Horsham 1 score narrow win over Hastings 1

Horsham 1 scored a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over Hastings 1 at home last night. Neither side was quite at full strength, which probably evened things out overall.

The first game to finish was Rayner vs Lock, as the Horsham 1 held his opponent to a draw with the Black pieces.

Horsham 1 vs Hastings 1 match score: 0.5 - 0.5

Phil Stimpson looked to have a dangerous attack with White against James Wheeler, but it eventually petered out and the players agreed a draw.

Horsham 1 vs Hastings 1 match score: 1 - 1

James Mansson had an odd game against Henry Cove with Black. The opening proceeded down decidedly unorthodox lines, with James coming under some pressure early on. However, his opponent both failed to secure an advantage and used a lot of time on the clock. This contributed to him making a miscalculation and losing a piece. He resigned promply before his opponent could take the piece. However, subsequent analysis showed that he could have continued the game, as Black had won the piece in the wrong way, and White had compensation for it!

Horsham 1 vs Hastings 1 match score: 2 - 1

Mark Broom vs John Sugden was the last to finish. Mark employed the English Opening, and soon directed play into one of his favourite schemes. He seemed to have some pressure, but in the end decided to bail out with a draw, as this suited the team given the match situation. This decided the match in Horsham's favour.

Horsham 1 vs Hastings 1 match score: 2.5 - 1.5