Desperate for points to beat the dreaded drop, we arrived in good time at the Navvy. Unfortunately my brain was a bit late coming to the party. I blundered a piece on Move 4 (not a misprint), the worst move of my life and previous lives (did Derren Brown move my piece)?, Its 7.35 pm and my own personal objective is now to make sure that I don't finish too early and draw attention to my poor play.
Marc was first to lose having dropped a Rook early on to Terry (Something in the beer) !? He was quickly followed by Tony who was desperately trying to hold his position against Chris when his King was sucked out into the middle of the board and checkmated. My game is still going on even though I've missed the same Qa5+ manoeuvre again (this is stretching credulity). Finally some good news, Tom has beaten Joseph although the youngster continues to impress and gets better every year (I'm still playing). Two draws agreed by Pete C and Dave M to Toby and Neil respectively leaving Man with Hat to face the baying mob. My opponent Alan was clearly unnerved by the generosity of the Hat that he allows his pieces to become trapped giving me at least an equal position. Unfortunately, as captain of the team that is losing 2-3 I have to carry on, watched by the throng for at least 6 Billion years before finally giving up the ghost and the game. Well played to my opponent and thanks to Marple for hosting 6 games played in good spirit.