Rob Bailey met newcomer Chris Segrave who defended against the King Pawn Opening with the unusual Owen’s Defence (1. e4  b6). In a complicated middle game, White won a couple of pawns , then the exchange and steadily improved his position. Black could find no counterplay  and White went on to score his third straight win.

Jamie Brotheridge versus John Frangakis was a Caro-Kann see game.... The opening was very even, with all the action postponed to the middle game. As usual, White went straight for the King, building up a menacing position before unleashing a risky sacrificial attack. After giving up two rooks and a bishop for the Black Queen, and stripping the Black King of pawn protection, he had a perpetual check for the taking, but wanted more. He overlooked a one move checkmate!, however, in a position that was probably lost anyway.

Kevin Perrin versus Michael Schreenan  was a weird Two Knights Tango ( 1. e4  Nc6 2.d4  Nf6). White gained no advantage from the opening but did obtain some pressure against the Black King in the middle game. Black kept his nerve in an interesting game, before allowing a pin that cost him his Queen and the game.

Patrick Cook played Rob Loveband and ventured his old favourite Larsen’s Opening (1. b3 )
see game.... Both players were cautious and accurate, with many tactical ideas hidden beneath the moves. Not surprisingly the game ended in a draw after 19 moves.

John Abson and Swytzar Swytzer had byes.