Ashtead 2 v Kingston 3, Surrey League division 4 match played at the Peace Memorial Hall, Ashtead on 31 March 2026

As the season marches inexorably towards its conclusion, so too did six of Kingston’s finest march a step further towards the Centenary Trophy. Although the 4.5-1.5 scoreline left little room for doubt, the match at Ashtead was a nail-biter, with four games still unclear at 10.15pm. Many thanks to Ashtead for hosting us and congratulations to all the players on a robust and competitive performance.

Kingston third-and fourth-team captain Ed Mospan had one eye on the league standings when selecting the team; with just one further match against co-leaders Epsom 4 remaining, there was no room for error. We had a moderate rating advantage on the top 4 boards, widening out into a significant edge on boards 5 and 6, which is where our analysis begins – Ashtead’s Hugh Wylie v Kingston’s Seth Warren on board 5.

Fairly soon afterwards, Kingston’s Ye Kwaw also won with White on board 6 against Christopher Perks, leaving us 2-0 up. Surveying the remaining four boards, however, gave a very uncertain picture. As late as 10.15pm all four were still in play, with most players having less than 10 minutes on the clock, and three games still very double-edged.

Xavier Cowan (pictured above, right) had arrived late after an unexpectedly adventurous cycle journey. He had conceded a lot of time to his opponent, Patrick O’Mara, and had the black pieces, but his play proved to be as free-wheeling as his cycling, and he built up a kingside attack which eventually proved to be irresistible. Dormie 3, as golfers say. The match could not now be lost.

Indeed, it was there to be won. Thivan Gunawardana was in trouble against Ashley Wilson on board 4, but Alex Chmelev looked to have a nailed-on draw against Ashtead stalwart Bertie Barlow on board 2 and Tom Mayers, with Black on board 3, was starting to make progress against the experienced Adrian Waldock.

The three games finished in rapid succession, with time playing its part in two of them. Alex duly secured the match-winning draw on board 2; Thivan, in desperate time trouble and also under severe pressure on the board, succumbed to give Ashtead a consolation win; and Tom won on time – an excellent scalp for the young man – to make the final score 4.5-1.5. Kingston 3 now face a tough away match against Epsom 4 which will decide who wins the Surrey League division 4 (Centenary Trophy) title.

Seth Warren is Kingston fixtures secretary and was acting captain in the match at Ashtead