The 3rd team played their final Tom Fuller league fixture against league leaders Beckenham, knowing a win was essential to guarantee progression to the semi-final stage.

The teams were evenly matched and grades suggested we should win the top 2 boards, and lose the bottom 2. However junior David Dallakyan bucked the grading and produced his debut win for the club on board 3, against the experienced Alan Fraser. David Helps then provided a 2nd win on board 1 after his opponent left his queen en prise. The final 2 games were quite even until Don Chapman blundered a piece and eventually lost. This left everything depending on Bob Mitchell, who’s opponent was in time trouble in a very locked up position. They played on for some time keeping the crowd on tender hooks, but eventually the position become completely locked and they agreed a draw.

Result Sidcup 2.5 – Beckenham 1.5

Lee Brockwell