After a bruising 0-6 loss to Clevedon a couple for weeks ago I was hoping for something a little less painful this time. We were a couple short for this match and thanks go to Elmira stepping in at very short notice, and to Samy for playing at zero notice as I grabbed him as soon as he entered to playing room. Being out-graded on virtually all boards, expectations weren't so high, and little did I expect the good fortune to follow.

After settling into my game, I had quick look around at the other boards and everything seemed steady, with no immediate signs of danger or opportunity. However, not so long after I noticed Samy standing close by casually sipping his pint, and looking over at board 5 all the pieces had been reset. The thumbs from Samy meant we were off to a cracking start, and Samy had gone from not knowing he was playing to victory in about three quarters an hour, having the audacity to steel his opponents queen fairly early in the game after a mistake by white. Nice result, having been out-graded by over 20 points 1-0.

Elmira was looking content at the board, and seemed to be exerting a bit of pressure down the queenside. Toby's game seemed even with few pieces traded and solid looking structures on both sides. Richard's game was equal on material with several pieces traded, but gave the impression it might suddenly break open with further exchanges leaving one player with better placed pawns. I couldn't see much of Mike's from where I was sitting but it seemed fairly balance at the time.

I was pre-occupied for a while trying to make the most of a slightly exposed king, and then the results started rolling in. I missed the end of Elmira's game, but could see they were doing a little post game analysis, and Elmira had a smile on her face so I was hoping for the best, and it was soon confirmed. Our two substitutes had done and excellent job to give us chances for the match. 2-0.

Shortly after, Toby and George were walking away from the board and Toby confirmed it was a draw. It appeared both players were unsure how to make progress in a very tight game. We were in definite danger of not losing. 2.5-0.5

Richard was on the board next to me, and the pieces that looked like they might be traded, had been clear off the board, leaving just pawns and opposite coloured bishops and a draw looked likely unless someone messed up in the next two or three moves. I was up an exchange, but Duncan was doing his utmost not to make things easy for me. I still couldn't see much of Mike's game from my angle.

Richard offered a draw, and although initially refused, it fairly inevitably was conceded not long after. This nice outcome against a very tough opponent gave us the luxury of a guaranteed draw. 3-1.

About 20 minutes later, it became clear Mike had pulled off a cracking win against John despite yet another 20 point grade different. I'm afraid I didn't see how it all came about. Maybe Mike will let us see it for the website? 4-1 and this all seemed too good to be true.

I was then in the enviable position of my game not needing to contribute at all. Once I had avoided Duncan's counter attack I just needed to be careful, and although I missed at least one chance for a quick finish, I eventually forced a win.

Final score. A magnificent 5-1 to Downend! Well done everyone!