Battersea fielded without doubt the strongest line-up in our illustrious 133-year history last night to save our struggling second team from the drop in the Central London League.

Super GM David Howell, currently joint England number 1 no less, and the Ginger GM himself Simon Williams led from the front as Battersea 2 thrashed relegation rivals HMC2 4-1.

GM David Howell is tied for the England number 1 spot, according to Fide ratings
GM David Howell is tied for the England number 1 spot, according to Fide ratings

With a rating of 2701 Fide, GM Howell – a three-time British champion – is by far the highest-rated player ever to have turned out for the club. And to have a player of Simon’s quality only on board 2 was…

But that wasn’t all.

On board 3 we had International Master Gavin Wall (2341 Fide), followed by Blair Connell (191 ECF) and Aldo Camilleri (184 ECF) completing our stellar line-up.

GM David Howell and GM Simon Williams
GM David Howell and GM Simon Williams

HMC2 for their part also fielded a super-strong side with International Master John Paul Wallace (2398 Fide) leading the line and Fide Master Andrew Smith on board 3.

But wins for Gavin, Blair and Aldo carried the day meaning captain Emil Todorow‘s team live to fight another day in the CLL division 1.

Here is the Central London League scorecard.

Here is Emil’s match report