It was time to play our own D Team who had an excellent start to the Season but then faltered a little when playing two of the strongest sides in the Division. They were bolstered by new recruit Dominique yet missing Richard P, whilst we were missing Richard L who is so far unbeaten. Our healthy grading advantage, if earlier matches this Season were anything to go by, was a sure sign that it was going to be a close match - and so it proved!

Captain Nigel straight away went for an all-out attack against Captain John and offered a sacrifice of his bishop in the hope of his opponent falling for a mating attack. John declined and played a defensive move which removed the threat. Unfortunately Nigel omitted to retreat his piece and carried on his attack, overlooking that John would capture the bishop on his next move and have a winning position. Not a good start and the pressure was on, especially as my opening had not gone well with Mike getting a strong advantage with many attacking possibilities. For a long time the other games all looked rather too close to call.

Robert and Dominique has an interesting duel despite an exchange of several pieces. Shortly before agreeing a draw, Robert had the option of going for an attack but this looked to allow Dominique to respond with his own apparently dangerous sortie. Subsequent analysis revealed that Robert would survive the attack and remain with an advantage. However, the draw was definitely the far less riskier option leaving the match finely in the balance.

With about half an hour to go, John had taken advantage of a mistake by Tom to win material and slowly build up an attack then exchange pieces to a winning ending. Then Neil had managed to outplay Grant through some complications into a winning king and-pawn ending. So it was 2.5-1.5 with about 5 minutes remaining, James' game was looking very even whilst mine was unclear. Then, dramatically, Dave blundered his rook - I can only assume due to time pressure - handing us the win. With just over a minute left on his clock, Mike offered a draw and I sensibly accepted. If anyone held the advantage it was probably not me though I did have more time and a draw was a fair compromise.

I'm not sure that we can take many more of these close finishes though we continue to be grateful for collecting all match points and heading the Division, at least for now.