It’s always a pleasure to visit Lord’s, especially the Pavilion for those of us who aren’t MCC Members. A fine evening of chess and an equitable result ensued. It all took place on Thursday 5th of December.
Board 1
Our first game pits Mister Barton against the highly experienced MCC Captain, David Bates. A super sharp 20 move encounter in which Mister Barton held the upper hand early on only to let it slip through his fingers.
Board 2
David Clarkson had white against the Lib’s own Mister Jacobs. He’s got the beard back – would he once again channel his inner ‘Black Death‘?
Err…no. White won.
Board 3
This one saw the theory-dodging, chess-book-averse, speedster chess chancer who calls himself Mister Ioannou play the MCC’s Mister Yates.
And damn your eyes…he won.
Board 4
And now to the Captain. What could Doctor Saldanha cook up?
Well, a fairly accurate and even game up until our Captain’s slip on move 33.
Board 5
A Clubland chess classic here, with Mister Rosenbaum taking on Peter Rust.
They settled for a draw.
Board 6
This one saw the cricketers Henry Blank versus the Liberal Mister Singh. They fought to a standstill, and shared the point.
Board 7
The match saw another welcome return of Our Good Friend Mister Taylor. He took on Jim Chaudry and delivered the goods for his adoptive Club.
Board 8
The final game saw Mister Bates Sr take on the Liberal Miss Yu. She powered through to grab the last point, and secure the draw.
Dinner
With the pre-dinner activity out of the way, it was time to get down to the real business of the evening.
So that’s a 4-4 draw and we all agreed that is a perfect result for a friendly. Thank you MCC for a fine dinner and evening of chess.
We will face the MCC chess first team at home in January in our postponed Round 4 Hamilton Russell Cup match.