Hackney was always going to be a tricky opener and so it proved.
A match score of 4.5-6.5 (a likely 5-7 if Brandon’s adjourned game is drawn) was the least we deserved for our efforts, with Tommaso particularly unlucky to have the rug pulled out from under him by Jonathan (son of IM Malcolm) Pein.
Ali also can feel hard done by after a chance of a draw against Dave Ledger fell away in a very complicated position.
Given we were still recruiting players in the final hours before the match – and big thanks are due to Aldo for stepping in at the death (with a win) as well as BCC new recruit Rafael del Valle Domenech – there’s plenty of positives to carry through the rest of the season.
Strength in depth was shown in cracking displays by Vic and Malcolm, both who recorded wins against considerably higher-graded opponents, as well as a solid draw by Paul S against Hackney veteran Frank Chin.
Onwards and upwards!
Chris
