At least we managed to win one match out of three in the Thames Valley League this week.

Our E team faced a much stronger Kingston C team in Division X (a ‘friendly’ division for lower rated and less experienced players).

We were heavily outrated on every board, but captain Karl did well to draw his game and prevent a whitewash.

Our D team faced Harrow, and, helped by the opposition being two players short, managed an excellent win. Well done to Alex and Barry!

Our A team visited Surbiton, who are usually very much stronger at home than away, and so it turned out here, where we were outrated on all but the top board.

Gavin refuted his opponent’s eccentric play, and there were solid draws on boards 2 and 3, but we just weren’t quite strong enough on the lower boards.

We really need two or three 2000+ players in order to be competitive in the Thames Valley League. If you know anyone who might be interested, do get in touch.

I note that both teams included three RJCC alumni (Chris, Jasper and Liam from Surbiton, Gavin, Bertie and Sampson, all from the early days 45 years or so ago from Richmond). Our team also included two pre-RJCC Richmond Juniors, Chris and myself.

Thanks to Karl, Laurie and Maks for captaining the teams, and thanks to all for playing.