BATTERSEA 1^ST TEAM 

London League – Division 2

And another one bites the dust!

In the absence of our captain, Richard, this report is back under its old editorship.

Any hopes that Mushrooms 2 would present us with a default or two were quickly dispelled when they turned up with a full team that almost matched our own in grading strength.  However, strong play on the top boards proved decisive for Battersea.

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Special thanks to Tony who turned out despite fighting a bad cold and achieved a draw against a French Defence (and thanks also to Ben Stevens who had stood ready as a reserve).  Ray gambited his rook for a devastating attack which he subsequently calmly announced was all in the books.  Dan, as usual, nearly ran out of time, but it seems to disturb his opponents more than it does himself.  I don’t know what went on in Paul’s game because he won so quickly and left.  Joe had a tight game and missed a chance to go a couple of pawns up.  I suffered a memory blockage against the Sicilian Defence Grand Prix Attack, but recovered to secure an undeserved draw.  Tim sadly lost, but Andy fought hard against a Grunfeld with both sides missing chances.  His adjourned position looks difficult with a rook and pawn against two active bishops. Playing against a Queen’s Indian, Arnold lost a pawn early on and missed a chance to snatch it back.  Finally, David bravely resisted the temptation to go for a perpetual when under threat of mate and forced a fine win.

All in all, a great start to the season. 

Next match – Thursday 29^th October 7pm away against Metropolitan 1 at their club premises in the Middlesex Community Centre, Petticoat Square (off Middlesex St), E1– starting at 6.30pm!

Regards,

Alan Palmer

20th October 2009