Match Report: 28/08/24
Wednesday 28/08/24
3C’s 3.5 – 2.5 Eccles
B Division
Summer League
Well played 3Cs! This was the last of the B Division Matches of the Lancashire Summer League.
Unfortunately, Eccles were unable to sustain strong match performances throughout the season and we could be relegated to C Division next Summer League Season.
The main reason – as with all clubs – is player availability during the summer. We had many players on holiday etc, and some who just wanted a break before the main chess calendar, which starts again in September. There is a great season of chess ahead of us with some nice surprises to look forward too.
All is never completely lost with chess, as we could be promoted from D to C Division which means we will have 2 teams in C. If this is the case, Reg Clucas might let us field a team in B next season anyway. If that’s the case, it’s all good because Eccles will have a field day with two teams in the same division, like we do in the Development Division.
Man of the Match: Christopher Jardine. Closely followed by Lawrence Harold.
Chris is a great guy, he’s clever, softly spoken and with a heart of gold. Having said that, he won’t stand for any messing about as he’s an arbiter and knows his stuff! We have chatted many times about the rules and regulations, the highs and lows and also about player’s behaviour on and off the board, which sometimes can be very amusing.
Chris first joined us at the Eccles Venue with his pals to play social chess before lockdown. They enjoyed it so much that most of the gang from Great Lever ended up playing for Eccles, and we are all so very pleased they did.
This is what Chris said about his game:
“Well, my game was a poor effort from the off, and as Mick Connor was quick to point out afterwards, I could’ve gone down so much quicker. I really do need to focus more on my openings as I’m getting losing positions out of them. Anyhow, fortunately, I found my opponent wasn’t in good form himself, so he squandered whatever advantage he had out of the opening and let me back into the game. Eventually, I got the position on the board to K + 2 Rs + 5 pawns versus K + R + 2 minor pieces + 4 pawns and managed to hold the draw to split the point. I was definitely the more relieved of us even though it was James who offered me the draw in a slightly better position. It just shows how one’s fortunes can turn on a sixpence sometimes; or in other words, how luck plays a big part in chess, especially at the club level. 😅👍”
“Stonewall” Lawrence Harold (pictured holding the Jody Heaton Memorial Trophy who passed away during lockdown) is the longest serving Eccles player, aged 74, and is one of the original three men in a shed that were left playing in Eccles before I stepped in five years ago. Lawrence has been there for me and the club every step of the way and not only that he won his game playing board 5 as an E division player playing in a B Division match. Nice win Lawrence!!
Seriously, Lawrence never ceases to amaze me. Every time I call him to play in an emergency – even after the game has started – he flings himself into action and saves the day! Many times he’s turned up at a match after legging from his house to mine and here he did it again, stepping up at short notice to save Eccles from defaulting. I really can’t believe he’s 74 and for how long Lawrence can continue to take on the role as the emergency reserve rescue “go to person” who knows? His efforts all the more impressive considering that he does not drive. Lawrence did say that as long as there is breath in his body he will never stop playing chess. How cool is that? Way to go Lawrence 💕
Next Match Report:
Thursday 29/08/24
Eccles4 v Swinton3
E Division
Summer League
Monday: Ladies & Learners in Chess
Wednesday: Chess, Chat, and Cheer with friendly or ECF rated RapidPlay.
Thanks for sharing my journey into chess …
Barbara