This round 1 tie saw an intriguing clash between two newboys at the club, Gregg Hutchence and Richard Murphy.

Both have played just two games in the London League. Gregg is making his first steps in the game while Richard hasn’t played club chess in 20 odd years, “and then over in Ireland” he said. I don’t know what he means by that…

First up, it was Gregg with the white pieces. Here’s ALI HILL (200ECF) with the commentary:

And then:

So Richard wins the battle of the newboys and advances to the next round.