Rob Loveband versus Jamie Brotheridge was an open Sicilian, unsurprisingly. White gave up a piece for 3 pawns to reach an interesting, very sharp and unbalanced position early in the middle game. He followed this up with a Queen sacrifice! A complex and original game resulted. The material investment went too far, however and Black gained a winning position, which he converted after a few last saving efforts by White were brushed aside.

Rob Bailey played James Eldridge and once again White ventured the Morra Gambit. Black took the pawn but was forced to return it and then some in a middle game tactical battle. White then sacrificed his Queen thinking he had a quick mate, but took longer than he expected to prove it.

Michael Schreenan met chess club legend Kevin Perrin and played a Ruy Lopez. Black had gained the exchange and a pawn by the middle game for a comfortable position. He later picked up a rook and won easily, despite some nifty tricks by White.

Clint Stewart faced defending champion Patrick Cook and played the quirky Bird's Opening. Black, feeling cramped offered a draw on move 16 which White ignored, choosing instead to increase the pressure. White finished the champion off with a clever combination commencing with a rook sacrifice on a vacant square!

Tim Commons failed to show for his game against Scott Stewart, and Black was awarded the full point. John Frangakis versus John Abson was postponed.