THE club has for a number of years played in the Southampton League of the Hampshire Chess Association with considerable success.

At the end of the 2012-13 season this success continues. Our C team won the 4th Division, with captain Ted Tapper thereby gaining promotion to the 3rd Division next season.

Ted then proceeded to lead the team to victory in the 4th/5th Division cup competition, beating Southampton 3:1 in the final.

Meanwhile the A and B teams were having a torrid time in the 1st and 2nd Divisions and were heading for relegation. Until, that is, their last match. Both teams had to travel to Hamble-Le- Rice in successive weeks to play Passed-Pawn.

With Steve Piper and Andy Manning as captains, both teams won their matches with the same score of 4.5/0.5 thereby securing their places for next season.

Back at the club the in-house tournament to find the club champion for the year resulted in a play-off between Bob Lynn (8 times previous winner) and Andy Manning.

Although the play-off was scheduled to be over three games, Bob won the first two and thereby gained the title again. The play-off for third place was between Charles Luther and club chairman Mike Pope. The result of their first game was a draw. Both players, reluctant to continue the play-off, agreed to share the honour of 3rd place.

The club is always on the look-out for new and lapsed players and they should pop in to our host club Salisbury Cycle & Social Club in Salt Lane on a Monday morning or Thursday evening for a taster session.