D1 Ashfield 1 defeat 3 man West Bridgford 1
D5 Central 3 defeat Newark 3.
The curtain falls on League season 2025-26. Congratulations to the League and Divisional winners, from 5 different clubs. Honours have been shared around, with four other clubs claiming runners-up positions. Player stats. are complete, and ratings will follow. This time last year, it was pointed out to me that I had lost the most ratings points of any player in the League. When a senior player’s form, results and rating dive, so does one’s enjoyment of the game. I felt I was letting the team down and worried this might signal the start of the slippery slope to dementia. I considered quitting but was persuaded by a team-mate to try another season.
I’m glad I did. I’ve found some form, won some games I had no right to win and regained a good bunch of ratings points.
I hope my experience can offer encouragement to others.This is not unique to chess. As I write this, I glimpse a press headline, ‘ Duckett regains ‘love of cricket’ after first century in 11 months.’
Phil Morgan