Despite my best efforts, hampered by my being in Birmingham from Friday pm to Sunday night, Downend were only able to field three players against Clevedon C. I rang and advised them we would be one short and when we arrived we found that they had, very sportingly, rested their board 1.

After 20 moves or so I felt I was slightly worse against Bob when he blundered a rook and-pawn for a knight. Thereafter I was doing what was necessary until he gifted me another piece to hasten the end. It was satisfying to be the one not to blunder but I didn't, at any stage outplay my opponent. 1 - 1

On board 3 there was what could be termed a 'grudge' match as former Downend teammates James and Dave bumped heads. James won a piece in the middle game and then did a workmanlike job of converting the advantage to a win. 2 - 1 to Downend and at least a drawn match.

Doug pushed most of his pawns up the board and was squeezing Shaun uncomfortably until Shaun exchanged-pawns and opened a file on the queenside to give himself some space. His increased activity left him with two unconnected passed-pawns after the major pieces had come off. Some creative combinations with the passed-pawns and bishop and knight resulted in Doug's losing both bishops and the win was straightforward if a little tense due to time pressure.

I must again mention Clevedon's kind gesture in resting Peter Golding. I've played him before and I know he would have given me a much harder time.