SURVIVAL...JUST!
The final match of the season. Aigburth 2 started the night with just a point advantage over the visitors Hoylake, needing to avoid defeat to be safe. It turned into a night of high drama as the match swung one way and another. On the top two boards, Graham and Martin struggled to contain their opponents aggressive openings and suddenly the team was 2-0 down. Dave chipped in with a draw and the home side were soon back in it with a vital win on board 4, Tony managing to outplay his opponent in a R+P ending. After a tricky opening, Captain Steve forced a heavy material gain, leaving his opponent with little choice but to concede. Scores level with 5 boards down 3 to go. Over to the bottom three boards. It couldn't have been much closer - Steve G was a Rook down, Danny was well up and Alistair's K+P ending looked draw-ish. Danny got the win to put us within a half point of our target, but suddenly on board 8 a dubious King move led to Alistairs position collapsing and the Division 2 trapdoor was beginning to creak open. Steve G had other ideas however, as he produced one of his infamous 'Get Out Of Jail Free Cards' - swindling his opponent to win his Queen. Play did continue with Steve short on time but after swapping Queen for Rook the game, and the match, was drawn and our Div 1 survival secured. WELL DONE ALL!
Oh and the 1st Team managed to beat Wallasey 4.5-3.5.