Three Thames Valley League matches this week: two wins and one narrow defeat.

On Monday our C team visited Richmond D, emerging with a 4-2 win against lower rated opponents.

On the same evening, our E team travelled to Kingston C, scoring a narrow victory.

On Tuesday our B team were narrowly defeated by Ealing B in a tight match.

Alastair’s king always seemed slightly exposed, and his opponent, although short of time, played very well. Maks had an extra pawn but was under a lot of pressure in a queenless middlegame which he was unable to hold. Sampson had a solid draw, while Jon may have gone wrong in the ending. Matt scored an excellent win against a higher rated opponent (game below) and Simon efficiently dispatched his lower rated opponent.

Thanks as always to everyone who played, and especially to our match captains, and well done to all the winners.