Finally we escape from division 4 and begin our campaign in the brave new world of the third division. I expected us to be up against it for this fixture but, yet again, the team surpassed itself with a battling win.

First result in was a win for Tony Aldridge on board 5 who applied considerable pressure to produce a win in 21 moves. Many thanks to Tony for stepping in at fairly short notice to cover for Rob. Next was Kev who lost a rook then fought back with multiple threats, finishing with a very neat checkmate half way up the King's rook file. Even though we were now two up, I felt that we would probably lose the match as, at that stage, I was a pawn down with little counterplay, Sam was struggling and Patrick was not looking too good either. However, although I lost my game after a flurry of drawing possibilities disappeared, Patrick's position was looking better and he seemed to be in control in the early endgame. Sam's game then finished in a loss, in spite of his battling hard against material disadvantage. So, two all with Patrick's game the decider. Everyone huddled round board 3 as Patrick delivered the final blow and his opponent resigned. Result : 3-2 to the Stoneham boys !