Koninklijk Schaakkring Deurne  - St. Albans Chessclub            10,5  -  5,5  !

On Saturday 25th of February 2017 our chess club played a real international but friendly match on the Esso premises.
The team of St. Albans Chess club (north of London) visited us with a team of 8 players.

It was a fantastic experience !
Our president – Robert Schuermans – was a bit skeptical and even worried about this match but that turned out to be totally unnecessary.

At first, seeing the announcement for this friendly match, a lot of members of KSK Deurne were very enthusiastic  but as the playing date drew nearer the inscriptions were not coming in all that smooth.
That changed when Marcel Van Herck came to the rescue and when Roger Bruynseels brought in some fresh ideas the organization was well under way. Thanks a lot Marcel and Roger !!

The match was played in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. The games might not have been all that perfect –  there were some cute positons to be observed.

The individual results of the match :

The apotheosis came later that evening during dinner. Sander and Ewa served a splendid 2 course meal.
This was not evident as Sander had to cope with serious storm damage on Thursday.
But Sander and Ewa gave it their best shot nevertheless, so bravo Sander and Ewa !!

All the visiting English players stayed for dinner and together with our own players and supporters we counted no less than 22 participants !  Dinner was served at a very friendly price.

After dinner our English guests were not ready to go home yet !
They all joined in for a game of pool and some singing and even dancing ! 
Who would have thought ….

Highlights were “God Save the Queen” – a special request by Roger – and president Robert Schuermans bringing an excellent “Sweet Caroline”.  Our Esso Club House was shaking on its foundations. 

A day and evening never to forget and one for the records !
Do I have to repeat ?  The absentees were totally wrong. You missed out. 

Robert Schuermans,

A very proud president of Royal SK Deurne !