Streatham 2 versus Wimbledon 2

On Thursday last week Streatham 2 faced what looked like a tough fixture in Division 3 of the London League against fellow promotees Wimbledon 2. Yet, we romped home to an astounding 8-2 victory. The team now has 3 wins out of 5 this season - currently a mid-table performance. But with much canibalisation going on - and Albany currently the only undefeated team - it's too soon to say that another promotion is out of the question.

Unfortunately, I recently played my fifth game this season for Streatham & Brixton Chess Club's First Team. This means, I won't be able to play for the second team again this season. But at least I went out with a good result against Wimbledon 2 - winning this game against Chris RA Clegg as black on board 1.


1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 e6 6. Be3 d6 7. Nge2 Nge7 8. Qd2 h5 9. O-O O-O 10. Bh6 Nd4 11. Bxg7 Kxg7 12. Nd1 f5 13. f4 fxe4 14. dxe4 Nec6 15. c3 Nxe2+ 16. Qxe2 d5 17. f5 (Total confusion now!)

17. ... d4 18. fxg6 Rxf1+ 19. Bxf1 Qg5 20. Nf2 h4 21. Qg4 Qxg4 22. Nxg4 e5 23. Nf2 hxg3 24. hxg3 Be6 25. c4 (25. Bb5 - threatening Nd3 - is met by 25. ... c4, so it's now obvious white was not correct to head to this endgame.) 25. ... Kxg6 26. Rc1 b6 27. Kg2 a5 28. Be2 (28. a4 white still might draw.) 28. ... a4 29. Kg1 (29. a3 was absolutely essential.) 29. ... a3 30. b3 Nb4 31. Ra1 Rf8 32. Ng4 Bxg4 33. Bxg4 Kg5 34. Be2 d3 35. Bd1 Rf7 36. Kg2 Rf6 37. Kg1 Rf8 (The rook moves were just to reach the time control.) 38. Kg2 d2 39. Be2 Nc2 40. Rh1 Ne3+, and white resigned.