Macc `C` still have a point to prove.

Macclesfield `C` stand on the brink of glory following last night's win over East Cheshire `C`. However, 2 very tricky fixtures stand in their way. If Altrincham can come anywhere close to matching their form in the 1st fixture then a title decider at Wilmslow will surely follow.

It’s not good to win a match by default so the triumphalism normally associated with these Blogs will have to be put on hold. Marc on top board kicked off proceedings. After castling kingside and presumably lulling his opponent into a sense of security, Marc then commenced to launch a kingside pawn storm. His opponent refuted this but then missed a move and allowed Marc to liquidate into a won pawn endgame. Man with Hat had to endure a piece sacrifice and used most of his time finding accurate play. I am confident that analysis will show my position was sound but it sure didn’t feel like it until some large lady began to warm up her vocal chords. Tom played Keith for the 4th time in the last 2 seasons and this time experience came out on top. David S was last to finish. David looked to have good compensation for a piece but then he inexplicably threw everything but the kitchen sink in vain – Washer, dryer, fridge/freezer i.e a fully fitted kitchen. A 2-2 draw that turned into a 3-2 win by default. Our luck needs to hold out for one more match. Watch this space!

Stockport Stung by Sting Ray

After the mauling at the hands of Altrincham B, it was probably a good time for the C team to take a month off. The short trip across the county was made in brilliant sunshine and a far cry from the darkness that prevails in the winter months. Having won the first fixture against Stockport by the narrowest of margins, another nail biter was expected. Tom was first to finish, he never got going and was mated by an unholy bishop. David S was quick to equalise, having won the exchange he was able to make his material advantage tell. Another competent performance, well played! 2 wins required and glancing at the boards I thought that we might take all three. Unfortunately, Marc lost a white knuckle ride of a game that had the locals and bystanders analysing long into the night. A quieter game was being played out by the Man with the Hat whose opponent resigned 2 pawns down ( obviously not aware of my propensity to self destruct)! All eyes on board 3 where Ray had pushed his king far up the board to support his passed pawn. However, after his youthful opponent gave up his last piece (a Rook) to take the pawn, Ray’s rook was then needed to stop the advance of 4 pawns (2 x doubled up) waddling up the centre of the board. Nobody seemed to know what the outcome should or would be but a masterclass in temperament and technique from Ray wins the match for Macclesfield C.

A Drubbing on Washway Road

Macclesfield `C` arrived at Altrincham looking for an incredible 6 wins on the trot. Looking at the team sheets, I expected a close battle….A rare appearance from Mrs Hat who apparently made a real fist of it before succumbing to the Altrincham skipper. I didn’t see any of this particular game as such intrusions from Mr Hat are a definite no-no, a heinous crime punishable by `the look` with further transgressions potentially met with `the stare`. Dave M was next to fall, a piece down with the queens off, he was left with only tricks and traps that his competent opponent easily met. David S carried on the procession of one nils being carved into the record books to the delight of the home players and spectators. A pawn down in a minor piece and pawns endgame but with a bishop v knight, this could easily have been a half but it wasn’t to be. Marc, in a rich vein of form, went for one beautiful win too far when the experienced Mr McCartney found a save and emerged a piece up. A neat combination then saw bishop and queens traded off and Marc struggled from then on in. That left Man with the Hat to negotiate a draw and the team was able to skulk off early, tails between our legs. Congratulations to Altrincham on a thoroughly deserved win and we live to fight another day, don’t know where, don’t know when, somewhere over the rainbow, Que sera sera, whatever will be will be.