Bedford B made it three wins in a row in the County League Division 1, with a 3½ – 1½ win over Milton Keynes B, thereby completing a double over the MK teams. However, we were a little lucky, and the result was in doubt until the very end.
| Board | Rating | Bedford B | V | Milton Keynes B | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994 | Botteley, Michael T | 0 – 1 | Bowler, Andrew | 2041 |
| 2 | 1968 | Bodily, Richard T | ½ – ½ | Heath, Alan | 1858 |
| 3 | 1750 | Hale, Jack | 1 – 0 | Senturk, N Ozan NE | 1976 |
| 4 | 1863 | Pike, Steve C | 1 – 0 | Ward, George | 1829 |
| 5 | 1726 | Walker, Robert S | 1 – 0 | Bhalla, Sumit | 1475 |
| Total | 9301 | 3½ – 1½ | 9179 |
Richard was never in any trouble and looked to have a slight advantage, but settled for a draw.
Steve was always in control against a passive opponent and duly won comfortably [Ed – this should be true but sadly it wasn’t! – see game below!]
Mike, in the battle of the two most recent county champions, got into a very cramped position and eventually succumbed.
Jack’s position seemed pretty even, until his opponent blundered first one then a second piece.
That left my game on bottom board, which was rather crazy, with some dreadful errors. We castled on opposite sides, and threw pawns forward. I won the exchange, but then my attack petered out. My opponent’s attack should then have been decisive, but he missed two chances of mate. I fluked my way out with a queen sacrifice (it is always good when that succeeds) leaving me with a won end game, which I eventually managed to grind out.
Rob Walker, 1st February 2026
I was a bit hesitant to publish this game but thought it might be a reminder to myself not to be so stupid in the future! – Ed