Clifton C were not at full strength according to Igor but they still averaged nearly 1800, which was over 200 more than us!

By his own admission, Joe was not at his best, indeed he would rather not comment on his game. This happens to us all from time to time!

Carolus found the rating deficit of nearly 350 against Kandara too much to handle as she exploited a modest lead in development to infiltrate and eventually win a bishop. This meant we were stuggling to get anything from the match but it’s not only about points!

Considering the strength of the opposition it was all uphill from here. I (Ian) had managed to get in the freeing d5 as Black in a Sicilian, which led to some swapping of pieces, including the Queens. My draw offer in an even middle game was accepted by Igor.

Then the Daves both held their stronger (on paper, according to the ratings) opponents. Mr Williams was never in any trouble on board two and by move 23 they were both down to Q + R + one minor piece and, barring a huge mistake, no winning prospects for either player; and Mr Woodcock also equalized comfortably enough.

Which leaves us with Greg, who stepped up from the E team to help us, and handled a new system as Black very well. Indeed the engine’s verdict was “Sharp - a back and forth game where both players had chances.” It wasn’t until move 43 that they agreed a draw in a tricky rook ending.

So we lost 4-2 but the skipper was “pretty pleased” with the result, considering that we managed four draws against the runaway leaders of division three. At least we shan’t have to face them again next season so now it just remains to build on this effort and maintain our place in division three.