This was the B team's fourth fixture of the season, and after a great win at Bath (a month ago), a bit of a hammering against Horfield (a couple of weeks ago), it was hard to know what to expect. Typical B team stuff!

When we arrived we were keen to find out their board order and who was going to be playing who. There was bound to be some interesting match-ups

We couldn't have fielded a stronger team, but I think it is fair to say that University were probably missing one or two. They were certainly missing Alex Belsley, registered as (probably) their board one, but as yet, still to take his place in their line-up.

We were certainly glad that our new board one, Mr M. Ashworth, was available to play for this fixture, and also our other newish recruit; the ever improving Indy Southcott-Moyers. We are always grateful when they are able to play, and make the trip down from North Gloucestershire.

** To the games:**

Fairly early on it soon became evident that on board six Graham had an excellent position, and that on board five Reinhold was very content with his opening. So both looking good here. Mark and Tom had both fianchettoed kingside and looked to have solid set-ups. In for the long haul!

Mike was soon in a very open looking Grunfeld line that apparently James knew well. Mike had an extra pawn but white had compensation with active development. Oli had a good opening, and both he and Zachary were playing with care. Both knew the opening well!

Meanwhile Indy faced the Dutch; where black consolidated his position, occupying the e4 square with his knights, and opened up the d file for his rooks.

Come 9pm it all looked fairly level, then things began to happen:

Graham was the first to finish. He had a lovely game with very high accuracy. As the game progressed he gradually hoovered up Jonas' pieces, and come the end, even had the luxury of offering his queen for a forced mate in two.

Reinhold was next to finish. He knew his position well against Kevin, and after going an exchange up, and an extra pawn, the writing was on the wall. Well, Reinhold did have the white pieces. 0-2 to Downend B.

Zacahary may be a new player to the League, but he is certainly going to be a fine addition to the University ranks over the coming years. Oli tells me that in their game, and with hindsight, he had made a couple of telling mistakes; trading a couple of pieces, but taking with the wrong pieces! He also should/could have swapped a couple of pawns but decided against it. Zachary then created a passed pawn on the a file. This kept Oli's attention whilst Zachary knight snaffled a couple of pawns on the other side of the board - Very smooth play by Zachary. University pull one back; 1-2 and all still to play for.

I then went to look at Indy's game, it looked quite doubtful, with almost playing on increments, that Indy would be able to hold on ? However, with Indy anything is possible! He understandably swapped off some pieces, but the bishop v knight endgame still looked good for Dan. As usual Indy was fighting hard (see P.Wells v Southcott-Moyer). Still playing on increments, Indy suddenly had a double take; Dan overlooked a Nc3 fork and his light squared bishop was gone ! Indy's passed pawn was then left to march down the board and upgrade to a queen. The B team go 1-3 up.

Next to finish was Mike. He had managed to keep the extra pawn, but James had more active rooks. The configuration of Mike's pieces just wouldn't allow his extra pawn to count. A hard fought game by both players, finally coming to an end with a repetition of pieces; draw agreed. 1.5- 3.5 Downend win the match.

Just Mark and Tom left to finish. I think it is fair to say that they had matched each other pretty well throughout the whole game. However, Mark's clock was ticking loudly, and in the end he didn't have time to calculate a potentially drawn king and pawn endgame. When Tom saw his chance he didn't hesitate, and made a beeline to the queenside to shepherd (sorry) a passed pawn home. Unfortunate for Mark, as a potentially drawn endgame slipped from his grasp.

So, a very nervy 2.5 - 3.5 win for the B team.

Next up Clevedon (away): Monday Nov 14th. Who knows what to expect