Melton Mowbray (3) Draw Heathcote Arms (2)

On Wednesday, we played away at Melton who had kindly agreed to play five boards.
Firstly, the Captain lost ('surely not!' you cry), playing white against Roy Toon's French Defence. In a sharp game where both had chances, Dave proved that - actually -he can win with the black pieces. Rob ran in to trouble and dropped a pawn against Ian Farquharson.
The last two games were real nailbiters with both Ray and John looking roughly equal with their opponents. John agreed a draw. Ray had offered his opponent a draw earlier and had been turned down - now he needed a win for us to draw the match - which, of course, he did. Ray promoted a pawn, and though there was still a struggle, Ray got him.

Melton Mowbray 3 v Heathcote Arms 2
2½-2½
1 B 135 Farquharson, Ian 1-0 Ensor, Rob 135
2 W 107 Smith, Peter ½-½ Manger, John 134
3 B 109 Toon, Roy 1-0 Ross, Colin 112
4 W 80 O'Gorman, David 0-1 Ricketts, Dave 104
5 B 80 Keightley, Andrew 0-1 Beach, Ray 90

A decent result.

Well done everyone.

Next Wednesday, we are away against Red Admiral 3. Rob is away, so, just the four boards this time.

Colin