Season Opens With Mixed Results

The 2025/26 chess season has begun in earnest for Macclesfield, who find themselves playing in Division 1 of the North Staffordshire & District Chess Association this year. The opening fortnight brought two fixtures and contrasting fortunes, with the team collecting three points from a possible eight.

The season began with a challenging away trip to Alsager A on Thursday 18th September. Chris Riley drew the short straw on board one, facing FIDE Master Jonathan Blackburn who is graded over 2350, and the Macclesfield man went down 1-0. John Paul Taylor lost on board three to Julian Kirk-O'Grady. Colin Gibson earned a draw on board two against John Booth, whilst Anthony Brough held Alan Thomason to a half point on board four. The match finished 3-1 to the home side.

Just four days later Macclesfield were back in action, this time with home advantage against Crewe A on Monday 22nd September. The team bounced back with a 2½-1½ victory. Chris Riley won on board one against Bartosz Fajfer, and Colin Gibson defeated Harry Gardiner on board two. Joachim Trier drew with Jamie Roberts on board four to secure the match. Philip Cattermole lost to Martin Burns on board three. A solid start with three and a half points from two matches.

With three and a half points on the board from two matches, Macclesfield will be pleased to have secured a victory so early in the season. The step up to Division 1 presents new challenges, but the team has made a reasonable start.

In the Club Championship, Colin Gibson got off to a winning start, taking the black pieces against Carl Gartside and emerging victorious. Defending champion Chris Riley (rated 2054) and Anthony Brough (1769) drew their match. The Pomeroy Cup has also begun, with results from both internal tournaments to follow as the season progresses.

The season continues apace - up the Macc!