The B Team fell to heavy defeat against a strong Milton Keynes A team last Thursday, losing 4-1.
| Board | Rating | Milton Keynes A | V | Bedford B | Rating |
| 1 | 2049 | Tweeddale, Eoin | ½ – ½ | Bodily, Richard T | 1953 |
| 2 | 2064 | Bartram, Dominic | 1 – 0 | Dairi, Ramsey | 1856 |
| 3 | 2020 | Meichel, Eric B | 1 – 0 | Taylor, Alex | 1941 |
| 4 | 1921 | Smith, Graham | ½ – ½ | Pike, Steve C | 1862 |
| 5 | 1906 | Whiteside, Robert | 1 – 0 | Walker, Robert S | 1745 |
| Total | 9960 | 4 – 1 | 9357 |
Richard had another good result on top board. He seemed to have a slight advantage for a while, but it was not enough to force a win.
On board 5, I was playing the same opponent for the fourth time in succession against Milton Keynes. In a Ruy Lopez, playing white, I came out of the opening with a slight advantage, and a more active position. However, I overlooked a tactic for black which enabled him to win a pawn, and his central pawns were then able to push through to win.
Steve looked to be in trouble early on but fought back with winning threats in a Q R & B ending. Unfortunately, he was unable to convert this to a win, and after the queens were exchanged, the players settled for a draw.
Alex got tied up a very passive position, and the outcome looked inevitable for a long while.
Ramsey had his customary rapid-play ending. A pawn down, he came back well, but succumbed just when it looked like he might save the game.
Our final match is against Luton A, at home next Thursday 4th April.
Rob Walker, 31st March 2025