The season’s second rapid-play took place downstairs in the Queen’s, our normal clubroom having been taken over by Father Christmas for his Grotto.
This meant squeezing two boards onto one table leaving only just enough room for that vital ingredient, the clock.
Robert arrived suitably attired in his Rudolf kit and the red nose did it as he sailed through the evening with five straight wins and even with the severe handicap he rarely seemed to be in trouble.
It was an unusual pleasure to award joint second place to Tony Lane and Roy Gray who managed to accrue 3.5 points, sometimes skilfully and sometimes with the aid of the great goddess Fortuna.
My commiserations go to Angie, who gracefully drifted through the competition with a smile on her face despite at the completion of each game receiving the score of a UK Eurovision Song entrant. The controller gave two people too many blacks and one two many whites but otherwise he acquitted himself well enough and enjoyed the night.
I am looking forward to the Spring competition, my last in charge, when it would be great to emulate the turnout in strength and numbers that we had last year. It would seem that Robert is determined to get his hands on that cup again.
Macclesfield C remain without a captain but the secretary is doing a fill-in job. "Actually I see myself as more of a stand-in manager," is the latest line. Already in contention for "manager of the month" following his quick reversal of the team's fortunes following a disappointing first game, where the Cs managed to lose despite some very promising board positions, the follow-up games have seen 9 game points from 10. "We now need someone to come forward and seize the opportunity to lead this team to the title," he added.
The latest venture was complicated when Marc went down with flu very late in the day. With no luck in finding a replacement at such short notice, the secretary had to play himself or forfeit a board. East Cheshire, not expecting this, were all volunteering to stand down and watch the night's premier league footie. The secretary is a Leeds fan and had no such problem....
With his opponent Steve throwing caution to the wind and going for all-out attack, newcomer Jake showed great calmness in defending accurately to record his 3rd win from 3 starts. Ant got himself into a right mess in the opening, reaching a position 2 pawns down and surely lost. Paul unfortunately went wrong later allowing an astonishing turnaround. Tony earned a splendid win over David - which I didn't see much of, but David is not easy to beat so a very pleasing result. Man with hat, following 2 excellent results early in the season, sadly went down this time to Mohammed and it was left to the secretary to finish off proceedings with a ground-out win against Jim, who must be one of the very few league players who actually plays slower than the secretary himself.
As ever many thanks to our friends from East Cheshire (and apologies about the footie...)
In the corresponding fixture last year, Altrincham were to become the only team to beat Macclesfield C.
It was time for the Macc lads to make a statement that would send shockwaves through the Stockport and District League (Div 3). We just had to settle for a firework display. A panoramic kaleidoscopic collage of colour that illuminated the Trafford skyline and saw Macclesfield rack up a scoreline not seen since the last comet passed this way.
Alty’s Mike and I pushed the wood around for about an hour before Man with Hat nicked a pawn. I feared a gruelling endgame but Mike was in a generous mood. Indeed all of the Altrincham players were benevolent.
Marc had had a difficult start to the season but was able to create a passed pawn that steamrolled down to the 8th rank ably abetted by his opponent Peter.
Jake, Macclesfield’s latest New Kid in Town returned with the full point for the second night in a row *Watch this space* and its too much for David A.
Anthony Lane (theirs not ours) gave Ant Brough a way in and its 4-0.
Finishing off was Mr Astley who had Alty’s Bill in a vice like grip and he’s never gonna give it up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around + dessert you, never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye (enough- Ed).
So 5-0 to the Silkmen. MWH is not sure as to his availability this year but the Hat lives for nights like these and as John A observed, this is a time for slippers on, in front of the fire, with a steaming hot cup of chocolate.
Well played to all and thanks to Altrincham for their cordial hospitality as always.