2nd Match Report: 17/09/24

Match Report: Thursday 17/09/24
Eccles 2-3 Stockton Heath
C Division
https://lms.englishchess.org.uk/lms/league_fixture/249804
Warrington League Cup Match.

Eccles first fielded a team playing against the Warrington Warriors in C Division last year and won.

The best thing about the Warrington League are the rules, they hardly have any and the league runs just fine. There are next to no penalties given and everybody just gets on with playing chess without dispute or complication, this is because of transparency and obvious clear communication which is great!

Warrington Captain Damian McCarthy contacted me a week before the match explaining that his Squad from Stockton Heath Juniors were new to chess, he also told me of his players game strength and would I consider this when choosing my team and as a fair captain, I did.

On the night of the match the Squad from Stockton Heath turned up like one big happy family comprising of a brother and sister tag team and friends.

Players from both clubs were perfectly matched and the games went right to the wire. All players from both clubs waited for the outcome of that last game before knowing the winner of the match before going home. Everything hinged on the result of this last game and it was all or nothing… Next minute I saw Nathan away from his board with his thumb pointing down and that was when I knew the Stockton Squad had gone through to the next round playing for Kalmer Cup.

Player of the Match: Hannah Boyall (Stockton Heath)

Hannah is a very worthy opponent for anyone of a similar or higher rating than herself and has a great future in chess!!

This is what Eccles player Nathan Sarin said about his game against opponent Hannah Boyall:

The game started with a fairly even set up, although she had slightly better developed pieces. I won the initial exchange in the centre, gained a a pawn and forced her pieces back to defend. With her queen isolated and my pawns advancing, I felt in control until a blunder (missed a fork of my queen and rook) this changed the course of the game. Hannah took advantage and won several pawns as I tried to regain position. Ended in a neat checkmate – very good patient play from this strong young player.

Many thanks to Damian McCarthy who reached out before the match to ensure an evenly matched games and I hope all the other clubs and their Captains show the same courtesy. Well played to the Warringon Warriors from Stockton Heath Juniors and Good Luck!

Next Match Report:
17/08/24
Eccles v Bury
MCF B Division Cup Match

Monday: Ladies & Learners

Wednesday: Chess for Everyone

Thank you for reading my Journey into the Eccles Chess Foundation

Barbara
https://eccleschess.com/