Div A

Lytham Ex 1 v Preston 1  2½-2½

An excellent match in every way - strangely, all the games won were with the black pieces.

Lytham started well, Leo Ainsworth winning quickly after a blunder by Peter Thompson.  Doug Williams, returning to board 2 after an enforced absence last season had an excellent win against Bob Taylor who unwisely tried to hold on to a pawn sacrifice.  On board 5 there was a draw between Phil Raynor and Geoff Pennington in a symmetrical position.  So after three games, Lytham were in a commanding position with 2½ points out of 3.

On Board 3 Lytham's Phil Copeland was well beaten by Cliff Rutlidge.  So, in a nail-biting finish the question was whether John Cooper could hold out against the winner of the Evening Gazette Silver Queen competition, Brett Lund.  After fifty moves Brett forced a passed pawn and with his usual end game skill ended up the winner.  Honours even.

Preston 2 v Blackpool 1  1-4

Holders of the title, Preston 2, came badly unstuck against a strong Blackpool side.  Blackpool have now won both of their opening matches and on paper must be strong favourites for the title this season.

Div B

Morecambe v Lytham Ex 2  1½-2½

Runners-up in the Division last season, Morecambe are always a force to be reckoned with.  Lytham's win, after losing the first game by default and playing away from home, was a great effort.  Lytham's top board, Doug Williams, scored a vital half-point against a very fine opponent, Phil Seery.  Leo Ainsworth and Phil Raynor both won their games against higher graded opponents:  Norman Blade and Frank Rushworth respectively.

Div C

Bispham v Blackpool 2  1½-2½

Poulton 2 v Preston 3  1-3

Lytham Ex 5 v Poulton 2  0-4

Lytham Ex 5 v Poulton 3  1½-2½

Playing on top board for the first time for Poulton 3, 9 year old Abigail Pritchard justified her promotion with a win over Steve Willder.