Chess: Melton teams wrap up county league title treble

Following relegation from the top tier of the Leicestershire League last season and the subsequent loss of several top players, the team have bounced straight back against the odds.

Undefeated captain John Denton led by example and brought players in from other teams within the club to propel Melton to the Division Two title.

* The club’s third team fielded their strongest side at Kirby Muxloe in a decisive final game following their shock home defeat to Latimer.

The benefit of fielding a settled side paid off with Liz Gist getting Melton off to a flying start with an impressive win on bottom board.

This was followed rapidly by a sacrificial win from Ed Milner, while Chris Knight won his last game for the club to soothe the nerves of captain Bob Wallace on top board.

The skipper had to settle for a draw, but knowing the overall win by three-and-a-half boards to a half had clinched the Division Five championship.

* The second and fourth teams both had their moments under captains Shaun Cope and Peter Poolan as they settled for mid-table respectability, while the newly-formed Minor League side romped home under Paul Mottram to guarantee a trophy treble for Melton.

The club host another junior chess session at the Conservative Club on Saturday from noon for any children seeking practice before the regional finals of the Delancey Schools Challenge.

For details, call Bob on (01572) 756828.