Bill Coutts versus Jamie Brotheridge was a Sicilian Defence. A sharp tactical game was the result. Black felt more comfortable in the positions that arose, and White eventually blundered, dropping a rook in the process to hand Black a comfortable win.

Kevin Perrin took on John Abson in his usual English Opening. Black seemed totally unfamiliar with the opening and was put to the sword in just 15 moves.

Michael Schreenan faced Rob Loveband in another Sicilian Defence. Black sat back and waited for a mistake which never came. Just in time he realised that he might be in trouble and took the draw offer instead of forcing a perpetual check.

Patrick Cook versus Peter Miitel was postponed for a few days at White’s request. A Benko Gambit, White was a little lazy in the opening and Black seized the initiative. Showing himself unafraid of “Patrick’s curse”, he declined a draw offer and picked up the full point with ruthlessly efficient technique.

Chris Segrave versus Boris Skontra was postponed at White’s request, so the round 4 game Boris Skontra versus Peter Miitel was played instead. Yet another Sicilian, the game was a peculiar affair in which White missed a simple win and Black frankly confessed that he was about to resign twice but eventually picked up the full point anyway!

Joel Beggs had the bye.