ECCLES: LEAGUE WINNERS 2023/24
Double Match Report:
13th & 16th May 2024
Away Match: Macclesfield v Eccles 0.5 – 5.5. Home Match: 6 – 0 Eccles
A Division – http://www.stockportchessleague.org.uk/season/leaguetables.htm
Stockport League.
After Eccles won the away match in Macclesfield all they needed to win the Stockport League was a respectable draw.
Thursday 16th was soon upon us and it was make or break, All or Nothing!!
Eccles had never played in the Stockport League and to win A Division on their debut appearance would be a most momentous occasion!
The 1st to arrive was Eccles Captain Dave Toole closely followed by his nearest and dearest friends, Ali, Paul & Little Leila: Then arrived Mike, Phil and Totty but not necessarily in that order.
The team ffrom Macclesfield arrived in plenty of time but alas they were a player down so captain Dave Toole very kindly gave up his board to a fellow team player. Nice one Dave!
Part way through the match Eccles player Patric Tzortakos turned up to show his support and was able to give both David and Leila a game whilst I was being the hostess with the mostest.
As soon as we reached a draw I put on my Drinking Shirt (yes, it says Drinking Shirt) and brought out the Eccles Chess Cakes & Cream in celebration before taking this group photo of Team Eccles. Sadly there were some key players missing from the photo and but dont worry, we know who you are and we’ll get you on the next one.
Eccles player Aidan Rawlinson who runs the Manchester 4NCL teams told me a good few years ago that the best way to recruit chess payer’s is to offer food. These were very wise words indeed when it came to recruiting new players and I’ve never looked back. Thank you Aidan for your words of wisdom and long may you continue to give them:)
So after the players had gone, all the cake had been eaten (mostly by Captain Dave Toole) I had a lovely glass of wine and reflected on how the Eccles Community Team Spirit has brought us to where we are today and thought…WELL DONE US!!
NEXT: The South East Lancashire Summer League 2024 starts Thursday 30th May at home to Eccles v Chorlton – D Division.
Eccles will be fielding six teams in the Summer League. Two of these will be the newly introduced Development Division for Ladies and others just starting to climb the chess ladder. The Summer league will help us to keep going onwards and upwards in readiness for the start of the new Autumn/Winter League which starts in October.
It has been a great season of Chess and many thanks to everyone for everything who made it happen!!
Tuesday & Thursday: Match Night’s
Monday: Ladies Chess Night
Wednesday: Chess for Fun
Everything Else is just Chess!