Hammersmith Juniors Stun Lewisham 3 in an Historic Victory
On Tuesday 18th November, Hammersmith Juniors delivered their best result ever. Facing Lewisham 3 — an experienced adult side with five players rated 1700+ — our young stars won 4.5–3.5. Whilst as ever a team effort, three games stand out for the courage, composure and inspired chess that characterise our Juniors.
Charlotte Oudet’s Amazing Comeback
Charlotte, playing Black on Board 7, was in serious trouble after just ten moves. The position looked bleak and resignation felt possible.
Yet Charlotte fought for every tempo and slowly turned the tide. By move 36 she was a piece up and her opponent resigned — a brilliant example of resilience under pressure.
Alex Royce’s Tactical Brilliance
Alex faced a much higher-rated opponent and slipped a pawn early on. Lesser players would have folded; Alex instead recalibrated, regained control, and began pushing. Twenty moves later he was the one pressing, with a pair of rooks dominating the centre. His opponent was forced to resign, completing a superb turnaround.
Cedric Demarcus Saves the Match
At 4–3 to Hammersmith, the whole match came down to Cedric on Board 2. His game stretched beyond three and a half hours, drawing players from neighbouring matches as spectators. Cedric defended an incredibly difficult ending: king and five pawns against a knight and four pawns. Several times defeat looked close, but at the critical moment he found a brilliant resource — advancing the h-pawn to force an exchange and reach a stalemate.
The heroic half-point that secured the match.
A night to remember — and proof that talent, courage and determination can more than match experience. The future of Hammersmith Chess is bright.
