Nail-biting Finish to First A Team Match!

Portishead v Yate

This was our first match in our new home venue at The Albion. Yate fielded a strong team and the match was closely contested. Oliver scored an early win but elsewhere the going was tough. After 5 games we were 2-3 down, both Baptiste and Edward having secured draws with the black pieces. Iain had been trying to breakthrough with a kingside attack but his opponent defended well and eventually equalised. The ending, however, was difficult and Iain managed to secure an outside passed pawn and with a bishop against a knight with play on both sides of the board, eventually broke through.

So a 3-3 draw in the end was a very satisfactory start to our season. Next up is our away match against Thornbury, who are looking very strong on paper.