The creme of NLC chess headed off to Pall Mall to play the Oxford and Cambridge Club – the current Hamilton Russell leaders. The NLC had good reasons to be fearful as previous Hamilton Russell encounters had finished 0-6, 1-5 and 0-5.
But perhaps it’s a measure of how far we’ve come; the NLC didn’t panic when faced with superior opposition but kept our technique. 2-4 to the Oxford and Cambridge was the result, with four draws on the top four boards. Not quite a death or glory charge, but we probably earned more points this way.
Board 1
Doctor Kirby led off on Board 1 against O&C Captain Nigel White. You’ve guessed what comes next – Captain Chamberlain loses toss, opponent plays 1.e4, Doctor Kirby plays Caro-Kann and a half point achieved. This one was a long struggle in a Queenless middle game after a 3.e5 advance variation. Doctor Kirby managed to get on top late on and won the exchange, but white had a very solid position. As the match had been decided and time trouble loomed, the participants shook hands on a draw.
Board 2
Mister Whiteley had white against his nemesis Peter Webster. Mister Whiteley played the English opening rather than his usual King’s Indian Attack but his pieces ended up in a tangle on the Q-side (9. Bb2 and 11.Qb3 were mistakes) and was struggling until Peter Webster played 17. …. g5 which allowed him back in. Another half…don’t mind if we do.
Board 3
Captain Chamberlain had a tough encounter with Chris Heath. A closed Sicilian from white put the Captain on his guard. Black’s move 17…b6 made things a little loose on his queenside in front of his castled king, and white began to pull ahead. During all the exchanges Mister Fritz though white 3 fully points better – a significant advantage and a hard one to turn around. But 25.Qf7 was needed from white to keep the advantage, and after that Captain Chamberlain was able to steady the ship and play down to a draw.
Board 4
Mister Giffin QC MA (Oxon) had white on board 4 against the very capable Anna York-Weaver. Mister Giffin QC MA (Oxon) played the exchange variation against the opponent’s Caro-Kann (someone else does play it!). The Caro did its work and Mister Giffin QC MA (Oxon) was under pressure, but he managed to hold on for the draw.
Board 5
Sadly, the draw everything strategy broke down on Board 5. Young Master Jacobs had black against O&C veteran John Godfray. Young Master Jacobs eventually sacrificed a piece to try to get an attack, but the wily opponent survived and broke through for the win. His form has dipped since the beard went. Bring back the face furniture, Jacobs!
Board 6
Doctor Schady stepped in at short notice for Mister Widdicombe and played John Alderson. Doctor Schady started well but lost a central pawn in the middle game. The opponent used the edge and converted it into victory.
Dinner
And so to dinner. Both the O&C and the NLC had positives from the match. The NLC had avoided a drubbing and the O&C were one step closer to the Hamilton Russell Cup. Roast lamb, potatoes and vegetables followed by sponge cake with all of it washed down by Montepulciano. A fine evening.