Peter opened with d4 and I played my usual type of opening aimed at restricting my opponent's pieces whilst developing my own. This often means I am defending the centre and my kingside until my opponent's pressure fades and I can retaliate. I was very impressed by the steady and deliberate way Peter built his attack and my defensive options became fewer and fewer. After Peter's 16th move I could only avoid mate by a big material loss so I shook his hand. It's never a tragedy losing a game well played.

Sam was next to finish having been a-pawn up then mistakenly playing a move he'd earlier rejected. The move lost the exchange and Sam's attempt to retrieve something from the situation resulted in being a full rook down Dave was able to control the game from then on and Sam resigned shortly afterwards.

Rob was battling against Geoff but was steadily losing-pawns and was three down and under pressure when his persistence paid off. He utilised his opponent's uncastled king to produce a fork which won the exchange. Rob then activated his pieces more effectively and though Geoff's pawns were still dangerous his king was exposed and his kingside partially undeveloped so Geoff offered the draw which Rob accepted.

Brian and Grant played an evenly balanced game producing an endgame of bishop and 6 vs knight and 6. They spent quite a while examining whether either could attack without giving the other opportunities before deciding not to be too adventurous and sharing the point.

Before this match Clevedon C were heading Division 4 by 4 points and Downend F exists to give keen players competitive chess with the match result being secondary. It was a good evening's chess.