The club started its defence of the Division 3 title on 5th October with the visit of Marple. Good to greet some familar faces and old adversaries. Our top boards from last year were now playing higher up the pyramid and the lower boards had been promoted up the order with yours truly staying put in the middle. A premature end on Board 1 saw our star player from last year,Marc, unable to counter a mating threat 0-1. Board 2 saw Pete succumb to a lively king-side pawn storm 0-2. Board 4 saw the canny Mr. Doust for Marple gain a pawn and a solid position from his knowledge of opening theory and it took some accurate play from Dave M to earn a draw. David S showed his tenacious qualities with a battling display to earn a second draw for the team on board 5. 10pm and with the match already lost it was up to the captains to slug it out. I was a pawn up but with a stifling position. Fortunately for me, Neil was in a particular generous mood and began losing material enabling me to give the scoreline a more flattering look 2-3. Next up .......Marple!!
Man with the Hat