The second string of the Wandering Dragons have been the twilight zone team for many years, flirting between the bottom of the Edinburgh Premier and relegation and the top of the Edinburgh first Division with promotion. They also act as reserve pool for the first team.

WD2 4-2 Sandy Bells

The 2nd team played their first match and the first formal match in Clark’s Bar on Tuesday 15th of October. The seconds won 4-2 despite being down 2 regular players (Ian and Bryan). We should also welcome a new player to the fold, Mark Monaghan, who joins the 2nd team. Mark is a friend of Ian Brownlee and is a welcome addition to the pool. Two of the Chesstrells stepped up and filled the spaces left by the absence of the regulars, many thanks to Bill and Lee for helping out. I know you are disappointed by the results but it could easily have been a 6-0 for us.

There was a slight hiccup at the start when the debating society had been booked for one of our rooms, and despite several hours of arguing and discussion they would not stop speaking so we played next door in the semi-complete restaurant which proved to be a great space to play match.

EU1 4½-1½ WD2

We lost to Edinburgh University 4½-1½ - Jim was the only one with a huge grade difference (Chris Wu, 2288) and blundered a piece in the opening. The rest had chances. Ian threw away a rook ending a pawn up. Bryan Tope missed two wins and Jannic had a great game but could not finish the guy. Mark faced a 250 points gulf but played a good game. Adam won against a 1291 but struggled.