Rounds 5&6 of the scheduled 7 games in Division 4 took place on Monday. We fielded a slightly weakened team (sorry Alexei) against Forth Valley C.
James reached a Rook and pawn endgame after about ten minutes. A "doubled" pawn up, there were no winning chances and he agreed a draw while I was wondering whether to castle long or short. A quick look at Gilbert's game revealed a crushing attack, and he soon recorded the win. Alexei, meatime was a couple of pawns down, so when he came to the table it was nice surprise that he won (still don't know how...). Leaving myself and Lewis (surprise, surprise). He ground out a win, so I felt less bad about letting an advantage slip (continuation not obvious, honest) in middlegame and agreed a draw.
A 4-1 win left us still second to Troon. ( we had lost to them in first round when they turned up with 4 players, but were "given" a passer-by replacement who happened to be able to play at their Board1). But we had a bye this afternoon and Troon had to face a rejuvenated Edinburgh3.
Win for Troon meant guaranteed promotion for us (three points ahead of nearest rivals). Win for Edinburgh meant they could catch us, but we would be level with Troon with better Board count.
To my mind, bad outcome.
Edinburgh turned up a man down. Troon won.
But at least we get promoted.
Thoughts: Current team would probably survive in Div 3, but not advance further.
It's the Scottish National League.
Facilities a bit patchy...
We'll see...
PS Close between Dundee City and Bon Accord in Division 1. Might watch some of last matches.
