Eastbourne 3 make it successive wins at East Grinstead Bookshop

16th November. Another Thursday, another road trip to the lovely setting of The Bookshop in East Grinstead. After our 4th team’s success there a fortnight ago, this outing saw our 3rd take on their 1st in Division 2. It is always a pleasure to play at The Bookshop, surrounded by books and a jovial atmosphere; this occasion was no different, especially considering the outcome. 

Colin Clark was first to finish on board 3, winning early after an hour of play. His opponent sacrificed a piece, a move which proved unsound. After consolidating the position, Colin scored the full point.

A very different story unfolded on board 2, where Anthony Giles went up a piece out of the opening, but could not convert. Active play by his opponent combined with several blunders turned the tide, and Anthony resigned on move 35 with mate-in-one on the board.

Board 1 was next to finish, where a complex game went down to the wire. With opposite coloured bishops left in the endgame, Matthew Pannett secured a great win where an extra pawn and tempo were decisive. 

The Bookshop needed a win on the final board to draw the match. Having initially been up 2 pawns, Eastbourne’s Ian Goodyer found himself in an equal game later on, but his opponent was unable to maintain the balance. Ian eventually ground him down and brought home the win, both for himself and the team.

So, the final score was 1 – 3 for the away side. Thanks again to The Bookshop for their hospitality and warm welcome – we look forward to our next encounter!