Match Night Round-Up: Strong Results Across The Board

Monday evening saw plenty of competitive chess at The Queen's Hotel, with games played in both the Club Championship and Pomeroy Cup, whilst Tuesday brought another North Staffs league fixture.

In the Club Championship, Chris Riley continued his excellent form with victory over Carl Gartside to move to 1.5 points from two games. Riley shares the lead with Colin Gibson, who drew with chairman Anthony Brough in what was presumably a hard-fought encounter. Joachim Trier opened his campaign with a win against Jason Rice and sits just half a point behind the leaders, though having played one game fewer.

The Pomeroy Cup also saw two games on Monday, with Tom Moitié defeating David Waterson and Jenny Gartside beating Andy Hughes. However, the previous week had also seen action, with Jenny Gartside securing a win over Connor Greenwood. Meaning the lead is now shared between Jenny, Connor and Tom. They will be pleased to get off the marks.

Tuesday brought the visit to Crewe B in the North Staffs league, where Macclesfield recorded a 2.5-1.5 victory to join first place in Division One. Chris Riley was held to a draw on board one by Carmel Barwick, but Phil Cattermole and Joachim Trier both won their games on boards three and four respectively to secure the points. Colin Gibson unfortunately suffered a defeat on board two against Gintare Cross.

The result keeps Macclesfield on four points from three matches, level with leaders Alsager A but having played one more game. With the win, Macclesfield remain well positioned in the division as the season progresses.

Next up for the North Staffs team is a home fixture against Crewe C on Monday 3rd November, where they will be looking to build on this latest away success, and the Macclesfield B team kick off their season on Monday 20th October, where they will be hosting Marple in the SDCL Division three.

Season Opens With Mixed Results

The 2025/26 chess season has begun in earnest for Macclesfield, who find themselves playing in Division 1 of the North Staffordshire & District Chess Association this year. The opening fortnight brought two fixtures and contrasting fortunes, with the team collecting three points from a possible eight.

The season began with a challenging away trip to Alsager A on Thursday 18th September. Chris Riley drew the short straw on board one, facing FIDE Master Jonathan Blackburn who is graded over 2350, and the Macclesfield man went down 1-0. John Paul Taylor lost on board three to Julian Kirk-O'Grady. Colin Gibson earned a draw on board two against John Booth, whilst Anthony Brough held Alan Thomason to a half point on board four. The match finished 3-1 to the home side.

Just four days later Macclesfield were back in action, this time with home advantage against Crewe A on Monday 22nd September. The team bounced back with a 2½-1½ victory. Chris Riley won on board one against Bartosz Fajfer, and Colin Gibson defeated Harry Gardiner on board two. Joachim Trier drew with Jamie Roberts on board four to secure the match. Philip Cattermole lost to Martin Burns on board three. A solid start with three and a half points from two matches.

With three and a half points on the board from two matches, Macclesfield will be pleased to have secured a victory so early in the season. The step up to Division 1 presents new challenges, but the team has made a reasonable start.

In the Club Championship, Colin Gibson got off to a winning start, taking the black pieces against Carl Gartside and emerging victorious. Defending champion Chris Riley (rated 2054) and Anthony Brough (1769) drew their match. The Pomeroy Cup has also begun, with results from both internal tournaments to follow as the season progresses.

The season continues apace - up the Macc!

Macclesfield on top in second divisions as season comes to a close

Macclesfield finished an emotionally difficult season with wins in both the Stockport District Chess League Division Two, and the North Staffordshire District Chess Association Division Two, thanks in no part to a well rounded team with good strength across the boards. The Macclesfield B team had a respectable finish in division two with three victories, and a 6th place overall. Thanks to all players who contributed to the season, and well done to Chris Riley for sharing the lead for the Vic Knox trophy.

Congratulations are in order also for new members Chris Riley and Jason Rice for their wins in the Club Championship and Pomeroy Cup respectively. Chris finished both the Club Championship and the late Secretary's Quickplay tournament with no draws or losses, a very respectable result.

The club will now close for the summer and open again on the first Monday of September for an AGM and an evening of casual chess. See you there!