Marple A -v- Stockport Reds

As  acting captain for the night, I arrived to find the function room plunged into darkness and the match being set up downstairs.  Apparently, we couldn't get access to the light switch!

A bit of discussion about the board order resulted in Glen playing 1, George 2, me on 3 and Michael on 4 against a Stockport Reds team that, although strong, we all felt we had a chance against.

Jeff was first to finish.  He played an appealing looking Bxh7+ sacrifice but the follow up wasn't quite there and he ended up a piece down.  Michael and Glen then finished at about the same time - Michael always having an edge, seemingly always one tempo ahead and with his opponents king stuck and blocking his own pieces he finished it nicely.  Glen looked like he was going to hold David Hulmes but unfortunately one mistake and that was it.  I had an advantage throughout my game but then an oversight let it slip and I was glad to get a draw although further analysis suggests that I was hasty and could have played on.

So we needed 1.5/2 on the last two games.  Terry was defending stoically but unfortunately his opponent had too much pressure and crashed through.  That left George, always in control and delivering the crushing blow just before his opponent was due to seal a move. Although Mike Taylor took the position away to look at he quickly realised it was hopeless and resigned.

So a 2.3-3.5 loss, although it could have easily been different.  One thing is sure, we can compete in this division!

    Marple A             Stockport Reds

1   G.Trueman        0   D.Hulmes         1
2   G.Kolbusz        1   M.Taylor         0
3   S.Hewitt        0.5  J.Barber        0.5
4   M.Fernandez      1   D.Sheppard       0
5   T.Cowling        0   M.Crowther       1
6   J.Barlow         0   P.King           1
                    ---                  ---
                    2.5                  3.5