THE LONDON EVENING STANDARD

London, England

28 March 1896

(page 8)

CHESS.

The final event of the Universities Chess Week—viz., the match between the two Universities—was played yesterday at the British Chess Club. During the week the Universities combined have encountered the leading Metropolitan Chess Clubs, and, although opposed by more than average teams, they have, nevertheless, made creditable stands against the British, metropolitan, and North London Chess Clubs, whilst they have actually been victorious against the City of London; but there was, nevertheless, not sufficient margin given to form an opinion as to the respective strength of the teams, and as to the result of this, the final struggle for supremacy; especially as Oxford had three and Cambridge four new men in their teams. The match yesterday commenced at 2.20. Cambridge, having gained the toss, took the first move upon board No. 1 and each alternate board. The following is the score:—

According to the conditions, play ceased at six o’clock, when three unfinished games, numbered 2, 5, and 7, were adjudicated by Messrs. Hoffer and Lasker. Lawton in a French defence, got a fine counter attack upon his opponent’s King’s position, Naish having castled on the Queen’s side, and carried the attack through successfully. Spencer Churchill got the better of his opponent’s French defence, remaining a pawn ahead, and with a winning ending. Cooper made a premature counter attack against Quinn’s centre gambit: he sacrificed a piece early in the opening, and lost the game in 23 moves. Robbins lost a centre gambit by exceeding his time limit; he had the best of it by far, and would have won the game. Battersby adopted the Queen’s Fianchetto defence, lost a pawn, and through it the game. Board number 6 was a Four Knights’ game, and a legitimate draw; whilst board number 7 was given by the umpires as drawn in a complicated position, Ward having two Rooks for a Queen.

At eight o’clock the teams were the guests of the British Chess Club at dinner. Sir George Newnes (President) in the chair. Amongst the guests were the Chief Lord Justice, who proposed the toast of the evening, “The Universities,” to which the two captains, Messrs. Lawton and Naish, replied. Mr. Thos. Hewitt proposed both Houses of Parliament, and Mr. Seaton Carr, M.P., responded. Mr. Naish proposed the “British Chess Club,” coupled with the name of Sir George Newnes, who responded, and other toasts followed.