A major factor was the debut on board one of Graham Lee, who for many years has been among the leading English players.

Despite having played a limited amount of chess in the last couple of years, he showed he hasn't lost his touch by scoring a comfortable win on top board. His inclusion was necessary as Melton were without several of their top players for the match.

Tom Reynolds was the first to draw on board three in a game that had run its course to the endgame without advantage to anyone.

Next to finish was Alan Jex on bottom board who surprisely also drew against a much weaker opponent who had been called up to play for Braunstone at literally the last hour.

Straight after Graham Lee's opponent had resigned, captain John Denton offered a draw meaning Melton would now at least tie the match.

This left the result in Bob Wallace's hands with a draw being sufficient for the full point.

In a tense final half hour, gradually outplaying his opponent, Bob turned a losing position into a winning one and eventually secured the victory meaning that Melton ran out as winners by 3.5 points to 1.5.

Next week brings the second round of the League Cup where the first team have a bye and the second team are in action against Wigston.