Horsham 1 were back to winning ways last Tuesday, braving the snow to visit the St Francis and Haywards Heath venue for the first time. They have a 3.5-0.5 lead with only one game outstanding, which looked to me like a draw.
Phil Stimpson played out a solid draw against Vivian Cole on board four in the first game to finish. Next, I was able to score a convincing win with Black against Thomas Fitzgerald on board two. Peter Harbott gained an early advantage over J.P.Rix, and although he gave him chances later on, was able to consolidate it and reach the time control, when his opponent prompty resigned. Dix Roberts looked to be in trouble against Jeffrey Boardman, but his opponent blundered a piece and Dix was able to hang on.
The unfinished game is the one between Gavin Lox and Feliks Kwiatkowski. With Gavin as White, it developed into a sharp Modern Benoni, where both players (as usual for them) got into big time trouble. The final position looks level, although Gavin’s pawn structure does look slightly weaker.
I give my game against Thomas Fitzgerald below with some notes: