Missing two players again and performing at a record none from three, the outside observer could be forgiven for assuming that the A-team didn't seem best placed to pull out a convincing Beowulf impression against Grendel. Fortunately, as the outside observer in question, I think I have been forgiven.

Grendel were also missing some players (mustering only a team of five) and the grades favoured us for a change. Richard went for a Short game; a reference to the Caro-Kann variation and also his quick draw. The position locked in the centre and while files were opening for the rooks, it seemed likely that bits would be swapped in the balanced position. Maybe it was a fair result. Nigel had a similar position to Richard's game, but black found strong improvements over the A vs B-team game. This time it was white that conceded a defensive exchange sacrifice and when Nigel returned it, it was for the sort of endgame that is technically slightly better for black, but a real slog for the spectator. Presumably eager to impress with some endgame flair, Nigel sacrificed all but one of his pawns to run his king up the board and exchange off the remaining rooks, which meant the lone survivor would beat white's three.

Will, the once and future student of Bristol Uni, was piling the pressure on the queenside after his exciting gambit was declined, but accidentally trapped his queen which made for a heavy exchange sacrifice of queen for rook. Mike didn't take long to exchange a few more pieces off and invade with the queen, proving once and for all that the Wally personality from Chessmaster 7000 was wrong.

Martin drew as black and is keeping his latest Accelerated Dragon (I assume) masterpiece to himself. Dominique was testing the "off-beat" opening he faced last week and the position again blocked up a little. When the breakthroughs finally came, Roger was able to snaffle a-pawn or two, but white's passer ran too quickly for the black rook to get back and stop.

Thanks to Michael and Ian for filling again, and thanks to Ian for the email updates. Let's see if we can capitalise on this week's momentum next week against Clifton B!