Div A

Lytham Ex 1 v Preston 2  2-3

The holders, Preston 2, after losing their first two matches, badly needed a win to keep in touch with the favourites, Blackpool 1, who have won both their opening matches.

For Lytham, Doug Williams on Board 2 has made a brilliant start to the season by following his win over Bob Taylor with a win in this match over Connor Reaney.  On the other hand, Phil Copeland has temporarily lost form.  After losing a pawn early on against Phil Taylor this was sufficient for Phil to take the full point.  On Board 5 Phil Raynor lost a pawn against Kenny Quinn but managed to hold out for half a point.  Leo Ainsworth was winning his game against the aggressive Paul O'Mara but made a crucial oversight allowing his opponent to obtain a second queen (there were four queens on the board at one point!).  John Cooper, once again, had the result of the match resting on his shoulders in yet another marathon of a game.  John had to win in order to tie the match - he nearly achieved this but with John under time pressure, Malcolm escaped with a draw giving his team victory.

Preston 1 v Blackpool 1  1½-3½

A frustrating evening for Preston who appeared to be coasting to a 3-2 win until...  Blackpool's Jon Wright produced an unexpected checkmate when the exchange down and, on top board, Preston's Brett Lund was unable to deliver the final blow to Darryl Wolstencroft who escaped with a draw.

For Blackpool, Darryl Wolstencroft and Andy Jaques are unbeaten after three games and Neil Coward has won all of his three games.  Blackpool are now in a strong position.

Div B

Lytham Ex 3 v Poulton 1  1-3

Lytham were heavily outgraded in this match but John Regan and Pat Coleman gave good accounts of themselves by drawing their games.

Div C

Blackpool 2 v Poulton 2  1½-2½

Father and son, Chris McConnachie and James, once again won their games and, with the consistent Dave Hartley taking half a point, gave victory to Poulton.

Lytham Ex 4 v Poulton 3  2-2

Poulton 2 v Lytham Ex 4  3-1

Poulton 2 take over the lead in Division C but Preston 3 are level on points with games in hand.  Poulton's James McConnachie (at 13 years of age) is showing excellent form this season winning his third game in a row against Charles Cooper.  Ricky Lord of Lytham has now won three in a row.

Preston 3 v Blackpool 2  2½-1½

Preston 3 continued undefeated after three matches - Kenny Quinn has won all of his three games while Geoff Pennington is undefeated in this division.