With the pre-Christmas freeze continuing, the Libs made their way over the Pall Mall for the Hamilton Russell match against the mighty O&C. Rail strikes and inclement weather meant a five board match. The NLC almost had vague pangs of hope as O&C stalwarts like Julio Brau and Nigel White weren’t present. But who were these new people? And why was Peter Webster only on Board 3? The truth quickly became clear – the O&C have some excellent new players and if they ever put their full line-up together they’ll be very good.
The first four boards were outclassed. Only Miss Widger on Board 5 managed to exhibit sufficient skill and nerve – coming through in time trouble to secure a point. It finished 1-4 to the O&C but at least we avoided a whitewash. The great thing about Club Chess is no matter whatever happens there’s usually a decent dinner afterwards. This was no exception and the Libs headed off into the night licking their wounds, but also well fed.
Board 1
Doctor Kirby led off on Board One against former Oxford Varsity Captain Andrew Rogozinski. Captain Giffin KC MA (Oxon) had won the toss for once (!!!) so the Doctor was re-acquainting himself with White. The game involved the Mar del Plata variation of the King’s Indian. Very tricky, lots of theory but needs playing with gusto overwise White gets crushed by Black’s K-Side attack. White played the first 15 moves correctly but then put the Q-side rook on c1 (rather than play Qc2 and then Rfc1). This hampered White’s Q-side attack. This coupled with more general shuffling about (and a very good opponent) led to an early loss.
Board 2
Things didn’t get much better on Board 2 for Captain Giffin KC MA (Oxon) against Freddie Bastianello. In a Nimzo-Larsen attack (1.b3) the opponent secured an early positional advantage and kept turning the screw. Material was won, the position was simplified and our skipper succumbed.
Board 3
Things didn’t get any better on Board 3 for Mister Ioannou against O&C Captain Peter Webster. Peter Webster is an effective and accurate player who doesn’t make many mistakes. Sadly, Mister Ioannou fell into an opening trap and lost a pawn on move seven. From there the game was only going one way.
Board 4
The tale of woe continued with Young Master Jacobs on Board 4 against Mohammed Amin. The Young lad lost a piece in the opening, then rook for bishop. He managed to hold out for a while but the opponent broke through and exploited his material advantage.
Board 5
Finally things perked up with Miss Widger playing Kaushalya Kulratnam in a Sicilian. Black managed to get the advantage in the opening but Miss Widger fought back and won the exchange. She also had the advantage on the clock. As pieces were exchanged Miss Widger managed to free her rook into the opponent’s position and won the ending.
Dinner
And so to dinner, and it was excellent. Parsnip and Chestnut Soup followed by Fillet of Beef, Braised Ox Cheek and veggies. The Ox Cheek in particular stands out as a highlight in many years of eating dinners around Clubland with the occasional chess match thrown in. Excellent convivial company too from the O&C.
We even had time for a team photo.
