Ringwood B v Southbourne Seagulls

Hi,

The day started badly for the Seagulls when they had to draft a replacement in around lunchtime. It was worse for the Waifs and Strays, one of their players failed to make the start! Fortunately, Julian had asked to be sub and turned up just after 7:30 and was whisked into the team. I think I let him take his coat off. Based on the original participants Southbourne needed to win 3.5 to 2.5. A bit of faulty arithmetic on my part, to adjust for Julian's inclusion, changed the calculation to Southbourne needing a draw. After Nikki corrected it, the requirement was Southbourne was back to needing 3.5 points. You could not make it up, and I felt it best to go for a lie down and the players just got on with it.

When I returned, Julian had won. Also playing well was Dan who was moving like there was no no time to waste but playing a double-edged position very well. Liam had a lovely position. he was material up and his opponents King was trapped in the centre. Despite spirited resistance, he converted. The next to finish was Hugo. it looked to be even for a long time, but eventually He was a bishop up and with no compensation his opponent resigned. Ringwood were 4-0 and the match was safe.

At the top end, Brian Curran(Seagulls) then recorded a good win against an in-form Alan. Top board was the last to finish. Rob had looked to be better for a good chunk of the middle game, but eventually Finn, as strong players do got back in the game and finished it clinically.

Looking at the expected teams it was always likely to be Southbourne winning at the top end and Ringwood at the bottom end. However, Ringwood's bottom 4 played really well to score their wins against tough opponents and the top 2 made it difficult against higher graded players.

Delighted to start the season with a win and a pleasure to welcome Nikki and her team.