Storm Doris did not deter the enthusiasm on a cold, wet night heading for Newport to play their juniors. We knew they were only fielding four players; one junior had jetted off on a holiday in the sun (who could blame him?) With one default, it was agreed that the two juniors, Heath and Zak, should play each other.
Zak started and played the London and was met with the Dutch Defence that cut the use of the White square Bishop. Heath won: two up. On board three, Peter was having a tight game with Ed Xu. The right calculation in the middle game gave him a won position: three up.
Dr Ile started with his Orangutan. He said after his win that he has had all different responses to this opening since playing it and it takes players away from prepared lines.
This left Dan and Simon playing on board one. Since our team was winning 4 – 0, a draw was agreed. With the match won four and a half to a half, there will not be many teams taking two points off this team. The pressure is on Telford A to come up with the points in the remaining matches.
Captain on the night, Ivor Salter