Another dismal result to explain as a beleaguered Macclesfield C team slump to yet another defeat. When the team sheets were exchanged Man with Hat sensed a chance to put some points on the board. No Mark Whalley, Tony, Richard, Nick or Bill. It all started well enough with Pete the Predator menacingly prowling the board, waiting for a mistake from his opponent before stripping him of material like a scene from a David Attenborough documentary. The only piece left was Pete’s bishop and a resignation soon followed. John looked to be in command on board 6 whilst Marc had a good position on board 5 but at the cost of a sacrificed piece. I had played my opponent previously and lost after 1) e4 so given Thomas’s lack of years I thought 1) b4 was worth a punt. It certainly worked to begin with and Man with Hat gains 5 minutes on the clock and a decent position. However, disaster has never been far away this season (or the last) and overlooking a move left me with a King that couldn’t castle and pieces that were tripping themselves up. If they were musical notes on a stave then the sound would have been something akin to a cat being strangled. Disentangling my pieces came at the cost of a ‘pin 2 win’. Well played Thomas and I look forward to another rematch. Worse was to follow and John blundered away a winning chance and had to settle for a draw against Steve W. Denzil was beaten by Reg on board 2 leaving the match score on 2 ½ - 1½ in favour of the home side. PhilCo had the hardest task of the night playing Mark on top board. Mr Hann is the man at the moment after going 18 matches unbeaten in the Stockport League last season. PhilCo had every chance of a draw in a minor piece endgame just needing to make sure that he didn’t allow Mark to fork his King and Bishop (Oops)! With the match now decided the baying mob turned their attention to Board 5. Man with Hat wasn’t sure whether the 2 remaining gladiators were aware that the match had been decided but perhaps the performance of the night came from VJ who resolutely stuck to his task of defending his advantage eventually returning the sacrificed piece in exchange for a winning endgame. Well played VJ and well played Altrincham and I shall look forward to the return fixture.
Mrs Hat would like to point out that she had beaten my opponent in April 2015 and would gladly help out if she wasn’t washing her hair and if I were to ask nicely. I’m afraid to say that my answer is not repeatable on this page. Man with Hat would like to wish his readers a Merry Xmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Time for the Gin.