This week Stourbridge chess club played four matches over two nights; two on Tuesday away and two on Wednesday at home.

On Tuesday the Birmingham division 3 team travelled to Mutual Circle. Steve Jukes fought an honourable draw on board 1, while I scraped the same outcome on 3.

Dave Scriven played a kamikaze line on 2 and overpowered his opponent who fell for the opening trap.

John Foxall and Jeremy Humphreys also secured good wins, while Eric Horwill is adjourned in a very strong position. Stourbridge. 4-1 up with one to go; no losses!

The Dudley Division 3 team played at Halesowen. Sam Bradley drew on top board while Chris Williamson lost on board 2.

In a great night for the young Arkells, Charlie-Ann drew with Mark Vile on board 4 and Dan did even better, beating the veteran Tony Taylor to make the match result a 2-2 draw.

On Wednesday we hosted two Birmingham league matches; division 1 against Bushbury and division 5 against Westminster.

Stourbridge had all five of their top players in the division 1 match with Tony Shaw filling in as reserve.

Bushbury arrived with a reserve of their own on board 6. Grandmaster Keith Arkell won for Stourbridge on board 1 while the rest of the team all drew so we won the match. In this division the champions are almost confirmed, as are the runners-up.

The two relegation places also appear assigned. Of the other 9 teams, there was just one point separating us. With this win we leap to 3rd in the table one point ahead of the others.

The Birmingham division 5 team hosted Westminster for what should have been a relatively straightforward win.

Martin Berridge won material in the opening and was the first to finish with a win. The next result was a draw on board 1 for Ron Evans.

Captain Steve Alcock then also won, so looking good at 2.5-0.5. Sam Bradley misjudged a knight sacrifice for two pawns and lost.

When our win is confirmed we will be second in division 5, one point ahead of the only other promotion challengers, and with a game in hand on each of them. Redditch is still leading by 4 points, but we have a game in hand and still have to play them, so we can still challenge for the title.

If you are interested in playing for Stourbridge or would just like to improve your game, phone Dave Scriven on 01384 423642 or visit www.stourbridgechess.f9.co.uk for more information about the club.