Malcolm Clarke observes the bottom of Division 3 match on 5th March.

Having been unbeaten in their last three league matches Chandlers Ford C‘s unbeaten run came to an end when they lost the bottom of the table match with Winchester C 3-1.

Rob Bird who was previously unbeaten for the team was the first player to finish his game.  Having been a pawn down he was able to regain the pawn, but the exchanges that followed left the opponent in a position to eventually restore the pawn advantage which proved sufficient to win the game.

The game between Chandlers Ford’s Maha Chandar and Winchester’s Graham Payne was level for long periods, but Payne’s pawns were better placed and that helped him to eventually win. On top board Chandlers Ford’s Rob Sims was forced onto the defensive by Winchester’s Mike White and he eventually succumbed.

However the one ray of sunshine for Chandlers Ford was Don Creasey on board 4 who played a very good game of attacking chess to beat Winchester’s Brian Jack.  Also in a game counting for grading purposes only Chandlers Ford’s James Lesniak beat Winchester’s Bryan White.

Winchester will be looking for a new venue next season as they have to leave their current venue at the end of the season.