John Frangakis versus Clint Stewart featured a Dutch Defence, unsurprisingly. White had a space advantage early on, with Black having some piece activity. In a very complicated game, White steadily increased his spatial advantage and gained a piece and several pawns which should have been enough to win. Somehow, Black stayed alive, despite raging time trouble and White failed to convert his advantage allowing Black to swindle a win in a very lengthy game.

Michael Schreenan faced Rob Bailey who played a Sicilian. After a rapid trading of material early on, a position with equal chances was reached in the middle game where Black seized the initiative and won 2 pawns. White kept posing problems for Black in an interesting feisty game, but the material deficit eventually proved enough to force White's resignation.

John Abson took on Rob Loveband who defended with the Scandinavian. White dropped a pawn early, then a piece in the middle game before being comfortably finished off by Black. No heroics by John this week!

James Eldridge faced Patrick Cook who wheeled out the Alekhine Defence. After getting a firm grip on the position Black appeared headed for an easy win, but a few inaccuracies allowed White to counterattack to great effect, winning a rook and some pawns. White then squandered his winning advantage and when Black offered a draw, both players seemed relieved.

The highlight of the night was the showdown between top seed Scott Stewart and Jamie Bortheridge. Morra Gambit, White sacrificed a piece for the initiative in the opening. Black clung on to it in the face for White's tremendous attack. The sacrifice proved worthwhile, and White smashed through to win brilliantly in 20 moves. Kevin Perrin versus Tim Commons was postponed.