Playing in div 2 of The North Staffs Chess League this season, Macclesfield enter 2025 top of the league. For the secretary, this mirrors his beloved Leeds United, also top of the 2nd tier if not always on best form.
The first match of the season saw Macc away to Crewe E. Making his debut, Chris Riley won well and it became 2-0 when Ant ground down his veteran opponent. Joachim and the secretary were doing well on their boards until Joachim presented his queen to his opponent and the secretary re-enacted his post 10 pm blunder tendency. 2-2 the final result. Next came Crewe E at Macclesfield, in this Chris played too ambitiously and lost but Joachim won well. Both the secretary and Ant could only manage draws against their lower rated opponents, so 2-2 once more.
A trip to Holmes Chapel saw Joachim suffer a surprise loss but this time Chris, Gary and the secretary all won to record the first match win of the season. In December Stafford made the long trip to Macc and arrived to find no equipment but Geoff and Denzil made a swift visit to the former's garage to collect some of our very old sets. Never throw anything away!! A very late start meant Macc players having a 30 minute disadvantage but it was very good of Stafford to play in the circumstances. For Macc, Chris, Joachim and former captain Phil on his return all overcame their handicaps so Ant's loss still left Macc 3-1 victors. With 6 points from 4 matches Macclesfield enjoy a single point lead.
The Chess Club is announcing trial meetings at the Broken Cross Club on Monday, January 13th, and Monday, January 20th. These sessions will allow members to assess the suitability of the venue for future gatherings.
The room offers ample space with plenty of tables and chairs, as well as the convenience of on-site parking, provided vehicle registrations are entered at the bar. Non-members of Broken Cross Club will need to sign in upon arrival.
While the facility has much to offer, some noise may be heard from adjacent activities during club meetings. Feedback from attendees will be key in determining whether this venue can serve as a long-term home for the Chess Club.
The club’s leadership is continuing to explore additional options, with plans to evaluate another potential location at the Queens Hotel later this week. Members are encouraged to suggest other venues that could accommodate the club’s needs.
A strong turnout at the January trial sessions is encouraged, as this will help provide a comprehensive assessment of the venue.
For further updates, members are advised to stay connected through the club’s regular communication channels.
Macclesfield begun their campaign in the Stockport District Chess League Division 2 with an almost certain victory, as Macclesfield A faced off against Macclesfield B.
After a few early results putting the stronger team up 2 - 0, it should have been an easy victory for the A team, but whilst Tom was pressing a huge advantage on board 4, Geoff was in time trouble against Dan; and Anthony and Gary were duking out a complicated position with dwindling time.
Things were starting to look scary for the A team, but, using all his skill and experience, Geoff clung on to best Dan, and seal the fixture. JP soon after threw in the towel rewarding the B team with their sole point for the evening.
Gary finished the night off with a blitzed finish on board 1 which saw the pendulum swing both ways. Ultimately Ant made the final mistake and Gary capped off a stellar 4 - 1 win to start off the campaign right.
Macclesfield B | 1 - 4 | Macclesfield A |
Ant Brough (1776) | 0 - 1 | Gary Smith (1856) |
Denzil Lobo (1605) | 0 - 1 | Chris Riley (1856e) |
Marcus Fothergill (1595) | 0 - 1 | Carl Gartside (1846) |
Tom Moitié (1567) | 1 - 0 | JP Taylor (1815) |
Dan Barnes (1354) | 0 - 1 | Geoff Laurence (1786) |