Macclesfield C finished where they began with yet another draw making 7 out of 12 for the season.
With a North Staffs Open Final to squeeze in next to Macc C’s last match of the season its a massive thank you from Man with Hat to all of those who turned up early to get this vital double-header up and running and on time. Macclesfield C had drawn their previous 3 matches and this had effectively ruled out any chance of lifting the division 3 trophy. MWH had in recent years come used to giving it pride of place on the window sill much to the exasperation of Mrs Hat. The match against Worsley was always going to be more of a coronation than a bloodthirsty fight to the finish…...
First to return was top board with the Worsley captain Adam defeating Francis for a second time in a month. Posting 2 pawns where it hurts Adam restricted Francis but just as Francis was unfurling his trapped troops a mistake was made and the resignation followed. A quick equaliser followed on my other side where Paul for Worsley was about to splice and dice Tony with a bishop pair plus Queen commanding the majority of an open board. Despite craning my neck I have no idea whether Paul overstretched or miscalculated but I do know that you can’t give our Tony a second chance. Marc on board 5 sometimes mercurial always enigmatic returns a ½ point against Matthew P. It looked like a Knight plus 3 against a Rook plus 1 so probably a fair result. Then there was our John previously unbeaten in the Stockport League with 11/12 but recently overtaken in the race for the Vic Knox Trophy. Obviously too emotional to focus after such devastating news it’s a loss against Damien and its now 1½ : 2½. I don’t know what happened in my game (no change there then). Young George + the Worsley team probably not experienced in the Fischer + incremental time controls (I’m guessing). I’ve won on time before but nothing like this. With the clock speeding down to zero like a scene from Pointless, George, several pawns up, failed by a split second to avoid the dreaded black flag. Its another match draw but more importantly a Well Done and CONGRATULATIONS TO WORSLEY!!
Is that it? enquires Mrs Hat. Yes, replies Man with Hat. The seasons come, the seasons go. Our race (Macc C) has been run but we still look for the outstanding Division 3 results that could see us finish in the top 2. Heartfelt thanks to all who played.
Your Servant,
Man with Hat