Macc C are now precariously perched just 2 points from the drop and appear to have lost form at the worst possible time. A win against survival rivals Chorlton B would have seen Macc C all but mathematically safe. However, the pressure finally caught up with the Macc lads as they slumped to a second consecutive heavy defeat. Maybe it was the fear of losing the TV and global merchandise rights (Estimated at $387Billion) that would accompany a quick return to Division 3. Congratulations to Dave M for his return to winning ways and well played to Pete C for another solid performance against Phil B that keeps his unbeaten record. As for boards 1-4, Oh Dear. Tony was first to lose, having been sliced and diced by Graham P. Marc misfired, his hyper attacking play not accurate enough to worry his experienced opponent Alan B. The Hat loses again, another poor effort from an unrehearsed opening but well played to Paul H for a clinical performance. Phil Co had, in his own words, a horrible game having spent a long time considering playing a mating threat that wasn’t and then succumbing to a 2 pawn deficit in a Queen & Rook ending against Howard H. Onwards we March in April and another chance with a trip to Marple coming soon. A lot of fingernail biting ahead but safety is very much in our hands. Watch this space!
Congratulations to Macclesfield B who, despite losing last night, are now mathematically certain of winning Division 2 due to Altrincham A's defeat at East Cheshire B.
Another significant event at East Cheshire was the Limit League match against Denton, for whom Stan Bradley scored the decisive win in a tense finish, guaranteeing Denton at least a share of the Limit League championship. Macclesfield can share it only if they win their final match 4-0.
The wheels came off the Macc `C` locomotive last night with a 5-1 humbling at the hands off East Cheshire. The preparation for this game was truly horrific. A trickle of absenteeism led to a full blown surging torrent of biblical proportions that crashed the Hat website and caused the emergency hotline to meltdown. A special thanks then to Mrs Hat for stepping in at the last nanosecond.
Mrs H failed to score and Mr Hat is wise not to comment. Second up was Joachim, I thought he was a piece down but complicated but when I next looked a draw had been agreed in what looked to be a double edged game. On board 5 I could hear the clattering of wood synonymous with a David M game and he looked to be winning at one point but alas with little material left Tudor won a bishop and that was that. The other scorer on the night was Marc who continues to play flamboyant unrestricted chess. Looking to avenge a defeat back at the ranch Marc allowed the wily Dave T access behind his advanced lines and a draw was forced. Board 2 and I really do need to sort my move order out. Well played Keven and we move on (swiftly). Man of the match in defeat was Tony Lane. David N had plonked his knight in a square that led to complications all over. Tony’s time advantage was dwindling, a draw offer refused. The baying East Cheshire mob scented blood but Tony picked out combination after combination and David N ran down to 3 seconds on the clock. A second draw offer refused by David N who was insisting on a fight to the death. Tony was a N+3 against N+2 and surely as long as the Knights stay on Tony has at least a draw. In full blitz mode though the knights were exchanged allowing David a passed pawn forcing Tony’s king to move across towards the h file whilst David snaffled Tony’s remaining pawns and also securing safe passage for the final pawn to promote.
This was another match where the valiant warriors of Macc C were heavily outgraded on all boards. Unlike the previous game there was no reward but at least nothing was given to our survival rivals. Next up Chorlton at home and a massive game. Well played East Cheshire and perhaps given the 5-1 scoreline we can expect a blog in return.