For those with long memories, the Richardson Cup final was played on 15th March 2016. on 26th September 2016 the replay was held. By agreement between the captains and Phill Beckett (controller) we played over 4 boards and agreed that board count and board elimination would be used to settle a 2-2 draw. There was no agreement or facility for 4 draws. Cue collective crossed fingers.
The teams were again very evenly matched and probably had their best 4 available players out.
So off we went. That is to say they played and the general retired for a coffee.
Soon Chris and Jonathan walked in to my bunker all smiles. Jonathan was happy to have drawn in 16 moves. Chris likewise, citing that he was after all black and hadn’t played for 3 months. 1 draw down 3 to go. followed quickly by Jamie with another lame excuse for drawing in 18. 2 draws 2 to go. I wonder what Ian’s players told him!!
So off to the front line to observe the remains of the battle. To my amateur eyes we stood better on both games. Jon’s was messy but he has a good score against Oskar. Paul seemed to have more space and an easier position against Peter. Now a win on board 1 would have decided the match there and then. Hence another draw. Jon muttered something about time pressure. 3 draws 1 to go.
So all eyes on Paul and Peter, except mine, I retreated to the safety of the bunker to await reports. Paul was a pawn up but had doubled isolated b pawns. I again ventured forward and concluded that the game would be won or lost by Paul on the kingside or centre. I will not name the pessimist in our side who was strongly betting on Peter.
Finally, finally it was confirmed that Paul had won.
A postscript is that during the match Phill Beckett and I finalised the draw for next year’s Richardson cup. The loser of this game were to play Woodseats, the winner got the bye. Thought it better not to mention it during the game.
Thanks to everyone who played all season, including Pal and his dad who came back from Grantham for this match.