Ealing B fell to defeat in this season’s opener.

This did not look likely when Clive won his game in what seemed like ten minutes and Paul followed with a win on top board. But it was all downhill from there.

Firstly, Nimish lost on two while I found myself in a terrible position after a mere 16 moves. Although I was a piece for a pawn up, my young opponent had a devastating phalanx of pawns advancing through the centre of the boards. I failed to spot an opportunity to get back in the game and, somewhat shell-shocked resigned after 31 moves.

As ever, Tony was under severe time pressure. He appeared to have actually set up a winning position but sadly his flag dropped leaving Hatch End with the match spoils.