University turned up with all 6 players, 2 more than their attendance against our B's two weeks earlier. We, on the other hand, were grateful to Megan for stepping in as a last minute replacement for Ian Ponter, who sadly was unable to make it. The quality was there as well, with our opponents on form top three boards averaging over 200 this season. The other factor that came into the equation, though, was to be time management.

Relatively early draws were agreed on boards 1, where Nigel played well facing very strong opposition from Henry, and on 5, where Megan played solidly and ended with maybe a slightly superior position against equally graded Daniel.

Ian Pickup seemed to have by far the better of his game, with a seemingly crushing queenside attack (if you're a strong computer that can work out all the tactics, that is!). Unfortunately, whilst maintaining an advantage, Ian ran short of time in an ending which at one point Joop falsely claimed checkmate(!) – only to shortly afterwards agree a draw.

Martin faced a strong attack from Robert, against which he defended well, although ended up short of time. With more left on the clock he would no doubt have found the winning chance he was given, but it was not to be.

I got in to a strong position in the opening, although used up a considerable amount of time in doing so. By further complicating the position, this made my task more difficult, although I did have a winning opportunity. However, yet again, poor time management played its part and I was checkmated after a quick attack, with a couple of minutes left.

This left Michael, who played another good game with a positional squeeze against the strong Guillaume, and won with time in hand.

The match score was extremely flattering to University, although it's the result that counts! Next week we face our B-team in what promises to be another tough battle.