For once we out-rated the opposition but nothing could have caused us to expect to be 2-0 up within about half an hour!

Looking over board two’s shoulder, I saw Adrian congratulating Alexis on his play - a very quick mating attack.

But John was not far behind. His 14th, move, Nf6+, also attacked Luke’s female monarch on d7, bringing matters to a very hasty conclusion. Rumour has it that he is going to present a trophy for the quickest royal fork of the season.

The rest of the games followed a more sedate process. I was following fairly standard defensive practice and, next to me, El was doing what she seems to be making a habit of, namely building steady pressure as White. On the odd numbered boards with Black Mike had an unbalanced and unclear game and Dave was holding solidly.

It was boards three and five that finished next. Mike was under strong attack from Matt and eventually succumbed. Dave always had the draw well in hand against Barry and duly shared the point.

El had brought along an almighty can opener, which she used to prise open the a file against Reuben. His King was pretty much stranded behind increasingly flimsy pawn protection and El duly broke through to win enough material to ensure victory. Another very smoothly handled attack.

I managed to break out in the centre against Phillip and the game was evenly balanced until he went for a line which cost him both bishops for a rook. On an open board the bishops covered so much ground that other threats finally brought home the point.

This win by 4½-1½ means we are one of six teams all bunched together with good chances of finishing in the top two. If we carry on like this, I suppose this time next year we could be pressing for promotion to division one!

Ian Pickup