The fixture computer handed the B Team a very tough opening assignment against Leighton Buzzard A., although results last season favoured the hosts. At 8.00 it appeared that it may be an easy evening as only two of the Leighton Buzzard team had arrived but eventually all the matches began without any forfeits.
The match proved to be a close-run affair. Chris was the first to finish on Board 5 after what he himself admitted was a “dour half” – so honours remained even. My match with Steve Law proved to be an interesting one – with a kingside attack from me leading to a good position. A desperate knight sacrifice gave me a few headache with my king becoming a bit exposed, but I eventually found a way to extricate myself and convert the position to a win! (game to follow soon)
On Board 4 Marc was taking on Peter Hunt in a ding-dong affair. Marc appeared to have an edge from the opening which he held throughout the game. Although a pawn up, opposite coloured bishops and then a knight v bishop ending allowed Peter to hang on for the draw, despite Marc’s valiant attempts to win.
Nick had the most daunting challenge of the evening against John Sharp and although losing a pawn in the opening, it was clear that it was not going to be easy to break his position down,. Judicious use of moving his bishop between b7 and a8 and copious rook-shuffling meant that he was able to hold the position comfortably.
So with the score 2.5-1.5 in the B Team’s favour, could Steve get something as black against Kevin Wiliamson? Steve’s position out of the opening was cramped and the game moved to an ending with rook and bishop for Steve against rook and knight – to the untrained eye the knight was much better! Despite losing a pawn Steve seemed to be causing his opponent problems, and Kevin even sacrificed his knight towards the end. Under severe time pressure Steve’s position ultimately fell apart to leave the match drawn.
All in all an encouraging start for the team in our Div 1 campaign. Next up a local derby against the A Team.