The Bury first team started 2009 as they ended the old year, with a victory! Visitors Altrincham were well outgraded, but the home team found the evening hard work. Early draws for Bernard Sharoles and Keith Evans, neither of whom could make any progress against determined opponents, set the tone. A win by Roy Wild and a loss by John Grindrod kept the scores level, and left the top three boards in serious thought. Roger Howley came through with a win, to put Bury ahead, and after a draw by Mick Norris all eyes were on captain Anthony Lee, struggling in a queen and pawn ending. Although a pawn down, Ant held his nerve and forced a draw - a captain's performance - to secure a narrow victory in the match.

 

Bury 1st  4 v Altrincham & Hale  3

MJ Norris 0.5, N Lowe 0.5 ; RW Howley 1, K Lockett 0 ; A Lee 0.5, AJ Lane 0.5 ;

R Wild 1, W McCartney 0 ; B Sharples 0.5, K Linke 0.5 ; J Grindrod 0, T Tomkins 1 ;

K Evans 0.5, CD Mc Nulty 0.5.