(The report of this match was cabled to us directly from deepest Chelsea by our field correspondent, Doctor Saldanha. The Editorial Committee wishes to thank the Doctor for his high-quality reportage.)
Elvis Costello certainly had a point, given our performance on Wednesday 8 March, but it’s always a joy to visit the Chelsea Arts Club.
The overall score certainly didn’t really reflect the closeness of a number of our encounters. That said, game scoresheets were conspicuous by their absence. Clearly, this was merely an oversight and nothing to do with the final result, which alas saw the NLC go down 5-1 to Chelsea (Arts Club that is).
Miss Widger on Board 1 in her debut as Captain won the toss, a somewhat rare event for the NLC, and elected to take White on the odd board numbers. We’re off to a cracking start.
Board 1
Miss Widger (Captain) battling Luke Williams found herself ahead with a couple of pawns fairly early on but her opponent worked hard to trap a piece heading into the middlegame, thereby gaining a significant advantage, and went on to eventually score the full point.
Board 2
A gruelling almost two-hour duel ensued on Board 2. Two opponents completely locked in battle, smashing out moves and their clocks in the dying seconds of the game, completely oblivious to the rapt audience in the room with checkmate delivered by Black seconds before any flags fell. It was merely a friendly after all.
After struggling with the game swinging this way and that, it’s all square after move 44. Both opponents stopped scoring at this point as little time was left on either clock and the game moved swiftly into Blitz territory. Frantic play ensued on both sides. After swapping off queens, Black picked up White’s dark-squared bishop and later on forced White to give up his remaining rook for a soon-to-be-promoted passed pawn. Black somehow managed to promote another passed pawn and deliver checkmate in the nick of time. It’s a single point to the NLC on the night to avoid the whitewash – phew! Doctor Saldanha later apologised for punching his two fists in the air and exclaiming “yes” at the end of his game; such behaviour being frowned upon in polite London Club circles. Thank you Mike Radcliffe for an excellent game – it definitely takes two to tango.
Board 3
Mister Rhatigan enjoyed a decent encounter against Joell Jenkins despite narrowly coming off second best this time.
Board 4
The only other scoresheet of the night featured Mister Kir on his debut for the NLC Chess team. His opponent Richard Patterson choosing the unusual Grob opening 1. g4. Black gives up the opportunity to threaten the exposed g4 pawn early on, which allows White to place his dagger ever deeper. Unlucky Mister Kir who definitely lives to fight another day for the NLC. We look forward to seeing Mister Kir in action again in the future.
Board 5
Señor Odriozola battled the impressive Marc Wolff (CAC Captain) on Board 5 – Marc Wolff being absolutely no slouch when it comes to the chess board. Board five for the Captain of the opposition is surely a testament to the strength of the Chelsea Arts team or perhaps the fear we now inspire in our opponents?
Board 6
On our final board, Mister Sharland played the charming Mrs Yasmin Schulte (shown pictured). Mrs Schulte was thoroughly delighted with her win and Mister Sharland was of course the perfect gentleman.
Dinner
And so to the main event of the evening – le dîner and thoroughly convivial conversation.
Thank you very much Chelsea Arts Club and well played. We look forward to seeing you at the NLC in due course.