Dave Woodcock was indisposed late on the day so we were especially grateful to Aldrin for bringing Alexis at very short notice, along with two of his younger children. North Bristol were very obliging and offered the junior time rate despite our not having given notice of it and matched one of their own juniors against Alexis.

In fact, Alexis proved to be the stronger and won quite quickly, but not before our other Dave had got into a bit of a tangle with infiltration by the opposition, soon levelling the score at 1-1.

In the middle part of the match Nigel held off various threats to emerge into a heavy piece ending with two or three extra pawns, so he was looking good. Meanwhile Dan was having an off night, making too many mistakes for his liking according to his own assessment. They also paired their results, so now 2-2 - a competent closure by Nigel; and Dan, don't worry - we all go through bad patches!

I was level after twenty or so moves, when I decided to give up a rook for what I thought was Richard's best piece, a bishop. Suffice it to say, he is having a good season and calmly refuted my tactic. (A pity really, that exchange sacrifice would have looked good if it had worked!) So it was left to Elmira to bring some sanity back to the proceedings and she solidly built an attacking position from which the final breakthrough brought the match score back level. 3-3.

We finish comfortably enough in the middle of division three and have given league chess to twelve members. And the highlight of the evening for me? When one of Aldrin's younger children took one look at me and said "Hello, Grandpa".