On a day when record February temperatures were recorded, Macc C turned up the heat on their Division 3 rivals with victory in a bruising encounter at the Queens Hotel. First to return was Marc on Board 4. Marc was happy to play the Dutch but so was his opponent Tony D and a draw was agreed. Behind me John A seemed to be in trouble against Marple’s rookie with Paul sticking his pieces behind John’s frontline. Next time I squeezed past to have a look the dogged and determined Mr Astley had won a piece and Macclesfield’s man of the season, Mr 100% Stockport League was on course for yet another win. To my left Tony was in fine form, a good performance against Neil and just a ½ point required now to secure a vital win. Could the old school chums actually win together on the same night? A confident start from Man with Hat although he missed a chance to play a prepared move. I failed to capitalise on a good start and the assured Tony Kay started to turn the screw but then a poor move let me in and MWH was winning. A howler from Tony and the full point was wrapped up a lot sooner than it should have been. A personal achievement this as it was a first win against my opponent in 4 attempts. Joachim was left on top board against Chris for the baying mob and was arguably unlucky not to hold on to a ½ point as the mob surveyed the wreckage well into the night. A special thank you to Joachim who cut short his skiing holiday, cycled to Calais, swam the English Channel and ran up to Macclesfield especially for the match. Two games still to play against pre-season favourites Worsley and these will have a massive bearing on the final table. Will the class of 2018/19 return the Division 3 title to its spiritual home? Tune in and turn on. A big thank you and well played to our old foes from Marple. My own personal nightmare has ended (unbeaten in 3) and peace and serenity has returned to the Hat household. Mrs Hat and I will be at Blackpool next weekend and Mrs Hat will be entertaining and signing books in the foyer. Finally, a big welcome to the club to James and Martin. I am sure that James will be an excellent signing and Martin, I know from my time at Buxton, to be a larger than life character with an infectious and pervasive love of the game.