Clifton have been very consistent this season, using a squad of just seven experienced players, and they were probably pleasantly surprised when nobody called Henry was in our line-up. Indeed we had to call up two reserves in Javier and Dominique.

Bd 1 Richard not only held James but was 2 pawns up and looked better but James continued to deliver threats to Richard's back rank. They both missed the best continuation and a draw was probably a fair result. A great hold by Richard against one of the titans of the league.

Bd 2 Chris steered his game with John into a Knight ending a-pawn up but had to settle for a draw when both players were down to under a minute.

Bd 3 Javier outplayed Gareth for a deserved win after the middle game went all wrong for Gareth, losing the exchange and a-pawn and then a piece as well. Javier never looked like failing to cash in on very solid play.

Bd 4 Charlie looked to be in a bit of trouble against Duncan (although the engines say he was fine) but he managed to break free and find a perpetual for a draw.

Bd 5 Jerry had a decent position and won a-pawn but allowed Igor to get his heavy pieces active and had to settle for a draw, some might say a customary draw!

Bd 6 Dominique played an excellent game against Dave, using a pin on f4 to great effect and building relentless pressure, eventually outplaying him in the endgame for a fine win.

So the reserves played brilliantly and clinched the match 4-2 and Chris was unlucky not to bring home a third win. Considering the opposition, this must rank as one of the greatest all-time wins by a D&F side in the league.