Horsham 2 Draw with Worthing 1 in the last match of the season

This was the final match of the season for Horsham 2 and we were facing Worthing 1 with relegation already likely.

Worthing outgraded us greatly and Phil Stimpson (1942) faced Matthew Payne (2217) and quickly secured a draw with only 1 pawn taken. It looked a fascinating struggle but I wasnt able to follow it closely as I had my own game to focus on.

Ian Comley (1906) was on board 3 playing Alec Hedger (2003) and gradually gained space reaching an interesting position where Alec chose to exchange his Bishop for a Knight in a closed position. I managed to get my Bishops active before breaking through on the seventh rank and winning a piece.

Peter Harbott (1922) was on board 2 playing Russell Granat (2211). Peter's Petrov became a Two Knights and White quickly gained space and a great squeeze occurred which Peter couldn't withstand finally succumbing.

Nick Warren (1799) played Keith Homeyard (1943) on Board 4. Keith had mentioned that he had played the entire Horsham 2 team at various point but most notably playing Phil Stimpson 54 years ago! Nick played a stonewall dutch and had a difficult Bishop to maintain. He was definitely being squeezed and always seemed a tempo behind. He fought on and eventually it transpired that his bad Bishop was holding the position together at which poin ta draw was agreed.

So finally it was a draw for Horsham 2 in their final match. An unexpected and creditable result especially given how completely outgraded we were. Sadly relegation looks highly likely and I cant help thinking that only four boards doesnt go in our favour so perhaps we will have a stronger season next year. Tonights result shows that we can compete well against the strongest sides in the MSL.