Just the two matches in division 1 this week with both of them having an influence on the fight to avoid relegation. In the first match White Knights C were away to Morriston A who were boosted by the addition of Thomas Van Veelen on top board. After struggling to beat Emperors last time out the Morriston team had a more impressive result this time. 4-1 to Morriston A; a result that keeps them in second place and leaves White Knights C only a point above the bottom places. The second match was between third placed White Knights B and bottom of the table Emperors. Although the Emperors managed draws on boards 1 and 4 they were overwhelmed on the others with the Knights winning 4-1.

There were also just two matches in division 2. Fourth placed White Knights D were at home to third placed Morriston C with both teams looking fairly strong. There was just the one draw on board 3 but with Morriston winning three of the others they went home the winners by 3½-1½. The result moved them above Merlins into second place. The other match played was the second interclub encounter between the Briton Ferry teams, Giants and Brunel. It was hard fought across all the boards with 4 of the 5 ending in draws. It was not until the dust settled in the last to finish game on board 2 did Giants emerge the winners. Giants leapfrog Brunel and have a match in hand but are still third from bottom.

In division 3 Morriston E were at home to club mates Morriston F and were no doubt hoping to repeat the result from their previous head to head when they won 3½-1½. It was, however, more evenly balanced this time round with the teams eventually cancelling each other out and having to be content with a match point each. On the Thursday De la Beche B extended their winning streak to 7 from 7 in their home match against Tribunes. It was the least comfortable of any of their wins this season and they only just pulled it off by the odd point (3-2). They now sit 4 points ahead of their nearest rivals, De la Beche C, and have a match in Hand.

19/01/2019