Broadstairs 3 Bridge 1
| 1 | Bob Page (135) | 1-0 | Chris Stampe (127) |
| 2 | Paul Carfrae (133) | 1-0 | Tim Spencer (121) |
| 3 | Richard Clement (e130) | ½-½ | Peter Blundell (120) |
| 4 | John Couzens (116) | ½-½ | Ian Redmond (75) |
Bob Page writes:
Broadstairs comfortably beat Bridge in the final Hargreaves match of the season to win the Shield for the second time in three years and the third in the last five. Putting out our strongest side, we were quietly confident beforehand and Paul got us off to a great start by gaining revenge for his defeat by the same opponent in September. Winning a piece early on, he carefully manoevred his queen and knights to trap the king and force resignation. In Andy’s absence, Captain Bob was next on the scoreboard. Chris played in his usual aggressive style but left gaps, lost a piece and the end was surprisingly swift. Richard’s game was always close and when he was offered a draw by his opponent, having checked that we only needed half a point to win the match, he accepted. The match concluded in a slightly farcical manner. John had been behind for most of his game, first a pawn down then two and eventually three. With the match won, he decided he had had enough and he offered his hand in resignation which was clearly misinterpreted by Ian who sportingly announced: ‘Yes, I’ll accept a draw’! In the past we have featured Game of the Week, Blunder of the Week, Swindle of the Week and we now have Draw of the Week although this one will not be published. Well played, everyone!