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.