It could have been a St Valentine’s day massacre. After a glorious 1.5-5.5 defeat in the Hamilton-Russell Cup, the NLC could have been forgiven for rolling over against the Athenaeum in the friendly. Especially so, as the Athenaeum team was again led by Peter Lee (British Champion 1965).
But it didn’t turn out that way. A quick win on board 4 and quick loss on board 3 left the top two boards to slug it out. Two draws meant an honourable 2-2 match result. In chess terms, this was one of the NLC’s best efforts.
The Athenaeum players enjoyed their first visit to the NLC and an excellent dinner. No massacre after all.
Doctor Kirby essayed another Caro-Kann against Peter Lee and was under pressure all the way. But Peter Lee made a mistake in time trouble and Doctor K found himself two pawns up in a (drawn) opposite bishop ending. Doctor K conceded a sporting draw with six seconds on his opponent’s clock.
Mister Widdicombe found himself white in another Marshall gambit against David Shankland. After a hard-fought defensive effort Mister Widdicombe accepted a draw.
Mister Trivedi opened up early as black in a Ruy Lopez. Unfortunately he lost a piece and his opponent took advantage.
Mister Hamme won a piece early on and speedily converted it to victory.
And so on to an excellent dinner.
