Playing in div 2 of The North Staffs Chess League this season, Macclesfield enter 2025 top of the league. For the secretary, this mirrors his beloved Leeds United, also top of the 2nd tier if not always on best form.
The first match of the season saw Macc away to Crewe E. Making his debut, Chris Riley won well and it became 2-0 when Ant ground down his veteran opponent. Joachim and the secretary were doing well on their boards until Joachim presented his queen to his opponent and the secretary re-enacted his post 10 pm blunder tendency. 2-2 the final result. Next came Crewe E at Macclesfield, in this Chris played too ambitiously and lost but Joachim won well. Both the secretary and Ant could only manage draws against their lower rated opponents, so 2-2 once more.
A trip to Holmes Chapel saw Joachim suffer a surprise loss but this time Chris, Gary and the secretary all won to record the first match win of the season. In December Stafford made the long trip to Macc and arrived to find no equipment but Geoff and Denzil made a swift visit to the former's garage to collect some of our very old sets. Never throw anything away!! A very late start meant Macc players having a 30 minute disadvantage but it was very good of Stafford to play in the circumstances. For Macc, Chris, Joachim and former captain Phil on his return all overcame their handicaps so Ant's loss still left Macc 3-1 victors. With 6 points from 4 matches Macclesfield enjoy a single point lead.