When increments were introduced, it was thought they would reduce the number of games lost on time. How wrong they were. Last night’s season’s opener between our 1st and 2nd teams saw three players lose on time.

Pete Mercs (G2) was a pawn up in a likely drawn ending against Mike Barnes, but spent so much time thinking of his next move that his time ran out. This loss was cancelled out when Graeme Jennings (G1), winning for most of the game against Drag Sudar, lost on time while seeking an answer to Drag’s counter attack. The third person to lose on time was Florian Biermann (G1) who had been winning before losing an exchange on his final move against Michael Naylor-Eade.

Meanwhile, Onos Kofi-Ofuafor (G2), having played well to reach a R+2 v R ending, slipped up and allowed John Swain to reach a book drawn position. The final game saw Steve Hunter (G1) emerge from defending against Freddie Vesey’s attack to gain an edge in the ending only for Freddie to equalise.

This is the 3rd season running in which the 2nd team has won the opening match of the season versus their superior opponents, damaging their hopes of winning the title.

Mike N-E has won in the last 6 Gam 1 v Gam 2 matches, but has failed to win in any of his last 6 Gam 2 v Gam 1 matches. Drag finally got his first win (albeit very luckily) in 13 attempts in this match.