It has become clear that concluding this season will not be possible. As such this current season will not be restarted.
-All games played up to the point of suspension will be counted for grading and the results of matches played and league standings will be recorded for our archives .
-No league titles or trophies will be awarded.
Arrangements for the AGM will be agreed in due course to discuss the options for next season.
The Government Guidance
The Government guidance is to shut down all clubs and pubs until further notice.
This is a fast changing situation and pubs may re-open with "Social Distancing" and the situation will be reviewed when this happens
The ECF and coronavirus guidance
The ECF has been considering the operation of evening league chess during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
It is for individual leagues to decide on their own policy and the ECF cannot make decisions for those organisations. Our suggestion is that play is suspended for a period. A sensible period, to allow for the progress of the virus to be monitored and reviewed in line with developments in Government policy .
Stockport League
ECF have recommended the postponement of all league chess fixtures and the Stockport League committee have agreed with this. All league fixtures are therefore postponed with immediate effect. The situation will be kept under review, but captains should not make any attempt to rearrange matches at this stage.
Stoke League
In view of the situation with the Covid-19 virus the NSDCA have just made the decision to suspend ALL league and cup matches with immediate effect. This will be reviewed when more advice and information becomes available.
Club (UPDATE : Club is closed)
The club will be Closed .
In the semi-finals, Joachim Trier capitulated to James Heppell (the current title holder) while Colin Davison was bested by Martin Ollson. I have no details of the games but I imagine they were both hard fought. So James plays Martin for the title ... 2 long play games with reversed colours (tie breaker if 1-1 after that). Watch this space for updates!!