Great Start:
With the “can and must do better” comment, from Phil's report on Stoke League performances last season, still ringing in their ears, the team began the new campaign at Holmes Chapel. A masterly performance on top board by Tony gave Andy Raeburn little chance and back up wins by the skipper and the Man with the Hat, together with Tom's draw, meant a 3.5-1.5 win.
Down To Earth:
Oh dear – a tame loss by the secretary on top board and hard fought defeats for the skipper, Ant and Ray were only offset by J-Ps win on board 3 which at least avoided the whitewash against Newcastle B.
Stalemate:
The next game at Newcastle C began well with the skipper securing his win. Man with the Hat and Dave Mallinson earned their draws and the secretary was winning on board 2. Sadly a time-induced slip (when will he learn??) resulted in a draw and a tied match.
More Like It:
Away to leaders Cheddleton B, the team expected a tough match. Dave Risley played a skilful knight endgame to hold Dave Buxton, whilst the secretary, skipper and late stand-in, Roy, all used their vast experience to overcome their youthful opponents. Man with the Hat drew and the shock 4-1 scoreline sent shock waves around the league.
Macclesfield `C` travelled to Marple hoping to avenge the defeat earlier in the month. A late call up to Denzil allowed Marc, Pete and myself to drop down to Boards 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Hopes were high and Neil was again in generous mood allowing a back row mate for Pete 1-0. This also saved me the embarassment of finishing first. Next was Denzil shaking his head to indicate a loss 1:1. Then David S on board 5 again playing Trefor with a similar game 2 pawns for a piece and a similar result 1/2:1/2. Match score 1½ : 1½. I was 4th to finish although I could easily have resigned after move 5. Playing an Albin counter gambit for the first time in a match I played a howler but a well played to my opponent who executed the win with style. 1½ : 2½ That left Marc to save a day with a neat finish meaning that both he and Pete had avenged their opening night blips but alas yours truly turned from hero to zero and no team victory was forthcoming 2½ : 2½.
The club started its defence of the Division 3 title on 5th October with the visit of Marple. Good to greet some familar faces and old adversaries. Our top boards from last year were now playing higher up the pyramid and the lower boards had been promoted up the order with yours truly staying put in the middle. A premature end on Board 1 saw our star player from last year,Marc, unable to counter a mating threat 0-1. Board 2 saw Pete succumb to a lively king-side pawn storm 0-2. Board 4 saw the canny Mr. Doust for Marple gain a pawn and a solid position from his knowledge of opening theory and it took some accurate play from Dave M to earn a draw. David S showed his tenacious qualities with a battling display to earn a second draw for the team on board 5. 10pm and with the match already lost it was up to the captains to slug it out. I was a pawn up but with a stifling position. Fortunately for me, Neil was in a particular generous mood and began losing material enabling me to give the scoreline a more flattering look 2-3. Next up .......Marple!!