Match Report 23/07/24

Match Report
Tuesday 23/07/24
Eccles 2.5 – 0.5 Bury
Development Division.

I really do appreciate the enthusiasm shown by Bury Captain David McCarthy wanting to recruit more juniors and new players to the game.

I really want to encourage this in all clubs. I don’t mind players learning how to play chess on Wednesdays and especially Mondays and playing for another club, I actually insist this is what they do so the league have more clubs and teams to play against. Let me explain…

In this match Martin brought his young son Saul Dee, who has recently become a chess enthusiast. Saul had never played in a league match and knew nothing of notation. Saul on board three settled himself into playing against lovely lady Georgina Charlesworth.

Saul played his best against Georgina. Georgina helped him to notate to the best of her ability as she is also new to chess and notation.

After the game was over, which they both enjoyed immensely, they went on to play a practice game where they learnt and taught each other to notate.

Due to Saul’s interest and enjoyment of the game his dad Martin enquired about club night. I told him when it was and without further ado they turned up on Wednesday.

Young Saul enjoyed it so much that he’s now interested in playing for Eccles instead of Bury.

I said to Martin he really does need to carry on playing for Bury as they need a development division to promote chess in their community.

Martin, (who is a very understanding man) replied, “Saul is my beautiful boy and all I want to do is make him happy, Saul may feel that playing against a club he would like to play for might put him off chess forever”. So as much as I would like to promote chess in other communities it is not always possible.

I have realised people have to have the freedom to play for whichever club they chose and if a player leaves a club to play for another for whatever reason it should not be called ‘poaching’.

I strongly believe the phrase ‘poaching players’ which is something I and others have been accused of should be frowned upon!!

This commonly used phrase gives a bad impression of clubs and their captains and should be avoided at all times. We need to maintain harmonious relations between all chess communities.

Man of the Match: Marlon Marunda (Bury)

Marlon on board 2 was the youngest player to take part in this match and played extremely well against his opponent, Jason Barber.

The result of the game ended in perpetual check and a very respectable draw was achieved. Well played to Marlon and I hope you continue to enjoy your chess journey.

Next Match
25/07/24
Eccles v Atherton
A Division. (This one is going to be tough)

Monday: Ladies & Learners
Wednesday: Chess for Fun

Thanks for reading and catch up soon ❤️♟️