Greater Manchester CCA U1850 V Yorkshire CA U1850 08/11/2025
Here we go. On paper the strongest teams in the Northern Counties Chess Union and always top contenders for the County Championship. For this match, stalwart Captain Rupert Jones has stepped aside, in favour of myself. This was pending a tip to Australia to see the Ashes.
There was added spice to this, bearing in mind the Huddersfield League features a large number of Manchester players and Aram (the Manchester Captain) plays for my Holmfirth team.
In typical fashion, I had done the usual merchandise run for the Yorkshire team, with several players now sporting Yorkshire badged flat caps, to go with the blue hoodies and polo shirts. Eye rolls were no doubt occurring from the opposition but at least players had remembered to bring their stuff, unlike in the Finals last season!
The venue was at Bury Athenaeum Club, which is for Bridge. I have fond memories of playing there pre COVID, against Lancashire. The last time was when I was running the u1450s and putting through some very young players that are now starting to appear in the Open Team.
Aram had attempted a bit of psychology on me on the power of the Manchester team, on the way back from a local match. However, the strength of Yorkshire had Rupert and myself purring. 1800s all the way down to nine and the lowest rated at 1747. There were even a couple of 1800s in reserve that came too late into the squad. Rupert has also stepped out due to illness but was present to see the games and enjoy the hospitality.
Alas, the food. MCF’s first appearance in the NCCU has led to an amazing spread of hotpot. Yorkshire responded magnificently with Diane’s legendary meat and potato pie at Holmfirth last year. This year, due to mix up, there was no food and I gave Aram some merciless ribbing over it.
Even worst the M62 broke again, with a spillage shutting the motorway. This mean that after a 30 minute delay, the clocks were pressed and half the Yorkshire team were missing. I commenced my own game, whilst dashing from the board to ferry the team in with Aram (whose opponent was also late) and sort parking advice, with most parking only at two hours.
However, the entire Yorkshire team were hungry (not just from the food) and had the bit between their teeth. Despite the time loss, wins started flooding in almost immediately. Will Peacock on debut, won his game clean out the opening and Peter Mason was turbo charged to victory. Granville Boot obtained a quick draw, despite illness. My own game took an unexpected turn as once the Yorkshire team had fully arrived and I settle down with a cuppa, Armand blundered a piece.
3.5 to 0.5 up within the first hour.
It looked really good around the tables. Robin had Aram on the ropes through his game and Randy on board one had Mick in massive trouble. Zak finished last but had been dominant throughout. Draws occurred from Rob, Peter and Dave, with the result safe. It was amusingly noted that Dave Booth had removed both of Sir Richard Leese’s knights, thereby de-knighting the Knight.
It ended in a comfortable 4 – 8 win for Yorkshire as players left for a much shorter and untroubled journey back home. Cumbria next (who lost to Merseyside in their round) on the 1st February. See you all back at Barnard Castle.
We have a very strong team this season and should once again be eying the title. Particularly with a few talented rapidly increasing juniors in the pot.
Thanks to Rupert for the photos. Manchester for the hospitality with the drinks and some frankly amazing biscuits (chocolate hob nobs).
Round One News
With Northumberland dropping out the competition, the Open team only had Greater Manchester to face. A surprisingly low graded Manchester team appear to have suffered a 9.5 – 2.5 loss to Yorkshire (the LMS is not filled in yet), who finish top of the Open section and go forwards into the England Finals.
The 2050s play next weekend at Meltham, with the U1450s. However, the 2050s group looks very interesting after Cleveland flattened Lancashire 1.5 – 10.5.
In the u1850s, I have already mentioned about Merseyside beating Cumbria 7-5, meaning Manchester have to win their remaining two games. Yorkshire will be favourites.
The Yorkshire u1650s lost 6.5-5.5 to Lancashire, meaning the Great Manchester match is a must win. We also need to win as many boards as possible in that game.
