Macclesfield C warriors could only draw against an in-form Northenden team making Worsley odds on favourites to clinch the Division 3 title.
Its back in the Greater Manchester conurbation for the last time this season and we’re given a fantastic welcome from the friendliest club in our solar system. Great job lads and it really is appreciated. I was still filling in the match cards when a rather large lady appeared from the wings, started singing and it was all over for young Tom whose kingside had been decimated ridiculously early. Don’t know how you did it but well played Ben. Next up on board 3 and Tony found Lionel in a charitable mood. Tony playing his favourite King’s Gambit won a piece for 2 pawns and was wondering how to progress when he was gifted a second piece 1-1. Man with Hat fresh from his Blackpool Chess Congress jolly (no mention please of those pesky kids) takes on John. My secret Magnus tells me that advancing my d pawn would have been good early doors but not playing it later on was bad and I was grateful for the draw offer. Basically I had let my opponent slip through the back door. `Not for the first time eh dear` shouts Mrs Hat in a somewhat unhelpful intervention. 90% John A still on course for the Vic Knox trophy was struggling until Andrew for Northenden offered a generous draw that was readily accepted 2-2. That left our Francis playing Khalid in what looked to be a highly technical game. Nobody was surprised when the top pairing agreed the third draw of the night in what was always going to be an extremely close encounter. Well played Northenden and thanks for the games and the welcome.
Too many drawn matches particularly away from home have left the title race out of our hands but we host Altrincham B knowing that any slip ups from Worsley and we will be ready to pounce. Could there yet be another twist in the tail in another remarkable season for the Macc Lads? Don’t miss the next instalment!
Down in the dark, deep forest, turning eastwards into Little Red Riding Hood Avenue. After 50 yards take the 1st exit into Hansel and Gretel Way passed the Woodcutters cottage on your right and there nestling in a clearing is Ellesmere Sports + Social Club.
First to finish was our Francis on board 1 who never got going after losing a pawn in the opening. An instructive display from Adam who nailed the endgame. Board 3 and Tony opens the scoring for Macc with an agreed draw after Paul shook hands faster than a Wild West gunslinger. Onto Man with Hat and avid readers of this Blog will have detected an ever so slight difference this year as the stream of losses turns into a 4 game unbeaten streak. I have yet again definitely turned a corner and glory will obviously soon be mine (a shaking of the head plus an exasperated look from Mrs Hat). Tough on my youthful opponent George this one. I looked to be losing this until a giant haymaker of a move that had no answer was unleashed. 1½ points each and John A wins again. This time against young Jamie. An astonishing sequence of results from the wizard who continues to impress and is surely destined for higher divisions. One game left and its Marc against Worsley’s Matthew. Blundering a piece from a decent position leaves Marc to entertain the baying mob but with his position imploding and time running out, Matthew earns the full point. Thanks to Worsley for their hospitality and we look forward to the return at the Queens in a match that could decide the Division 3 title race. Tune in, turn on. Next up is Northenden on the 11th March. Bring it on!
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