The B Team headed off to Leighton Buzzard to play their final away match of the season. Although safe, the result would affect the bottom of the table.
James was standing in for Ramsey, who had been co-opted for the A Team as they faced Leighton Buzzard A. He always looked in control of his game – cramping his opponent’s position and then launching an attack on the kingside which proved to be unstoppable.
Richard and Adrian’s game looked a cagey affair. Both positions looked very solid and after queens were exchanged there did not seem to be much that either side could do to improve their chances and peace was declared.
Robert initially had a solid position out of a Ruy Lopez opening and he looked like he was biding his time. The next time I looked the position had exploded – Robert had sacrificed a knight for a couple of pawns and really opened up the black king. He was then able to press his advantage and end up with a rook and pawns for a knight and bishop. Once he won the knight it was easy to convert the game.
My game against Brian was also a Ruy Lopez and I seemed to have a good advantage, particularly after winning a pawn on the kingside. Brian’s centre and queenside pawn advances looked a little worrying but once queens and rooks came off I was still a pawn up in a bishop ending. I offered a draw (gladly accepted) to ensure that we won the match.
Richard had a very cramped position in his game, and he was struggling to create an opening in the centre of the game. However, he was always under pressure on the queenside and then gave away the exchange. Fred was then able to use his rooks to penetrate the position. Although Richard struggled on and tried a few swindling tactics it was to no avail.
The final score was 3-2 to the B Team. This means that to stay up the C Team merely have to beat or draw with Milton Keynes “B” in their final game – or lose 2-3 for the sudden death play-off to kick in!
Alex Taylor, 3rd April 2024