We faced the University at their 'new' venue with a side that was again made complete by our recent willing substitute James. It was sure to be another tough match, with all our players except for myself being out-graded. The result was only ever likely to affect mid-table places, with South Bristol A now looking comfortable ahead of Clifton A at the top and a three way scrap for survival ensuing between Bath A, South Bristol B and our own B-team.

I joined the proceedings a few minutes late, although thankfully my clock was not working and needed changing. It was a welcome surprise to arrive in a room that was both warm and quiet.

First to finish was top board when Martin found a combination that quickly ended Nigel's resistance in a position that previously seemed quite level. Next was Michael who again excelled, achieving a positional advantage out of the opening with the black pieces and seeing it through to its conclusion. (I must have had temporary tinnitus as I thought I heard some ringing from his direction at one point?)

I had a very poor opening, lacking any aggression, and quickly found myself short of space and a-pawn down. Any hope of compensation was quickly extinguished as my pieces struggled to develop. Fortunately William missed one key move in his attack, and then overlooked my response to another, which resulted in an equal position in which I accepted his draw offer. So all square at the half-way point and the other games were looking quite close.

Ian had built up a solid position and then opted for a tempting exchange sacrifice - leading to a promising looking attack - in which he offered a further piece to open up lines to Pardeep's king. Ultimately however, despite making all the running, Ian had to concede defeat when his opponent found the best defensive resources.

I didn't see much of the final two games, although they very quickly seemed to turn in favour of our opponents, possibly under time pressure, and both went their way.

Overall, a not unexpected result - although it could have been closer. With a month's break until our next match our focus will be on our B-team's performances during that time, which should decide matters at the bottom of the table.