Monday was the long and very important trip to Lichfield for SCC’s Birmingham division 2 team, with promotion and the title at stake.

With three of the first team regulars missing, it was going to be difficult, especially as mid-table Lichfield put out their strongest team of the season and out graded Stourbridge on several boards. In a fiercely fought match, Stourbridge came off worst and lost 4-2 with draws for Dave Scriven, Paul Sharratt, Julie Wilson and Eric Horwill.

Stourbridge finish third in the table, one point behind Redditch and Wolverhampton who will be promoted and have a play-off for the title.

One place off promotion was a tremendous achievement, especially considering at the start of the season one place off relegation would have been a success. Having already won the in the Terrill Trophy and division two of the Wolverhampton league, SCC’s season has been fantastic.

On Tuesday SCC’s Worcester and District division 1 team travelled to Redditch for what was likely to be a very tough match. Nic Fallowfield and Paul Sharratt got draws but Stourbridge lost 3-1.

Wednesday was the last match of the season for SCC’s Worcestershire County division 2 team. They travelled to Kidderminster knowing a win would bring Stourbridge level with Halesowen at the top of the table. Wins for Richard Wilkinson and Colin Woodall along with draws for Paul Sharratt and Julie Wilson gave Stourbridge a 3-2 win. With both Stourbridge and Halesowen on 12 points the title was decided by game points. Stourbridge have 22½ game points but Halesowen have 23½. Stourbridge finish as runners up by a single game point.

Also on Wednesday SCC’s Birmingham division 4 team completed their season with a visit to champions in waiting, and Townshend Trophy winners, Westminster. Stourbridge were outgraded by up to 40 points on some boards, but the team put up a tremendous fight. Wins for Hossam Aboushady and Joe Bombardini and a draw for Eric Horwill meant Stourbridge came very close to drawing the match. They eventually lost 2½ - 3½ and finish fifth in the division, which is a good result.