Turning up at Whitchurch Folk House we knew we were in for another taxing night, being out-graded by around 20 points per board on average. However, we were used to that so were keeping optimistic and hopeful we could produce an upset or two.

After the usual scan of the boards early on, the top three boards seemed well balanced, while the other boards were more dynamic and likely heading for decisive results.

Tom was playing his usual assertive style building up a kingside attack. I missed the proceeding moves in the construction of the battering ram of rooks and queen on the F file that had amassed next time I observed the game. After an initial check Black's king had no long-term escape route. I returned to my game and after a few minutes saw Tom's opponent resign. 1-0, and a terrific start for the team thanks to Tom's inspiring example.

Samy was having a harder time of it on board six, conceding almost 30 grading points to Jason. It was a very lively game with an unbalance position giving chances for both players. Unfortunately, the balance tipped in favour of Jason and Samy's King succumbed to an attack. 1-1.

Mike's game gave the customary appearance of being rock solid, always leaving me guessing until late on. Toby was having a great game on one, heading to a rook and pawns ending with Toby seemingly having a slight advantage in initiative. Richard was looking good on four, and I was just about staying level on three.

Mike's opponent had obviously been building up an advantage and I looked over to see Mike having to resign. 2-1.

Toby's game had now come down to a Rook and pawn each. Although Toby's pawn was farther advanced, his opponent was able to sacrifice his rook for the pawn and push his own h-pawn supported by the king to ensure a draw. Another strong performance from Toby. 2.5-1.5.

Richard's game had been exciting from early on and Richard's own commentary follows:

I had an early exchange of my knight for 3 pawns and had quite a decent position. Later I was able to put pressure on his rook which he exchanged for my other knight and soon reached a position of R, B and 5P against 2B, N and 2P, a significant material advantage for me. Under time pressure Dave allowed me to win his knight and it was soon over. After the game Dave suggested a knight move which threatens a clever mate in 3 by both bishops and knight. As far as I can see the mate is avoidable but I have to lose some material and probably would have to settle for a draw.

A tremendous result, and now all level at 2.5-2.5.

My game had been very closed, with locked central pawns and both players trying to find an entrance on either side of the board. Few pieces were traded until late on. I played a couple of non-moves at the point Toby and Richard were about to finish as I tried assess their outcome. In truth, that was probably a mistake and black maybe had some chances to push things in his favour. When black offered the exchange of queens, I think that worked in my favour making things more equal. I was very short of time when black offered the draw, and I jumped at the chance of the half point to get the team draw.

Final score. An excellent 3-3 draw.