Ealing B’s hopes of promotion took a dent as we fell to our first defeat of the season to fellow challengers Harrow C. Although the teams were well-matched on paper, the Harrow players conquered on the night.

Xavier was bested on top board and I threw away a promising opening position with an overambitious piece sac and while I enjoyed strong pressure for a while, the material difference proved too much once Black came through the tactics and consolidated.

Tony reduced the deficit somewhat with the only Ealing win when of the night, his opponent’s flag dropping. However the match was soon decided when Leslie arrived faced an impossible endgame hold, his opponent’s extra move assuring him of a technical win which he duly delivered.

With the match win now secured a draw was shortly afterwards agreed between Simon and the Harrow captain.

We have our chance of revenge on the 18th when we host Harrow C at the Actonians but we are no longer in full control of our destiny due to the draw at Uxbridge.