Result update; (19th April)
Denton 1.5 Chorlton B 4.5
The results of this week’s Division 2 fixtures mean that the closest relegation battle in centuries is heading for the Apocalypse. The four horsemen, MACC, DENT, CHOR AND MARP are riding to the 4 corners of the earth and one will be torn asunder and hurled into the abyss that is the relegation trapdoor.
As I understand it (this website accepts no responsibility for errors);
1) Macc must beat Denton to move 4 points clear of Denton.
2) Denton could still overhaul Macc with 2 big wins from their last 2 matches
(one of which is v Marple)
3) Chorlton would still be able to overhaul Macc if they win their final game
(which is v Marple)
If 2) + 3) were both to happen then Marple would be stranded on 9 points with Macc, Denton and Chorlton all on 10 points.
If Macc beat Denton we will not finish last and this would normally give us the right to remain in Division 2
Desperate for points to beat the dreaded drop, we arrived in good time at the Navvy. Unfortunately my brain was a bit late coming to the party. I blundered a piece on Move 4 (not a misprint), the worst move of my life and previous lives (did Derren Brown move my piece)?, Its 7.35 pm and my own personal objective is now to make sure that I don't finish too early and draw attention to my poor play.
Marc was first to lose having dropped a Rook early on to Terry (Something in the beer) !? He was quickly followed by Tony who was desperately trying to hold his position against Chris when his King was sucked out into the middle of the board and checkmated. My game is still going on even though I've missed the same Qa5+ manoeuvre again (this is stretching credulity). Finally some good news, Tom has beaten Joseph although the youngster continues to impress and gets better every year (I'm still playing). Two draws agreed by Pete C and Dave M to Toby and Neil respectively leaving Man with Hat to face the baying mob. My opponent Alan was clearly unnerved by the generosity of the Hat that he allows his pieces to become trapped giving me at least an equal position. Unfortunately, as captain of the team that is losing 2-3 I have to carry on, watched by the throng for at least 6 Billion years before finally giving up the ghost and the game. Well played to my opponent and thanks to Marple for hosting 6 games played in good spirit.
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!