The NLC’s 6th Round match was a tough one. It always is against the O&C. But this one left the left the NLC Captain speechless.
Quite literally: Captain Saldanha had completely lost his voice; Doctor Widdicombe had to step in to deliver the NLC’s dinner speech.
Board 1
Julio Brau is a formidable player. Well done Mister Khan for a half point.
Board 2
Edvin Morell won the Oriental Club’s Chess and Curry Evening event and came second in our Under One Sky Blitz tournament earlier this year. A decent player, then. So no shame in Mister Burgoyne dropping the point for the Libs.
Board 3
Board 3 saw Mister Giffin KC MA (Oxon) take the black pieces against Andrew Rogozinski, a very strong player. It’s a tough match for anyone, and Counsel couldn’t quite find the argument to win his case. A nice checkmate finished the bout.
Board 4
Perhaps the game of the match, for the wonderful swindle of a finish to snatch a half point through stalemate. Superb resourcefulness from Mister Jacobs, and against the O&C Captain no less.
But the final swindle was recorded – this was the position with White to play and a rook sac in the air…
Board 5
The whispering Captain Saldanha gave it his all against Mohammed Amin. He nearly made it, but 36. … Reb7 instead of axb4 marks the beginning of the end. Shhh.
Board 6
Over some pre-game chit chat Doctor Widdicombe’s opponent casually mentioned that they’d been ‘2100 or so a few years back’. Gulp. Under such circumstances Doctor Widdicombe was simply pleased not to thoroughly embarrass himself, but instead to only slightly do so.
Board 7
Miss Widger found herself, unaccountably, on board 7. Perhaps a tactical ruse from the Captain to play the former NLC Champ below the current NLC chump Mister Widdicombe? But such things are generally frowned upon in polite chess circles. It was no good asking the Captain for an explanation, as no one could hear his response. So we all just got on with it. Alas, no point for Miss Widger this time.
Board 8
Mister Kaya was going great guns in his game against Elado Osuobeni, before a knock out back ranker ended the affair. A true sucker punch. It happens.
Friendly Board 1
Miss Yu took the first berth on the friendly boards. Unfortunately she went down to Geoffrey Dommett.
Friendly Board 2
Miss Birrane was on Friendly Board no. 2, and likewise couldn’t quite grab the point.
Dinner
So with the dust settled, natural order had been resumed with the O&C taking a 7-1 victory over the Libs (9-1 if we count the friendly games). Very well played the O&C.
And so to dinner. A good time was had by all.
A sorry tale
When the siren call of the NLC Chess Captain is heard, good Liberals of true heart jump to play chess for the Club in Gladstone’s honour.
Some, however, can’t be bothered and go on holiday instead.
[After much close consideration, it has been decided that the Editorial Committee will not release the names of those base Liberals who lack the requisite character and commitment. That would be simply unfair. They know who they are, and they should be asking themselves some very searching questions.]
