As the constellations line up for the autumn equinox, the northern hemisphere prepares to plunge into increasing darkness and the Chess season is prepared with the Annual Fixtures Meeting. For those blissfully unaware, this is like sexed up speed dating too hot for Channel 5.
Arguments over the composition of previous divisions have raged on for hundreds of years as chess federations have been riven and families torn apart for generations. Last year saw an almost perfect composition with no club being forced to place more than one team in the same division. Marple, Stockport, East Cheshire and Macclesfield all fielding one team in each division. This couldn’t last and the established principle of supporting promotion and relegation would surely attract collateral damage.
As the teams were read out, it became clear that Division 2 could not attract the numbers needed for an amicable split. Icy stares and daggers being drawn, the only person missing was Clint Eastwood. And then, out of the darkness, the white knight on the steed, Chorlton offer to place another team (Chorlton B) into Division 2.
Audible relief and on to the speed dating.
Confirmation of the fixtures to follow soon.
LET BATTLE COMMENCE!