It was up to the Rooks to try to save something from the week's three efforts in the Minor Knockout.

The visitors were North Bristol and the match started with two fairly quick results with the points shared. Nigel isn't keen on saying too much about his game, after an early blunder against Jason. But Joe compensated with a neat win of the exchange after which he finished off with an attack which ended with Phil's King surrounded by heavy pieces in the middle of the board.

Then we saw Elmira and Miguel demonstrate excellent attacking skills to put us 3-1 up. Elmira uncorked a surprise knight check against James which, since it couldn't be captured because of checkmate, quickly led to the win of material. Miguel, also with Black against Tony, also conjured a devastating King-side attack, which in his case did indeed lead to mate.

Which left us needing just one draw to clinch the match. With Black against Richard, who is on a bit of a roll recently, I was relieved to reach 22 moves with an equal game after some interesting tactics concerning exposed central pawns. Then I made an unforced and inexplicably bad King move and the game caved in. It was left to Tom, who had a slight pull on the board against William, coupled with a not so slight time advantage, to stay cool and not muck up his comfortable draw. Which is what he did, forcing a repetition of moves to the relief of the home supporters. 3½-2½!

So we do have one team through to the second round, when we shall be at home against a Clifton team which will possibly include some of their strong squad of juniors.

Ian Pickup