The final 4NCL weekend of this season started with both the second and third teams having a chance of promotion. I played for the third team on board one in round 9; we were paired against Downend & Fishponds. I faced David Buckley, a strong opponent, who surprised me in the opening with a variation I had not looked at before. I didn’t react in the best way, and soon ended up a pawn down. However, my opponent played inaccurately, allowing me to win my pawn back and hold the endgame. Unfortunately, this did not help the team, as we lost the match comfortably.
I give the game below with some notes.