Macclesfield C shot up to second place last night after a thrilling win at the home of neighbours East Cheshire. The Macc lads made the short trip across the county to the East Cheshire Club. Going down those steps and then entering the room feels life you’ve entered the playing arena at Anfield or the Crucible perhaps ( raised eyebrows from Mrs Hat)! The Macc Lads were searching for their first win of the season and Tom on board 5 held onto a ½ against David H in a King & pawn ending, something that he had spectacularly failed to do last time out. A big up for Tom and a battling half point for the team. Well played Tom! Marc on Board 3 was playing Nick someone who has battered Man with Hat twice already this year. Nick was in a much more benevolent mood this time, failing to spot a tactic then dropping a piece before hanging a King + Queen fork. 1½:½ and a well- deserved win for Marc who has been practising hard of late. John A had been told by Francis that he could be in line for the Vic Knox prize (thanks Francis)! Perhaps the weight of expectation was too busy but no, with the fat lady waiting in the wings, Steve McC makes a dreadful blunder and John A makes it a personal 6/6. Its now 2½: ½ and our Tony on board 1 offers a draw that was taken the second time of asking. Opposite coloured squared bishops are notoriously hard to convert but post- match analysis appeared to suggest that Tony may have missed a trick. However, a draw was enough to win the match 3-2 after Man with Hat lost again (well played Paul)! The beauty of being captain is that I can still bask in the glory of my selections should my teammates dig me out. Tom had already gone by the time I left 3 happy smiling cohorts outside the club. This was a good win, we were out-graded on boards 1-4 but we now end the year in joint second place and hot on the heels of pre-season favourites Worsley. A winless streak has now been replaced by optimism, joy, happiness and Christmas cheer. Well played East Cheshire and Seasons greetings from MWH and the long suffering Mrs Hat. God bless us, every one!
Man with Hat