After last week's disappointing result against Clifton B, we needed to get something out of this one: so did Bath. They brought a strong team (although without their promising Bath student Matthew Payne). With our team already one player short and Megan having to pull out on the day, combined with Michael B also withdrawing through illness just before, there was a last minute struggle for players although fortunately we managed to get six. However, the team sheet gave Bath a 13 point average grade advantage.

As the match progressed, Bath seemed to be setting up a win through plusses on the top two and bottom two boards. Conversely, Martin won a central pawn and then built in the centre before converting to a King side attack; Michael M had won a b-pawn-but was it poisoned? There then followed a series of remarkable turnabouts.

With Nigel's king in the semi–open, the computer shows David missed some difficult chances – easy to see for a tactical beast but maybe not so a human – whilst Nigel's defence held firm leading to a draw. Martin missed one chance for a win, maybe not spotting Peter's super defensive move which negated any advantage. A draw ensued, although extensive analysis of the ending by the players afterwards seemed unclear.

Michael's pawn advantage was indeed genuine, although the game still looked drawish until, when being harassed by his opponent's pieces, Barry chose the wrong square for his King (which was almost trapped in the corner). A further blunder shortly after sealed his fate. My game quickly fell apart when I again struggled with the clock and overlooked a simple tactic – after getting my knights in a bit of a tangle and not developing a rook quickly enough. Although I played on as my opponent was down to his last minute, defeat was never in doubt. Ian survived a killing attack on his open King although with both players down to their last minute they decided to agree a draw.

So 2.5 – 2.5 with time virtually up, Adam's fine attack had netted two exchanges but he probably relaxed, underestimating his opponent's passed-pawn, allowing Humphrey to pull off a nice trick which made the-pawn unstoppable. Humphrey then quickly picked up a rook and won the game with seconds remaining.

We are mid-table at the half–way point, although in need of a new permanent team member. Will Santa bring us one? Happy Christmas everyone!