| Stannington A | 5½ – 2½ | Nomads A |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Fletcher | 1 – 0 | Jon Nelson |
| Carl Walker | 0 – 1 | Chris Shephard |
| John Fletcher | 1 – 0 | Jamie Hillman |
| Khaled Muflehi | 1 – 0 | Geoff Frost |
| Bryan Wood | 1/2 – 1/2 | Ian Barwick |
| John Mercy | 1/2 – 1/2 | Mike Newett |
| Alan Sutton | 1 – 0 | Nick Mahoney |
| Adrian Millward | 1/2 – 1/2 | Arjun Babu |
It is not enough to have higher graded players but in a tight league we have to perform every week. This was a collective night off, but credit to Stannington who took their chance. They seemed as surprised as we were.
After a few days in bed, at the last minute I declared myself fit. Buoyed by an examination of Gawain Jones website, I knew that Sue was in the Far East so I felt pretty confident……A quick draw or even loss and I could go home.
Whilst wandering aimlessly through my opening, I sat amazed at Jamie being tricked in the opening on the board next to me. Well this could be hard. Then suddenly Nick lost seemingly very early, it was clear this was going to be a long night. Mike drew and then Jamie lost, so problems were mounting. Khaled neglected to win my Queen to a fork which actually gave me false hope.
Chris then won like Chris does but then Jon lost like Jon doesn’t.
All over.
Ian tried manfully to win a materially level ending. Well he does most weeks but not this. Arjun apparently created a stalemate in a lost position.
And of course the quick draw became the very long loss. A few tactics near the end but not enough.
Well done to Stannington, always good hosts and nice sandwiches.