Away to Clifton A. Two full strength teams but Clifton’s was stronger running out 5-1 victors to end our 100% start to the season. Card here and a ‘through gritted-teeth’ match report from Phil below.
Someone sarcastically predicted an exciting game on board 5. The scoffer was made to eat his words as our 2 pugilists threw everything they had at each other for a full dozen moves each before agreeing to a draw.
Derek played an unusual defence (not news really) which resulted in his queen getting trapped on the h file and, despite gamely playing on, that was that.
Tom played a brilliant sacrificial attack, removing his opponent’s king cover, but unfortunately didn’t find the winning continuation and the material imbalance proved fatal.
I got in a bit of a mess in the opening which Gareth exploited with a temporary piece sacrifice to win a pawn, although I could have kept the piece with a better position if I’d responded correctly. I fought back to regain the pawn and reach a level ending, which I then carelessly lost.
Board 1 was going toe to toe for a long time before white’s centre came under too much pressure and exploded.
Peter was playing on increment for ages (against Duncan’s 20 minutes) whilst navigating a knight ending a pawn down, but he managed to exchange enough pawns to make the game unwinnable.
Horfield & Redland Chess Club 