The 2024-25 NCCU inter-county team championships got off to a start with Lancashire meeting Greater Manchester in the Under-2050 and Under-1650 at Blackburn Crusaders Chess Club’s venue, St Paul’s Working Men’s Club, 104 Montague Street, Blackburn, BB2 1EE.

Both matches went heavily in Greater Manchester’s favour. Match details can be seen here:

Under 2050 Under1650.

It turns out that Clevland are not going to be able to field an under-1650 team this season. Garry Leighton as captain sent an e-mail to various relevant parties advising that despite his efforts, he could not commit to fielding a team. He thanked people for the support they’d given, “which allowed a novice like myself to feel comfortable to participate without feeling out of my depth.” Responses from other captains have been sympathetic and supportive, expressing the hope that maybe next season things may work out.