJH Elwell, DHH Wassell and HJ Penwill. JH Blake met OC Muller again and after winning and losing the previous two years, they had the third result this time.
The report in the Portsmouth Evening News also thinks Hampshire were not at its proper strength, missing a number of players from parts of the County. The Kent team were also very strong.
CHESS. KENT DEFEATS HANTS. Two matches in the Southern Counties’ Union Championship Competition were played last Saturday at the City London Club, Surrey defeating Sussex by 12 to 4, and Kent almost securing the same score against Hants.
Portsmouth Evening News – Wednesday 23 November 1904
Owing the absence of players from several important centres in the county the Hampshire team was not to its proper strength—Basingstoke, Winchester, and the Isle of Wight being unrepresented, and Bournemouth and Portsmouth only providing two players each. The Petersfield and Southampton, players did well, that they were responsible for the whole of the points scored.
Whilst researching the match I came across the following letter from a Kent player referring to the fact that they always played their Surrey matches in London, which left Kent at a large disadvantage. This also shed some light on the Devon’s win against Surrey the previous year. Although five of the games were actually played in London and not Salisbury, there was nothing to take away from Devon’s fine win.
AL Stevenson Letter: The following letter appeared recently the chess column edited by the Hon. Secretary of the Kent Association : Sir, I was pleased to notice, in last week’s “Courier,” your remarks referring to the SCCU. match with Surrey. For the last ten years Kent has, with some few exceptions, pursued the mistaken policy playing Surrey on her own ground, viz., in London.
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald – Saturday 12 November 1904
The result of this course of action is that Kent has lost every match with Surrey during that period. I do not say that things would have been otherwise under any conditions, but I do maintain that Kent has wilfully surrendered every possible advantage to her powerful opponent.
On one or two occasions when the match did not take place London, it was played at Rochester – a place that, as you remark, Is not a particularly good centre for Kent players. May I now be allowed to repeat, through your column, the suggestion that I have frequently made on other occasions – viz., that Kent should exercise her undoubted right of choosing the place of meeting in alternate years, and that the choice should not always fall on Rochester. Maidstone is our best centre, geographically; but, on other grounds, Canterbury Tunbridge Wells would probably be better.
This, be it understood, is without any prejudice to Rochester, whose services to the Association are too well known to need recapitulation. It may be safely affirmed that no county will ever beat Surrey in London, tor she possesses there the unique advantage of having (practically) all her players the spot, and she can select the strongest at pleasure. Many persons were doubtless surprised to learn that the Devon Association (one of recent growth) defeated Surrey last June 9½ points to 6½. The fact, however, was easy of explanation; the match was played—not in London, but at Salisbury. I am, yours faithfully, A. L. STEVENSON
These letters will always stress the disadvantage of the writers county, and all I would say is that Hampshire played Kent in London every year, which on the whole is a lot closer to Kent than it is to Hampshire!
My view is that if Hampshire had played a few of the Kent matches in Hampshire we may have had won the Championship. For example in the 1899 / 90 season when Hampshire beat Surrey, facing Kent in Hampshire may have swung the match (we were hammered 11½ – 4½).
| Board | Hampshire | Club | Result | Kent | Club | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JH Blake | Southampton | ½ | OC Muller | Lewisham | ½ |
| 2 | FJH Elwell | Southampton | 1 | EL Raymond | Tunbridge Wells | 0 |
| 3 | T Crassweller | Portsmouth | 0 | Evan Cresswell | Lee | 1 |
| 4 | TE Haydon (absent) | 0 | CH Lorch | Syndeham | 1 | |
| 5 | WC Kenny | Southampton | 0 | C Chapman | Sevonoaks | 1 |
| 6 | WR Neve | Bournemouth | 0 | WB Dixon | Rochester | 1 |
| 7 | A Thomson | Bournemouth | 0 | RFB Jones | Dover | 1 |
| 8 | A Asher | Southampton | ½ | GA Felce | Bromley | ½ |
| 9 | JR Waldron | Southampton | 0 | TS Connan | Tunbridge Wells | 1 |
| 10 | GR Sloper | Southampton | 0 | PHJ O’Connor | Woolwich | 1 |
| 11 | G Wood | Portsmouth | 0 | G Metzler | Chatham | 1 |
| 12 | GH Barclay | Andover | 0 | AJ Prichard | Lee | 1 |
| 13 | DHH Wassell | Petersfield | 1 | BW Hamilton | Lee | 0 |
| 14 | WS Fenwick | Southampton | ½ | H Storr-Best | Bromley | ½ |
| 15 | Revd AT Richardson | Petersfield | ½ | F Clayton | Chatham | ½ |
| 16 | HJ Penwill | Southampton | 1 | VA Parnell | Maindstone | 0 |
| Total | 5 | Total | 11 |
Hampshire 7 v Surrey 9 – Feb 11th 1905 – Southampton
Surrey were Hampshire’s final SCCU opponent. The last two years were comfortable wins for Surrey, but this year Hampshire put on a better performance, although they still lost (only by 2 points though). One of the reasons for the better performance was due to the match (or most of it) being played in Southampton.
It is not always easy to determine the team strength, but I think this was probably Hampshire’s strongest team of all their matches this season. But of course Surrey were probably the strongest County in the UK, certainly the South of England. They would go on to win the Shannon Championship again this season.
The Southern Evening Echo had a comprehensive report on the match, giving valuable information. As mentioned in previous articles a number of Hampshire players were based (or worked) in London, and games were played prior to the Saturday. In this instance four Hampshire players (Haydon, Barlow, Crasweller and Neve) played on Thursday in London, and Hampshire started the match on Saturday 2½ – 1½ ahead. As Surrey defaulted on board 7 and Mr Oates won quickly Hampshire were soon 4½ – 1½ ahead with 10 games remaning.
But, as the report states Hampshire quickly lost on boards 3, 9, 14 and 16 which gave Surrey the lead, which they did not relinquish. The match had two adjourned games, one of which was won by Hampshire and one drawn. But which one was the win and which one was the draw is unknown.
Hampshire winners were TE Haydon, GA Thomas, T Crassweller, J Rogers and either E Clayton or R Targett.
CHESS. SOUTHERN COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP. The match in connection with this competition between Hampshire and Surrey was played last Saturday, as Scullard’s Hotel the headquarters of the Southampton Chess Club, and considering the fine start the home team made, the final result was very disappointing.
Southern Echo – Tuesday 14 February 1905
The poor score of the bottom boards was quite unexpected. Four games were played in London on the Thursday before (Nos. 3, 5, 6, and 12). The result of these and the game by default, gave Hampshire the good start of 3½ – 1½. Mr. Oates on board 15, increased the score to 4. Two up out of six looked promising. but in the next few minutes 4 losses were scored in rapid succession at boards 3, 9, 14 and 16.
Mr. Thomas win revived the hopes of the home team. The visitors. however, asserted their superiority at boards Nos. 11 and 13. leaving the score at the call of time 8 to 5. The position at the top board being considered level. Messrs. Blake and Wainwright agreed to a draw. The two unfinished games cannot affect the result of the match
| Board | Hampshire | Club | Result | Surrey | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JH Blake | Southampton | ½ | TB Girdlestone | ½ |
| 2 | FJH Elwell | Southampton | 0 | AJ Curnock | 1 |
| 3 | TE Haydon | Unattached | 1 | Herbert Jacobs | 0 |
| 4 | Sir GA Thomas | Portsmouth | 1 | FL Anspach | 0 |
| 5 | RF Barlow | Unattached | 0 | Dr Dunstan | 1 |
| 6 | T Crassweller | Portsmouth | 1 | TB Girdlestone | 0 |
| 7 | J Rogers | Southampton | 1 | Default | 0 |
| 8 | E Clayton | Portsmouth | a | LP Ree | a |
| 9 | A Asher | Southampton | 0 | CJ Allingham | 1 |
| 10 | R Targett | Southampton | a | WD Childs | a |
| 11 | G Wood | Portsmouth | 0 | F Alexander | 1 |
| 12 | WR Neve | Bournemouth | ½ | F Hauff | ½ |
| 13 | SW May | Winchester | 0 | HW Piercy | 1 |
| 14 | GA Bell | Andover | 0 | WP Plummer | 1 |
| 15 | S Oates | Winchester | ½ | WB Pigg | ½ |
| 16 | WJ Turner | Andover | 0 | TH Moore | 1 |
| Total | 7 | 9 |
Hampshire 12½ v Wiltshire 5½- July 15th 1905 – Salisbury
Hampshire’s final match of the season was their friendly against Wiltshire. Last season Wiltshire had beaten Hampshire for the first time. The Hampshire team in that match looked understrength to me, and if there was time the players were allowed to play another game.
This is no excuse, but this year Hampshire had a much stronger team and additional games were not played (or they did not count to the score) and Hampshire won 12½ – 5½.
The surprise of the match was JH Blake’s loss to the Revd AG Gordon Ross. I have 13 results from the Hants – Wilts matches in which Blake played and he lost one and drew one, winning all his other games. The Revd Ross was the current president of the Southern Counties Chess Union and would later be the President of the British Chess Federation. By that time he was a Canon, rather than a Revd though.
Hampshire winners were WC Kenny, E Clayton, WB George, SW May, HM Jenkins, S Leonard, AT Larter, AJ Taylor, RG Stark and Prof EL Watkins.
The Bournemouth Daily Echo reported on the match.
CHESS. HANTS v. WILTS. The annual chess match between the counties of Hants and Wilts was played at Laverstock, Salisbury, on Wedensday. By the kind invitation of Dr. Manning the play took place out of doors, in the beautiful grounds attached to his residence, and the teams were most hospitably entertained him.
Bournemouth Daily Echo – Thursday 13 July 1905
The Rev. AG Gordon Ross in proposing a vote of thanks their host, said they greatly appreciated the kindness which had been extended them. Mr. Blake, seconding. the vote was carried with acclamation. The Doctor, in responding, complimented the winners their victory, and expressed hope they would meet again on many future occasions. Hampshire was well represented. the team having been drawn from all ports of the county. The result 12½ – 5½ was highly satisfactory.
| Board | Hampshire | Club | Result | Wiltshire | Club | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JH Blake | Southampton | 0 | Revd AG Gordon Ross | Swindon | 1 |
| 2 | WC Kenny | Southampton | 1 | A Rumboll | Calne | 0 |
| 3 | H Taggett | Southampton | ½ | JC Plainter | Swindon | ½ |
| 4 | E Clayton | Portsmouth | 1 | A Schomberg | Melksham | 0 |
| 5 | A Thomson | Bournemouth | 0 | F Sutton | Salisbury | 1 |
| 6 | WB George | Romsey | 1 | CJ Woodrow | Salisbury | 0 |
| 7 | G Wood | Portsmouth | ½ | FE Young | Salisbury | ½ |
| 8 | SW May | Winchester | 1 | BWG Borradaile | Mere | 0 |
| 9 | H Martyn Jenkins | Basingstoke | 1 | Dr Ward | Codford | 0 |
| 10 | SD Caws | IOW | ½ | WJ Nash | Salisbury | ½ |
| 11 | GH Barclay | Andover | 0 | Dr Farnfield | Mere | 1 |
| 12 | J Rogers | Southampton | ½ | T Brinsmead | Salisbury | ½ |
| 13 | S Leonard | Bournemouth | 1 | Revd C Le Sanctuary | Salisbury | 0 |
| 14 | AT Larter | Basingstoke | 1 | AE Chater | Salisbury | 0 |
| 15 | AJ Taylor | IOW | 1 | H Boger | Salisbury | 0 |
| 16 | RG Stark | Basingstoke | 1 | W Dean | Codford | 0 |
| 17 | Prof EL Watkins | Southampton | 1 | Dr HJ Manning | Salisbury | 0 |
| 18 | JR Waldron | Southampton | ½ | CM Gummer | Melksham | ½ |
| Total | 12½ | Total | 5½ |
Hampshire Player Performance
Hampshire played four matches. The future Sir George Thomas was coming into his own at this age and won both his games on board 4 against Surrey and Sussex. Going forward he would always play on a higher board, but unfortunately did not play regularly. He would not lose from this point forward until his last game (from my records) in 1938 against another British Champion Harry Golombek.
Frank Elwell and WC Kenny won and drew one game, whilst JH Blake’s 50% was down to his loss in the Wiltshire match. A number of players won their one game, as Hampshire used almost 40 players in their season. Targett and Clayton’s score is misleading, as they either won or drew one of their adjourned games.
Individual player performance is detailed below in a sortable table.
| Hants Player | Win Percentage | Points Scored | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir GA Thomas | 100.0% | 2 | 2 |
| WC Kenny | 66.7% | 2 | 3 |
| FJH Elwell | 66.7% | 2 | 3 |
| JH Blake | 50.0% | 2 | 4 |
| J Rogers | 75.0% | 1.5 | 2 |
| T Crassweller | 50.0% | 1.5 | 3 |
| AT Larter | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| H Turner | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| Prof EL Watkins | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| AJ Taylor | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| HJ Penwill | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| RG Stark | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| WB George | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| RH Wadeson | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| S Leonard | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| H Martyn Jenkins | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| JS Flower | 100.0% | 1 | 1 |
| S Oaten | 50.0% | 1 | 2 |
| R Targett | 100.0% | 1 | 2 |
| SW May | 50.0% | 1 | 2 |
| TE Haydon | 50.0% | 1 | 2 |
| DHH Wassell | 50.0% | 1 | 2 |
| E Clayton | 50.0% | 1 | 3 |
| Revd AT Richardson | 50.0% | 0.5 | 1 |
| H Taggett | 50.0% | 0.5 | 1 |
| WS Fenwick | 50.0% | 0.5 | 1 |
| SD Caws | 25.0% | 0.5 | 2 |
| WR Neve | 25.0% | 0.5 | 2 |
| A Asher | 25.0% | 0.5 | 2 |
| JR Waldron | 25.0% | 0.5 | 2 |
| G Wood | 12.5% | 0.5 | 4 |
| GA Bell | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| E Draycott | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| WJ Turner | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| RF Barlow | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| WH Killick | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| GR Sloper | 0.0% | 0 | 1 |
| A Thomson | 0.0% | 0 | 2 |
| GH Barclay | 0.0% | 0 | 2 |
Summary
A better season than the previous one, with two wins and two losses from the four matches.
As some background on Hampshire Chess this season, the Hampshire Trophy was won by Southampton A. In this competition for the first time there were two divisions (SE and NE). Andover, Southampton B and C and Winchester were in the the NW Division whilst the SE division included Petersfield, Portsmouth A and B and Southampton A. In the SE division Southampton A and Portsmouth B both finished on 5 points and Southampton A won the play-off. Meanwhile Southampton C won the NW division. In an all Southampton final the A team beat the C team
The Hampshire Chess Officers were unchanged from 1904:
- R Chipperfield – President
- HJ Penwill – Hon. Secretary and Treasurer
- JH Blake – Match Captain
- FJH Elwell, G Wood – Adjudicator’s
- GR Sloper, JH Blake, E Draycott – SCCU Delegates
The AGM was held at the Southampton Chess Club’s headquarters as reported in the Hampshire Independent.
Gallery
A selection of newspaper cuttings on the various matches.
Acknowledgements and Sources
- British Newspaper Archives
- Anthony Fulton for historic material on results
- Southern Echo
- Bournemouth Daily Echo
- Hampshire Independant
- Beckenham Journal
- Portsmouth News