3rd time lucky

23rd November: Macclesfield `C` host Sale looking for a much needed morale boosting first win. First to win was David S who was already significant material ahead before I had chance to look. The win was converted soon after. 1 nil to Macc. A well done to David who has stopped drawing and has now won 3 league games on the spin. Dave M was next to finish playing a dangerous opponent with a couple of decent scalps already under his belt from the Manchester Summer League. Dave wins what looked like a ferocious battle 2 nil. Next to finish was Pete. I managed a few sneaky sideways looks on this one. Pete seemed to have a slight advantage from the opening (then again what do I know) but when the queens came off it looked very level and a draw was agreed at around 9.30 pm 2.5:0.5. The team now agonisingly close to that win. Unfortunately Marc had, somewhat surprisingly, dropped a pawn in his favourite Scandinavian Opening and jettisoned 2 more as he fought desperately but ultimately unsuccessfully to save his game. 2.5:1.5. 10pm and what drama, what theatre. Man with the Hat not for the first time and almost certainly not for the last was frantically defending a counter attack having over egged his own attack. Then with the mob circling round the board, one final twist. It became apparent that my opponent did not understand how and when the 10 seconds were being added. With his clock smashing below 5 seconds and hurtling towards zero, I made my opponent a draw offer that he really couldn`t refuse.

Limit League team off to good start

The Limit League team has started the season with two wins from two matches. On Wednesday we travel to Denton who will be looking for revenge after a 1-3 defeat in our home match. Stay tuned for further results.

Stoke League Update

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.