The Macc Lads looked to build on their latest win and hopefully start to pick up points and move away from the dropzone. Wilmslow have players on the top boards that we have struggled to match. Man with Hat thought he’d get some help by calling up Magnus who duly turned up. Unfortunately a Fixtures Secretary just happened to be passing and gave me some advice and my not so cunning plan was thwarted. My fears were yet again realised when late replacement Ant misplayed an early combination and ended up a piece down. Trying to win back a knight with a knight is not the easiest of things to do! Yet another win to Kevin 0-1. On board 2, Pete was facing an equally dangerous opponent in Richard who lured Pete’s Queen into his spider’s web. Ensnared with no way out 0-2. John on board 6 was next to fall, beaten by a wily and experienced Robin 0-3. This couldn’t get any worse……….and it didn’t!!!
Marc on Board 5 has had a torrid time this year (as has MWH). Marc had taken a draw in his previous game because he didn’t want to risk another loss and he had another very drawish position here but with steely determination and eyes focussed on the board he rose like a phoenix from the ashes. He knew that nothing less than a win would do. In a gladiatorial display he pressed and pressed and finally delivered the full point 1-3. Next up was my old school pal Tony, playing side by side with Man with Hat just like all those years ago, together again, Last of the Summer Wine and young lives being squandered on this addiction that we share. Tony was absolutely brilliant on the night, slicing and dicing his opponent with deadly accuracy leaving the score 2-3. Yep, you’ve guessed it, it’s time for the baying mob to circle round the board and watch MWH. Now regular readers of this blog will be aware that MWH has an alter ego i.e. Mr Hat. Now he has another – Captain Fantastic. Having messed up the opening (again) he clings on desperately and then counters. With less than 5 minutes on the clock, his opponent blunders and the comeback is complete 3-3.
This team may well go down but if tonight’s performance is anything to go by then it will go down fighting. Well played to everyone involved in this fixture played in excellent spirit. 6 great games and no draws.
NB: Mr + Mrs Hat will be at the Blackpool congress this weekend.