So far this season we have come 3rd in B division in the MCF after being promoted last season. We are joint top of E division with a play off due against Urmston to decide who goes up and we have won the Rapidplay league. In the SDCL we have finished 2nd in A division after being promoted last year and won the Limit League - brilliant performances from everyone

The rematch away at Meltham was a great success both on and off the board. We won the Longplay part 7-1 but lost the Rapid section 10-2. Thanks for taking part everyone.

This week David was away and he left Pete and Steve in charge of the evening. The knight was quiet to begin with until we had an influx and 3 new members arrived. To keep things simple we all just remained in the hall to play friendly games which did get quite noisy at times. The tuck shop opened as soon as a queue formed (about 6:50 rather than 7:30) and Steve did a great job in upselling chocolate and suggary sweets to the children. The evening finished slightly ahead of schedule so we were able to pack up, tidy up and be ready for the caretaker to throw us out.

The match with our friends from over the hill turned out to be a fantastic success. The Standard play element was a 3.5 draw but we won the Rapid play part 10-4 with some very inexperienced players. We are now getting a team ready for the return match on 29 May.

Stuck what to do over Easter - don't worry we have Wednesday nights covered as the club remains open

This week I showed Pauls' brilliant game v Ian Oates of Glossop which featured a beautiful sacrifice to open lines to the Black King. If you want to check out the game in full look at my tuition page in the drop down.

We have just started a new FB page for all those in Tameside who are interested in chess - feel free to join the group which is called Tameside Chess Community

We moved back to the top of B division temporarily after beating Bolton 2's 5-1 - well done everyone on a great result

Last night I was away playing football in Spain. The fort was held brilliantly by Pete, Paul. Sacha and Tuck Man Steve although as usual they did their best to make the cupboard as untidy as possible just to upset me. Back to normal lessons next week in the Hall.