Poole Knights v Highcliffe

On top board Harry had a rematch against Roger. This time Roger was white and decided to test Harry on his knowledge of the fried liver, before he gets tested in his A levels. I hope he knows his exams better as he came up short on theory and Roger took a victory based heavily on the theoretical line. Well executed.

Zack had a tough game against Mike but couldn't overcome the experience.

Ben had an interesting game against Rachel, with a strong centre Ben went an exchange up and 3 pawns, unfortunately Rachel had a vicious long range bishop, and another bishop trapping the king and mate threats. With Ben running out of checks he wasn't able to save the game.

As we went 3-0 down the last post sounded. The other games weren't amused at the noise. I went downstairs and requested the noise to stop (I'm serious, someone was literally on the bugle).

Samuel was last to finish. He was battling well but was material down. He had strong pawn advances but alas the material won out.

Good game by all, an unfortunate result.

Over the years "The Last Post" is usually sounded at the end of Highcliffe matches and the timing was a tad unfortunate. Zack played so well in the first away match he frightened off an experienced player so we had to sub the board, his opening was ambitious with a couple of gaps which he later found hard to plug. Board 1 was a rematch and we may have to change that next season as Harry probably won't fall for the fried liver again! Boards 2 and 4 both escaped by the skin of their teeth otherwise another honourable draw was on the cards. It is good to see so many enthusiastic up and coming younger players and we wish them well in their final match and in any exams they face this summer. We look forward to next season and meeting them again but I suspect we will have a different team and with their rate of progress I expect the "The Last Post" will be played over us.