The Bradstow Mill benefitted from the Christmas lights shining brightly, once the flashing programme was sorted, alas in the match Sandwich outshine Broadstairs Chess Club.
The experienced Harry Sharples on board 1 playing white dominated the early opening moves, with Manoj having to make up time from a late start and having the black pieces. Manoj fought back very strongly to get parity but then blundered a pawn before having to concede the game, for an early Sandwich point and lead.
Paul Carfrae battled with Jon Hunt on Board 2 in a tight match before a draw was agreed to get Broadstairs first half point of the evening.
Dominic Blundell with the Black pieces eventually lost a close game against his opponent which meant that Sandwich had won the match.
On board 4 one of the nights tightest battles was continuing. After 2 hours nothing to choose between Fredy Reber’s position and that if his opponent Mike Davies. After 3 hours the position was unchanged with both having 7 pawns and equal minor pieces. Mike did have a double pawn though. With the clock-time reducing and only minutes left before the full-time control of 3.5 hours had passed, a deserved draw was agreed with both players playing near faultless chess in an evenly balanced game.
So a 3 – 1 result in favour of Sandwich.
| Broadstairs | 1 – 3 | Sandwich |
| Manoj Natarajan 1780 | 0 – 1 | Harry Sharples 1780 |
| Paul Carfrae 1683 | 1/2 – 1/2 | Jon Hunt 1684 |
| Dominic Blundell 1630 | 0 – 1 | John Thorley 1600 |
| Fredy Reber 1300 (1188) | 1/2 – 1/2 | Mike Davies 1300 (1278 |