Our "limit" team kicked off the Stockport League season at Altrincham last night with a narrow win. The evening began with "have you come here for a whipping" to which the reply was "we want to play chess first!"
The two teams were closed matched and both close to the 400 point team limit. Tony Kay probably became the highest graded player ever to play in this league. His grade of 120 is the maximum permissible.
My opponent seemed a bit fazed by my 2. ...Nf6 Sicilian and played 10. Bb5 to pin my Nc6, allowing me to win the Bishop with Qa5+ (his BSB was away on h4). Unfortunately I left my scoresheet behind and can't analyse any further than that, but he eventually resigned when it was mate next move. 1-0.
On top board Tony Kay and Callum still had all the pieces on the board which was gridlocked. Tony was trying to attack the queenside-castled black King but was easily repelled and a draw agreed. Peter was playing against young Daniel Clucas, who I presume to be Reg's son, and being Peter was in time trouble. His flag fell when Daniel had an hour left on his clock. All square, 1.5-1.5.
By now Tony Doust had a big advantage, 2 rooks and 5 pawns against Knight, Bishop and Rook (and maybe 1 pawn). Steve played on as long as possible but eventually did the decent thing and let us all go home early.
Altrincham 1.5-2.5 Marple
1. McNulty, Callum D 110 0.5-0.5 Kay, Tony 120
2. Douglas, Steve 103 0-1 Dainty, Neil C 99
3. Ward, Stephen W 95 0-1 Doust, Antony 99
4. Clucas, Daniel 60 1-0 Kelly, Peter H 68
Well played team. At last.... the decor is explained.
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