The A-team have four points from their first two matches against very strong opposition but, wow, did they give us some palpitations getting there!

There were similarities in both matches. For a start there were two fairly early draws: Chris and Nigel against Clifton A and Nigel and Michael M against Bath A - four well-earned results against tough opponents.

The next common denominator was Henry's wins against top-rated James Cobb and David Buckley. Two very hairy games. I certainly had no idea who was winning either of them - for instance against Bath he won an exchange, gave it back to be a pawn up but with a nearly trapped bishop - could he extract it? Thankfully the answer was yes!

Later in each match there were crucial wins. Against Clifton, Michael B, short of time as was his opponent, found the right moves in a tricky rook and pawn ending. Against Bath, Jerry calmly refuted a seemingly very potent kingside pawn storm and then a complicated combination. He was able to convert to a late middle game with Q+B v R+B+B and Her Majesty proved to have too many shots in her locker.

Lastly, in nerve-jangling struggles against both the opponent and the clock, Martin against Clifton and Richard against Bath each achieved the vital draw that clinched the match win.

It is great that everyone has contributed key points. With two wins by 3.5-2.5 it is to be expected that there may be the odd casualty but both of those who have lost have also contributed greatly in the other match. Teamwork at its best!