So there we were, Tuesday night, facing the division's second placed team with none of the A or B-team stars available to help us in the absence of Tan. We were also without Keith, our midfield general (well he usually plays about boards 3 or 4, and that's midfield, isn't it?), so we called on Mike Passmore and Jack Tye to bolster the team, and where do you think the two wins came from?

Exactly.

The challenge was everyone moving up a board, and facing stronger opponents. Dave lost, James drew, and I lost, so at 2.5 - 2.5, everything hinged on Toby's game.

Not for the first time this season, he's been left with seconds on his clock, a big crowd watching and the result "crucial". We know he's a good player, and will only get better still, but what is so impressive about him is how cool and self assured he is over the board in situations like that.

Unfortunately, with time running away, and I'm sure the seconds go more quickly when you haven't got many left, he missed the one move that would have secured a draw in his game and the match.

Bet other clubs wish they had more juniors like him.