LYTHAM Chess Club now have two teams in the second division of the local league, following restructuring this season.

One of these, the second team won their opening match against AXA by 2-1.

AXA arrived with only three players, thus gifting John Regan with a win by default.

David Newton added a further point, while Darren Jones drew with his rival captain Neil Coward.

Ron Taylor pulled a point back for AXA with a fine victory over Kostas Domoras.

The third team, also playing in the second division, began with a 2-2 draw with Blackpool firsts.

Their skipper Peter Dirs scored an excellent win and Nick Ward and John Regan produced steady draws.

The thirds next visited Lancaster and produced a good win by 2-1.

Nick Ward and Peter Dirs won, while Kostas Domoras and David Dawber settled for draws in equal positions.

Dirs's victory was particularly satisfying as he beat 'draw specialist' Barry Standen with a tremendous combination leading to mate.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.