Notts League Review 2016-17
Report by Phil Morgan
Congratulations to Grantham 1 on winning the League title for the eighth successive year, achieving this for the first time with the perfect score of 28 points from 14 games. This completes a remarkable ascent since their promotion from Division 2 in 2007-8. They have steadily strengthened their team, and showed no sign of sitting on their laurels. The secret of their success. They work harder on and off the board than any other team, clocking up much more mileage. They’re a very committed team, who show respect for the game and their opponents.
The attainment is not caused by the dip of other teams. On the contrary , Mansfield have significantly strengthened their team this season and presented a strong title challenge, finishing deserved runners-up.
Congratulations to Newark 1, winners of Division 2. Despite strong opposition, they came close to emulating Grantham’s perfect season, winning 13 games before faltering at the last with a defeat to West Notts 1. This result clinched West Notts 1’s return to the top tier, ahead of the juniors West Notts 2 team. It’s a big jump from Division 2 to Division 1, but Newark 1 and West Notts appear equipped for the challenge. It will be interesting to see how West Notts 1 configure their top two teams.
Congratulations to Nomads and University on their teams’ achievments this year. Nomads 1 won Division 3 , with University 1 as runner-up. Nomads 2 won Division 4, with University 2 as runners-up. It’s good to see a rise in these clubs’ fortunes. Each club seems to be developing more strength in depth within the club.
Newark 3 were impressive winners of Division 5. Nomads 3 as runners-up secured Nomads’ promotion hat-trick. Ashfield 4 also made the promotion frame.
Chess has winners and losers. Let’s celebrate the former - A Vintage Year for Grantham 1, but also a very good year for other clubs on the climb, notably Newark, Nomads and University who achieved multiple team success.