On 9th February, a new chess team, composed solely of female players, officially began their league campaign in the inaugural Cleveland Chess Association D Division.
Marsh’s Angels made history as the first all-female team to compete at the club level in England as they hosted the Thornaby Destroyers at the Buffs Social Club in Stockton. Named after their captain and Buffs team player Sean Marsh, the team consisted of Katie Sidgwick, Nicola Harrington, Nicky Britton and Rebecca Horlock. Catherine Lloyd, who will play for the Angels in future fixtures, also turned out on the night in support of her teammates. Nicky, who played on board 3 remarked that ‘being asked to be part of this women’s team was such an honour, especially as we are the only womens team in the ECF. Playing in the first game at The Buffs was exhilarating although I was nervous and it has given me a taster of what is to come and that is so exciting.’
The match would ultimately end in a 4-0 victory for Thornaby, though in fairness, the Angels were considerably outgraded. Moreover, this was the first ECF rated classical game for every player on the Angels team. It is hoped that the Angels will inspire other women and girls to get involved in chess in the local area.
Club nights at the Buffs Chess Club is Thursday at 7.00pm and players both male and female meet to play at Caffe Nero on a Monday lunchtime and Stockton Central Library on Saturday afternoons between 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
[Both photographs below are © Sean Marsh.]