Haverfordwest Pawn Stars played their first match in the Welsh Chess Union's U1850 League on Sunday 1 November, and came within half a point of a result against The Full Ponty at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend.

The Match

Sam Rawlinson picked up our first win in the league on board 2, beating Mike Hollyman with the white pieces. On top board, Shailendra Musale held John Watts to a draw with Black.

Wins for Robert Wallace and Richard Swales on boards 3 and 4 settled it for The Full Ponty. Rhys Sommerville and Kieran Williams were both playing in the team's very first round, and there's plenty of season left for them to put that right.

What's Next

The league is a Swiss, so our round 2 opponents will be known once the pairings are published. Round 2 is on Sunday 10 January 2027, again at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend. Fixtures, pairings and results are all on the Welsh Chess Union website.

Thank you to Shailendra, Sam, Rhys and Kieran for making the trip to Bridgend, and to The Full Ponty for a well-fought match. If you'd like to be considered for the team later in the season, speak to a club organiser at the next Monday meetup.