Kingston v Richmond, Thames Valley Knockout semi-final played at the Willoughby Arms, Kingston on 12 February 2024

Kingston were keen to retain the trophy we won last year when we beat Harrow in the final. However, we knew this would be a tough match, as only recently our first team were held to a 3-3 draw by Richmond A in Thames Valley division 1– a match which at one point they had looked nailed on to win.

We had strengthened our team with the inclusion of David Maycock and Peter Andrews, and we anticipated that Richmond would do the same. Their surprise inclusion was Casper Bates, who plays for the Richmond London League team but is not a Thames Valley regular, on board 3. Peter Lalić’s unorthodox opening, giving up a pawn, created the sort of unbalanced position in which Peter thrives. However, his opponent advanced his h-pawn, and Peter eventually ran out of time trying to stop the pawn promotion.

A couple of decisive games, one for each side, are discussed below.

This was a hard-fought match deservedly won by Richmond, who seemed to have an edge for most of the playing session.

Alan Scrimgour, Kingston captain in the Thames Valley Knockout

On the same evening, packed into the upstairs room at the Willoughby, Kingston 3 were hosting Epsom 3 in a Centenary Trophy (Surrey division 4) match. The match was drawn 3-3. Nick Grey and Ed Mospan (game) were the winners for Kingston, with Charlie Cooke and Greg Heath obtaining draws.