Sussex Uni 2 v Uckfield 2

Our last match of the calendar year was for the second team away to Sussex University.  Unfortunately Artur had to withdraw on the afternoon of the match, but we were fortunate and thank the Ridley family for giving us two team members !  Bobbie filled in for Artur, which meant we were able to avoid a default point.  It was good experience for Bobbie in his first appearance for one of the adult teams, but as he now well knows he moved far too fast, lost material and the game was over within the hour. Brother Nathan also had not too good a night, with his king caught in the centre after a queen swap which prevented his defence from strengthening, after which he fought bravely but in vain.  Dave in his second game on return to us had a strong start and for a long time looked to be in the game, but his opponent unwound a strong flank attack for which Dave’s defence was not aligned well and eventually his defence had to collapse to a loss.  As we discussed before the match, none of the University team are highly rated, and some may indeed may be newer to the game, but they are of course all undergraduates and hopefully the brains of the future so cannot be underestimated.  Michael’s game having been promoted to the second board was very much in line with his so far unbeaten start to the season over now six games; he was patient, tenacious and waited for the opportunity, gaining material at first in a small way but always maintaining a strong defence and then meticulously developing advantage to secure the win with increasing gain of material, which in this one included a very well executed pin.  As advertised, on the top board I was realigned against their Indian female regional and national champion who had crushed me in the Knockout and I was determined this time not to be so outclassed.  The best I can say with modesty is that I had my earliest Christmas present when my son Michael said it was probably the best game he has seen me play ever ! It was an intricate battle in which I traded in the opening the loss of a pawn for great diagonals for my bishops and confinement of one of her bishops; in the middle that changed and I had to defend for a long period of meticulous piece placement to defend against her now released bishops; then having regained momentum I initially won back the pawn and my bishops came into their own and finally towards the end of time she resigned facing checkmate or the loss of significant material.  Revenge is sweet, so they say, but it was nice for me to at last reach the level and the result.  So finally we lost 2-3, but I have no doubt had we fielded a stronger team we might have won.

Do not be fooled because the MSL website shows us as leading Division 4. The University result is not yet there, which will put us second and we have now lost three games, albeit two of them now narrowly.  I have a feeling that the teams which beat us will be in contention more for promotion.  However we have two more home games to complete in the New Year against seemingly weaker teams, so if those three falter we may still finish well and have a great season.  We should not forget that we acknowledged weakness at the start of the season and set a goal of all our less experienced members gaining some more and we did not even consider promotion. So far, so good !  We will certainly not be last !