Broadstairs 1½ Bridge 2½
1. Paul Carfrae (132) ½-½ Patrick Burns (e130)
2. John Couzens (131) 0-1 Shahid Sahi (107)
3. Tom Lovegrove (117) 0-1 Tim Spencer (e100)
4. Andy Flood (e114) 1-0 Graeme Boxall (98)
Bob Page writes:
Broadstairs’ second match in this season’s Hargreaves Shield ended in a narrow defeat. Despite outgrading the Bridge players on all four boards, none of the home players ever looked comfortable although, ironically, it may have been John who had the best chances early on. He seemed to have got the better of the middle game but he missed the best continuation and once the minor pieces came off, his opponent’s more advanced king was decisive in the ensuing K+P ending. 0-1
Paul seemed to have the better of his game on board one but he struggled to make a breakthrough and when he was forced to settle for a draw, we knew it would be difficult with Andy and Tom both needing to win for the team to emerge victorious. ½-1½
Andy had a slight advantage for most of his game but he was faced with a tricky rook and pawn ending with pawns on opposite sides of the board. Skilfully, he managed to force the rooks off to ensure that his passed pawn would queen first. 1½-1½
By now, Tom’s game had gained quite an audience. Although little appeared to be happening, everyone realised that this was the crucial game. Suddenly the game came alive: with his bishop trapped in the middle of the board, Tom cleverly sacrificed his knight, creating the space to retreat the previously trapped bishop to threaten his opponent’s queen. Tom’s draw offer was declined and it looked as if this may have been an unwise decision as he threatened to win a rook but skilful defence forced him to settle for the exchange. From then on the game swung to and fro but time counted in the end, Tom having to sacrifice his rook for a passed pawn and the game was lost. 1½-2½
A disappointing result but full credit to the players from Bridge.