Athenaeum 1 v Richmond 03-04-19

Our run of excellent results finally came to an end when we were comprehensively beaten by Athenaeum, although we were, on paper, slightly the stronger team. These things happen: we’ll just have to beat Battersea in our last real match of the season.

Congratulations to Iain, our only winner on the night: there was also a quick draw from Mike Healey and solid halves on the bottom four boards: congratulations to them as well. Apart from that, not much joy. Thanks to all who played – and well done Athenaeum!

Athenaeum 1 Richmond
1 Mark Gray 200 0:1 Iain Gourlay 225
2 Dimitar Mogilarov 202 1:0 Gavin Wall 223
3 Daniel Lindner 204 ½:½ Mike Healey 212
4 Emmanuel Voyiakis 188 1:0 Caspar Bates 200
5 Colin Menzies 206 1:0 Julien Shepley 174
6 Olivia Smith 188 1:0 John Burke 181
7 Carl Hetherington 166 ½:½ Martin Benjamin 176
8 John Walton 175 ½:½ Mike Smart 171
9 Charles McAleenan 156 ½:½ Chris Baker 165
10 Steve Madden 156 ½:½ John Bass 168
6½:3½

43 years on, John Walton was again playing for Athenaeum against Richmond. Just as in 1976, he drew his game, but this time his teammates were more successful.