Division A

Preston 1 v Morecambe  4 - 1

Preston established a firm grip on the title with this convincing win over Morecambe.  Now that Peter Jowett has rejoined the Preston team they are practically invincible.  Morecambe were without their top board, Glen Charleshouse, and another of their best players, Phil Seery.  For Preston, Bob Taylor has won all his four match games while Malcolm Peacock has dropped only half a point in four outings.

Preston 2 v Preston 1  0 - 5

Another full strength turn-out for Preston 1 who crushed their second string.

Lytham Ex 1 v Morecambe  1 - 4

This defeat put Lytham Ex out of the running for the title.  Lytham's Phil Copeland and Phil Raynor avoided the whitewash by drawing with stronger opponents, Phil Seery and Norman Blade respectively.

Morecambe were at full strength - they still have some chances of challenging Preston 1 for the title spot but this would depend on them maintaining a consistent line-up and Preston 1 faltering.  Lytham were outgraded on every board.  

For Lytham, John Cooper played well against Glen Charleshouse but lost to a neat combination which left Glen with the superior ending.  Doug Williams was slightly better placed in his game against John Lyth before going astray in a bishop and pawn ending.  Leo Ainsworth went on the attack against Bob Newton but after solid defensive work, Bob was able to turn the tables and eventually overran Leo's position.

Division B

Blackpool 2 v Preston 3  3 - 1

Another fine win for Blackpool.  For Blackpool, Neil Coward made his first appearance for some time and beat the improving Geoff Pennington.  Abigail Pritchard continues to give valuable support to the team.  Her opponent, Paul O'Mara is a clever, attacking player so a draw was an excellent result for her.

Division C

Preston 4 v Poulton 3  2 - 2

A win on top board by Poulton's Simon Rogers and a win by the team's youngest player, Jordan Lewis (aged 8), gave their side a respectable draw in a match where they were heavily outgraded on the bottom two boards.

Lytham Ex 4 v Lytham Ex 3  2½ - 1½

What a turn up for the books!  Lytham Ex 3, lauding it at the top of the table were beaten by the weaker side.  Geoff Robinson's win against John Regan was a particularly notable performance.

Poulton 3 v Poulton 2 1 - 3

Hopes of a draw for Poulton's juniors were dashed in the closing moments of the match by Herbert Sowerby.  Jordan Lewis had another win against reasonable opposition (which bodes well).