In the first visit to Sussex University by a Hastings team the questions were asked by our hosts in this University Challenge but the boys of the fourth team had swotted up! With no Paxman or Bamber Gascoigne to call time on proceedings the hosts opened with their starter for 10, with Bill Stock going down early despite having a massive lead in development  an ill fated/timed pawn storm unraveled an otherwise good opening.

John Kimber in his first ever away league game romped home with a win to claim a 100% record.

Shenanigans on board 3 where Mr. Willson’s opponent tried to intimidate him by leaving books of theoretical physics on the table with titles we couldn’t understand let alone the content, backfired as Gary’s opponent hadn’t banked on him having a little old man’s nap in the afternoon which left him refreshed for the game. 1-2 to Hastings.

On top board Captain Woodhams, who was outgraded by 50 points elected to forgoe his usual opening and instead play 1.a3 and within two moves took his opponent out of book gaining a “starter for ten” minutes on the clock. Then a ckeeky little rook exchange sacrifice mid-game gave plenty of initiative for the rest of game and could resulted in a draw but a little too much confidence sacrificing another piece backfired and lost the game. 2-2

That left Derek Cosens the pressure of bringing home the result and no disappointment there with a beautiful and magical combination that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Grandmaster game finished the game and the match. 2-3 Hastings.

A perfect start to the season for the Fourths now 2 for 2, who were relegation favourites at the start but now top of the table. Have we got enough points to stay up only time will tell?