Tuesday 16th saw the 3rd annual challenge for the WC Trophy, as Wallasey pulled out all the stops to bring 22 players, as the 23rd fell foul with a car breakdown en-route. The St Mary’s Centre provided a superb setting with 27 boards set up in the main playing hall, and another dozen in the coaching & analysis room. The scene was set as the packed venue contained around 70 players and supporters with the match commencing at approx 7.45.
It was a joy to see so many players in action, with teams arranged within a total difference of just 38 points over the 22 boards to try and give both clubs a fair chance of success. Crewe’s chairman Dave Price even managed to set up a live score card from the LMS linked up to a large TV screen so everyone could see the latest score as the match progressed.
It was over an hour before the first results started to roll in, and it was soon apparent how close the match would be as there was never more than a point or two between the team scores – nothing like the landslide election result.
After last year’s comfortable win for Crewe was instigated by scoring 8.5pts from the top 10 boards, this year was the reverse as Wallasey outgunned the hosts by notching up 6.5 pts from the top 10. The middle and lower boards were shared more evenly but the trophy was secured for Wallasey only when the 21st game was completed to edge their score to 11.5 pts at just before 10.30 with the final game finishing at 10.35.
See the match card on the LMS for the full scorecard. Crewe 10.5 vs Wallasey 11.5 This was Wallasey’s first win in the Annual Challenge, after Crewe won the first two matches.
To celebrate this annual challenge, the hosts provided a superb buffet and free drinks to ensure everyone was well fuelled in the travelling contingent having made the 45 mile trek in 9 different cars setting off from Wallasey at around 6 o’clock.
After the match concluded Wallasey captain Alan Kelly was presented with the (infamous) WC Trophy before photographs were taken of the whole successful Wallasey team – see picture above.
As is now customary the losing skipper was then presented with the remains of a toilet roll by the victorious captain.
All in all it was a fantastic night and a brilliant effort by Wallasey to bring 22 players (raised from 14 last year and 8 the year before). The atmosphere was amazing as everyone played the games in a really sporting and friendly manner befitting two large and successful clubs, with much banter before, during and after the match.
After the presentation Crewe laid down the challenge for next year with the intention of trying to take 30 players to Wallasey. Thanks were given to both captains for arranging such an enjoyable evening, and especially for the travelling Wallasey squad.