L.BUZZARD A 2-3 BEDFORD A
229 Tukpetov 1-0 Ledger 192
181 Williamson 0.5 Botteley 186
168 Law 0.5 Habershon 178
166 Valentine 0-1 Collacott 170
161 Tinker 0-1 Bodily 168
A tense away win v the League Champions. Richard Bodily continued his incisive form with an exchange sacrifice and pawn offer which fatally exposed the opposing king. The other four games lasted a lot longer and at one point we seemed to have the advantage in all of them. Steve harried Tukpetov’s king with his queen and a knight but it escaped to the Q side. The Russian looked worried for most of the game but somehow turned the tables and secured the win. I got a crushing position from the opening but Black sacrificed a rook for four pawns to gain active play (see game). I missed a few winning chances and even the final position may be a win for me, but I was well behind on the clock, so accepted the draw offer. Michael Botteley had a dreadful opening, having to return his king’s knight to its stable within the first few moves. However, he grovelled successfully and reached a level rook and pawn ending. In the last game Nick Collacott was two pawns up in a rook ending, but it’s never easy when almost down to playing on the increments. In the flurry Brian Valentine did have a chance to save the game but missed it and Bedford went home with the points. I hope some other team members post their game.
Top board at 229! That’s a bit strong isn’t it?