Two events of the upmost significance occurred on Tuesday 10th of May. The first was of course the eagerly awaited final match of the 2021/22 season for the Libs at the Athenaeum. The second was the Eurovision semi final. Doctor Kirby and Mister Giffin QC MA (Oxon), both confirmed Eurovision enthusiasts, made their priorities clear and were glued to the television, feather boas in place. The rest of the team had to step up and fill the slots.
Before we go on, there are a few honourable mentions that immediately need to be made: two debut appearances (one from Mister Rosenbaum, previously of another parish, and one for the promising Mister Sultan) and a particular mention in dispatches for Miss Widger, who arranged to fly back from holiday that day to immediately report for duty on board 3 (showing the type of commitment we’ve come to expect).
There was definitely an end of term feel for this final friendly of the season as both teams basked in their glories, finishing 2nd and 4th respectively in the final Hamilton Russell table. A solid season has confirmed Libs are no longer a soft touch or Running Scared. They certainly Believe. The question was whether the Libbers would be Walking on Sunshine at the end of the evening or if this would be their Waterloo. Whatever happened, this would be a Ding – a – Dong battle.
The evening started promisingly as Captain [and guest correspondent for the night – Ed.], Mister Ioannou (Why Me?), broke with tradition and actually won the toss (clearly inexperience in NLC Captaincy). The game was afoot for these intrepid Heroes.
So what of the chess? These days it almost takes on as much significance as the dinner afterwards (but not quite).
Board 1
Board 1 welcomed Mister Rosebaum making his debut in NLC colours. Proud as punch to finally playing for a reputable chess team, he scrapped hard against David Shankland, but was left a piece down with the clock against him. He fought hard, but alas he succumbed in the end.
Board 2
On board 2 Captain Ioannou missed an early opportunity to gain material against David Steyn but was holding his own until a blunder in move 29 put paid to his efforts.
Board 3
Board 3 saw the ever-consistent Miss Widger battle through jet lag and a resilient opponent to gain the NLC’s first point of the night against Martin Smedley.
Board 4
There was deja vu for Mister Widdicombe in time trouble (of course) and he gratefully accepted a very sporting draw from Nick Smedley when offered with 3 mins left on his clock. Still, not an altogether easy win for Black, so perhaps a fair draw offer.
Board 5
Mr Dias brought his usual elan to board 5, but it wasn’t enough on this occasion and Kester George got the better of him.
Board 6
Board 6 saw debutant in Mister Sultan, a real speed merchant [and this coming from Mister Ioannou! – Ed.] who brought his 1 minute game to the longer format and won in record time against a wily Joe Coles. The backroom staff have marked out Mister Sultan for a bright future in the NLC chess team.
And so, to dinner
With the chess out of the way, we could get to the point.
A beetroot starter followed by a superb chicken supreme, accompanied by a rather agreeable Menetou-Salon 2019.
The conversation flowed and we all agreed to do it again. What’s another year? Well, hopefully more of the same!
And as for Doctor Kirby and Mister Giffin QC MA (Oxon):
A wonderful evening (and some very close chess). Thank you. David
Great games all!
Looking through your game Danny, White’s c pawn was scary. Very tricky to stop.