Last night (13th July) saw the 2nd episode of the WC Trophy – the comically named challenge between Wallasey and Crewe. The first match took place in August 2022 over 8 boards, but last night involved far more players as Crewe hired a mini-bus and driver to take the team to Wallasey. Thanks to the organisers Alan Kelly (Wallasey) and Dave Price (Crewe) the match was played over 14 boards, with teams evenly matched. After Wallasey had raced into an early 3-0 lead it looked they would gain revenge, but from this position Crewe overhauled the hosts with a dominant performance with 7 wins and 3 draws from the top 10 boards, and ultimately were runaway winners by 9.5-4.5.
As a beaming Dave Price was awarded the Cup on Crewe’s behalf, he generously donated a consolation prize to the runners-up from Wallasey ….. half a toilet roll …
And then Alan Kelly threw down the gauntlet for the 2024 challenge to take place in Crewe, aiming to increase the teams to 20 boards per side.
Thanks to Alan and the hosting team at Wallasey who also provided a very pleasant buffet, which kept the travelling army from Crewe well satisfied as they returned home in the early hours.
The full result can be seen from the LMS link, with pictures below
https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node
Crewe win the Trophy and Wallasey Win the Toilet Roll
Use link below to read Wallasey’s report https://www.wallaseychessclub.uk/news/49