The first week of the year did not quite go to plan; bugs had weakened some of our number, and with snow and ice around Crewe, some matches were cancelled. The club did open though, and a few internal matches were played by the diehards.
We were lucky to dodge Storm Goretti (even so, our bin did not get collected, humph) and on Thursday 8 January our new year really got started. The Open Cup team started the attempt to win the trophy for the third year in a row. Their chances were considerably improved by the appointment of a new, stronger, and generally better, team captain. Thanks to Captain Carmel for the report below.
“A huge thank you to everyone for last night. Particularly to Richard for making the long journey.
It turns out that the Holmes Chapel team at full strength were no match for us.
The black on odds strategy worked perfectly.
David L on board 6 (a crucial board) played a brilliant game, soundly outplaying his lower rated opponent and securing the first point for the team.
My game should have been a draw, but Mike very kindly let me mate him in a dead equal major piece endgame.
Richard, despite his long journey, demonstrated his superb class and experience by holding the frustrated FM to a draw with no difficulties. A true MVP.
I didn’t see much of Kamil’s game, but his opponent was looking very stressed and worried throughout most of it, so I assume Kamil made a comfortable draw on board 4.
Simon secured us the match by forcing a draw with a position that was apparently very promising for him – a true team player!
Last to finish was Harry, who very calmly navigated his way through a time scramble and found a neat tactic that saved his game. It may have been winning at some point for Harry, but he wisely forced a draw soon after.
Perhaps our biggest advantage was having our own spectator and supporter from Crewe. It was great to see Alex Brown there, who came along to support Richard and the rest of us!
Thanks again everyone, it was a real privilege to play alongside such a team.”