Hastings 3 v Uckfield 1
A rollercoaster of a match at Hastings, which I thought we would need to win to have any chance of avoiding relegation.
It didn't turn out that way but there was a welcome return to form for Simon, playing black on Board 4. He won a pawn but it looked like his queen was going to be chased around a bit. He spotted a lovely tactic however, based on the overloading of his opponents queen, which allowed the win of atleast a rook, smoothly consolidating his advantage. Chaski on Board 1 was again in a position where he looked to have chances. He gave up a passed pawn in order to form a mating net, but unfortunately missed a defensive resource for his opponent and a draw ensued. Mark on 2, played black against Marc Bryant, a wild game guaranteed. An Advanced French in which I took a pawn that looked to have quite a bit of poison attached. And so it proved, although the computer also believes that it could be taken. Luckily my opponent gave me a bishop a couple of moves later and although at one stage 3 pieces were en prise, this was enough to convert. We therefore had 2 1/2 points with two games to go. Arran on Board 3 was pretty equal and as the time control approached both players were moving quickly. I think Arran could have won a pawn, but then in a very equal position with opposite coloured bishops Arran played for the win, but stumbling into a 'self-mate'. Unlucky, we've all been there. Brian fell prey to a double check, losing an exchange, but fought into a position that looked like it might possibly be drawn. Hastings are claiming a win while I await Brians opinion.
So, atleast a draw 2 1/2 each, which takes us out of the relegation spots. We have 2 games to go and would quite like Horsham 2 to beat our rivals Eastbourne 2 in their game on 12th March since that will ensure our safety whatever the results in our last games.