Although we have known for some time that the A-team won't be renewing their league title, Horfield A were hoping to stretch their lead over Clifton A and South Bristol A both of whom have matches in hand. There was a 7pm pull-out after what we can only assume was Horfield bribing Richard to not play. Fortunately Downend had paid me not to play, so it all balanced out.

Making a rare appearance during a break from university Matthew attempted a bold sacrifice that I wholeheartedly condone. Worse still, John returned some of material and pushed for a brutal kingside attack. Henry, clearly a fan of Karjakin's recent play, opened as if he had the black pieces and found himself cramped, but apparently with counter-play. Chris on the other hand, was enjoying a freer position as Stephen's "nemesis" player.

Matthew's offside queen was unable to stir up enough complications and white crashed through. Having managed a frankly Herculean 5 moves each not found on Chessbase, Charlie and Derek agreed a draw. An exhausting game, though mostly for the fans. Chris had started a ludicrous kingside attack and couldn't believe his luck as it actually worked. Super-sub Martin (who had managed to squeak in before the default time despite the last minute notice) seemed solid in a position that I will describe as an Accelerated Dragon without c5. Not long after, his queen invaded and the black position soon crumbled.

After winning a piece, Henry rushed to the endgame and Dan was unable to stir up complications. Once it was simplified, Dan threw in the towel. Having not been there and without seeing Jerry's game, it's hard to comment. Suffice it to say, Jerry drew. I invite the reader to draw their own conclusions about his game.

With Horfield still sitting on the same number of points as Clifton A and South Bristol A, though with extra matches played one can't help but feel that their title bid is in a similar place to ours in early February.