The editor noted recently that we had reports for 100% of matches. In fact it is both difficult and time-consuming to keep this up (Edit: Particularly as I've not written any yet, either!), as seems to be evidenced elsewhere in the league. In fact, apart from us, only South Bristol and (good to see this development) Clevedon are currently providing match reports. With the demise of the BCT, Chessit maintains its excellent news of match results, tables and events etc. But Horfield have gone a bit quiet and Clifton have not done a report since two years ago, when John Curtis wrote a series of highly entertaining and informative match reports. It would be great to see these again.

So, here we are, a bit late and a bit succinct. We were missing Oscar, the skipper and Dominique, replaced by Mike B, yours truly and Keith. Horfield A were also without two of their registered players, replaced by Steve and Mike L. We were soundly beaten 4.5-1.5 although the final score disguises quite a few "might have beens".

Rich overlooked a killer move against Derek and drew. Nigel seemed to have a distinct plus against Dominic but blundered a piece and lost. Mike had endangered his Queen and might have lost it if Steve had spotted the right sequence but drew. So we could have won the top three 2-1.

Martin pushed a-pawn which Peter gratefully snaffled, having seen a tactic. There was no way back from there. Although I felt a bit under the cosh against Mike, the engine suggests it was pretty level throughout and that is how it finished. Keith had a great attack for a sacrificed pawn against Phil. Maybe there was a win to be had but the clock did Keith no favours. Perhaps a draw would be fair but in fact he lost. So we could have lost the bottom three 2-1!

Definitely not our night. Onward and upward!