News & Updates
En Passant and Tom Fuller Champions!
It was once again another extremely hot day in Our Lady of Cray’s. On the tail end of the May heat wave and not helped by the packed attendance in the church hall. I’m pleased to report that of the 26 players selected to represent Medway on finals day all 26 made it to the venue. And most of them on time.
The club were proud to boast 5 teams in the finals and even received a round of applause for making it to all 8 semis. A nice touch from Martin Stewart, who we thank for hosting the event.
We kicked off shortly after 12:30 and the bustling anticipation of the hall immediately turned into silent concentration. I was the first to finish, a draw on board 5 in the Stevenson, and so was able to update those not in attendance as the results began to slowly roll in. Forgive me if I don’t mention all of them. There were many.
The second result, a win in the Tom Fuller on board 4 for Mason. Against a higher rated opponent and on his first season! Then the third result. A win for Oben in the En Passant! A player who didn’t let the nerves show when he was asked to move up from the Tom Fuller at the last moment. Fourth, a draw in the Harvey.
Fifth, another win in the En Passant! Minula! Another late call up to the team. Against an opponent rated 1794, over 200 Elo higher than his own K rating. Despite being a team sport we don’t really do Player of the Match in chess. If we did, today it would have undoubtedly been Minula.
A loss in the Tom Fuller, followed by 2 in the Intro. Who were up against an extremely highly rated Charlton team.
Then a third win in the En Passant! Alexsei on board 1. Meaning we had won the match and the Cup!
A draw for Patrick in the Stevenson, for Killian in the Intro and David L in the Harvey. A win for David C on board 1 in the Tom Fuller, though after some confusion was later agreed to be a draw. However, it was shortly followed by a win for Daniel on board 2 to secure the match.
A few more results rolled in. The other teams finished and all were tensely watching the remaining Stevenson players. Aram won with a brilliant tactic on board 2. Dom immediately breathed a sigh of relief and resigned after a hard fought game on the top board. Chris finished with a Draw. 2 and a half each. It looked to be winning for Paul on board 3. Down to 3 minutes each on the clock. My heart raced as I watched. His opponent fought on and found a winning idea.
Congratulations to Hastings, Charlton, Lewisham and Petts wood & Orpington.
Congratulations to Medway! Tom Fuller and En Passant Champions 2026.
Thank you to all the Kent officers who organised the finals and for their work throughout the year and thank you to the Arbiters.
Thank you to all the Captains, Players, Parents and Committee members at Medway who make this club such a great community.
All members and their families are invited to join us at English Martyrs for a celebratory BBQ on Saturday 18th of July. Details will be circulated shortly.
A.Thorpe 3rd June 2026
Members of Medway Chess Club with the Tom Fuller and En Passant Cups - 30th May 2026
Finals here we come!
It was a very hot Saturday afternoon to be playing chess inside at English Martyrs'. The club secretary, Jedda, was as always a very accomodating hostess. Securing the hall for a weekend fixture to ensure the young players of Petswood & Orpington could avoid travelling the distance on a weekday evening. They were welcomed to platters of sandwiches and fruit and almost forcibly hydrated.
Jaydon secured an early win on board 3 to settle the nerves. Unfortunately it wasn't long until Petswood equalised on board 4 and board 1 tied bringing the score to 1.5-1.5. It all came down to Conal on the second board, who seemed to not mind the scortching heat as he battled it out with his opponent. Playing nearly 100 moves into a tense endgame with only a minute on the clock. Finally managing to trade off everything, securing the draw and a spot in the finals.
Many congratulations to them for becoming the 5th Medway team to secure an opportunity to fight for silverware!
They will be joining teams from the club competing for the Stevenson, En Passant, Harvey and Tom Fuller cups. Of the 84 players that will be at Our Lady Of Crays Church on the 30th of May, 26 of them will be from Medway. Whatever the result on the day, that is in an incredible feat. Well done all.
23rd May 2026
Semifinals here we come
Following a strong performance last night by Medway 4 in the En Passant vs Rainham. Medway Chess club have now made it to the semifinals of all 8 leagues!
From the Foundation all the way to the County. Including home semifinals in the Intro, En Passant, Stevenson and Lewis Cups where we are the MidKent area champions 2025/26.
Lets see if we can make it through to some finals!
We kick off this years semis with the first team playing at Lewisham in the County Cup on the 22nd of April. Other fixtures are still being arranged, you can check for updates here.
16th April 2026
Shreyas Royal Simultaneous Exhibition
The young Grand Master will be visiting Medway Chess Club on Saturday the 25th of April to take part in a simultanous exhibition where he will play up to 30 players at the same time.
Our last guest was GM Sergei Tiviakov who saw club members achieve 2 wins and 2 draws (and many losses). Will we be able to achieve another great result?
16th April 2026