Macc `C contrived to lose their unbeaten record despite a stunning win by Tony Lane on top board. The Macc lads continued their tour round the M60 orbital with a match against Altrincham. Although Macc C were out-graded on every board, there wasn’t a lot in it and I expected a close contest. Tony was first to finish with a quality victory over Sheraz using a sharp line of the Kings Gambit. Tony was ahem surprised to learn of his opponent`s grade. Well done Tony and it seems that Macc C finally have a solution to their top board woes (LOL). Board 2 and Man with Hat plays a sound opening but then fails to play a must play move and ends up struggling. I spend 10 minutes contemplating the unthinkable before playing the obvious. Grimly holding on to a ½ point the self- inflicted damage to my clock tipped me over and a blunder ensued. Well played Tom for a well- executed finish and its 1-1. You know how it is, you have all the moves ready and in the correct order then you go ALTERING `EM (A despairing shaking of the head from Mrs Hat). Board 3 and Marc resumes hostilities with old adversary Bill. Marc stormed through the middle but then diverted his attack to the relief of his opponent. Marc had beaten Bill in April 2016 to help lift the Division 3 title on an unforgettable night at Morton Hall. That was then and this is now and Macc are 1-2 down. The rapidly improving John A leveled the scores and I make that 4/4 in the Stockport league. John, I`m watching! All eyes on board 5 and the baying mob are treated to their pound of flesh. Our Tom v Alty`s Jeff and its 2-2 and a draw all day long. Rook + 4 plays Rook + 4. If anyone was going to win then Tom had a passed pawn but Tom swapped the Rooks off losing the passed pawn for no return plus the game and the match, Ouch! We’ve all been there Tom and as for Man with Hat, these are dark hours and the hardest thing is knowing i`ll survive. Two more games before Xmas gives us a great opportunity to bounce back. Afterall, its only a game (A further shaking of the head from Mrs Hat).Well played Altrincham and thanks for the hospitality, friendly as ever.