Well, we came back down to earth at South Bristol on Thursday.

They produced a strong team with 160+ players on the top two boards.

It didn't start too well with the captain giving away pawns like they were free samples, and though my opponent allowed me a little leeway late on, the damage was already done and I lost quite tamely.

The next to go was Dave, who up against a strong opponent perhaps also had an off night. Very rare that, they don't happen very often.

So, 2 - 0 down, and not showing any plusses in the remaining games.

Aron came down to Q + 4 P's each, and a draw was finally agreed.

Jack, following his heroics for the D-team the previous night, secured a battling draw to cement his on form start to the season, and is getting better and better.

Elmira produced a clever draw although a piece down. With opposite coloured bishops and a blocked pawn structure, aided by an advanced pawn which, though not likely to go anywhere exciting, caused her opponents K to stay home and act as a goalkeeper, there appeared no way for her opponent to take an advantage, and after some shuffling around, hands were shaken.

James'g game looked very entertaining, and lively, but with clocks running down to increments, there appeared nothing clear and a draw was taken.

So, a 4 - 2 loss.

Tough match, and no doubt more to come.

Sack the manager.