Furrowed brows at the MCC. Taking a gamble on resting their top players, the MCC went into the match with the NLC expecting a straightforward affair. They got more than they bargained for.
With Captain Trivedi leading by example and clocking up a quick win, it was clear there were points to be had. Strong performances from Mister Edwards (spying a 5 move combination to win from a losing position, no less) and yet another rock-hard Caro from Doctor Kirby to secure the Board 1 draw, the match was balanced at 3.5 – 2.5 with Mister Widdicombe’s game looking dead even. Could the mighty MCC be held to a draw by the NLC? Blood would flow in the Long Room if the points were not secured…
‘Twas not to be. Mister Widdicombe cracked under the pressure of defending a backward pawn, and the game fell to the MCC. Much relief from the cricketers.
