Epsom 5 v Kingston 3, Surrey League division 4 match played at Epsom Christian Fellowship on 17 November 2025

This match was played in freezing conditions at Epsom’s church venue. Note to Epsom – that is really not fair to players and you will need to address these concerns as the winter progresses. But the Kingston players managed to rise above the temperature and put in a strong performance, marshalled as ever by the indefatigable Ed Mospan, winning 4-2.

Kingston newcomer Xavier Cowan won an important victory with Black on board 1 against Epsom veteran Michael Wickham, and Adam Nakar shared the point on board 2 with the dangerous Sammy Hedges. Promising junior Ethan Bogerd, who also plays for Kingston, got the better of Seth Warren on board 3, but the wins that took Kingston over the line came on boards 4 and 5, where the experienced Ye Kyaw and David Shalom got the better of their opponents. Fred Marthoz, though outrated by more than 250 points, ensured a clear margin of victory with an excellent draw on board 6. A terrific victory, appreciated by Ed and his team once they had thawed out.

Stephen Moss