A trio of victories concludes the Thames Valley Div X season in style

What a finish to the season by Kingston C in Thames Valley division X. They won their final three matches to finish second in the table to a strong Maidenhead C side. Kingston C actually ended with a sequence of six wins in a row – testimony to the way in which new players found their feet in the course of the season.

These three games were played over the course of eight days in the final week of the season – away to Hounslow C on 13 May, home to Ealing D on 20 May and away to Richmond E on 21 May – and on each occasion the match was won by 2.5-1.5.

Leon Mellor-Sewell (pictured standing above, in a match played earlier in the season) and David Bickerstaff, both crucial additions to the club this season, starred with wins at Hounslow. Robin Kerremans, another new member, and Colin Lyle enjoyed wins against Ealing, with Jaden Mistry securing an important draw. And Greg Heath got the crucial point in a tight match against Richmond, though Leon again deserves special praise for his draw with the very capable Alex Shard.

A tremendous late run by the Div X team, expertly captained by Stephen Daines, to whom mighty congratulations are due. Stephen is now stepping down from captaincy duties, and will be a very hard act to follow.

Stephen Moss, Kingston Chess Club secretary

Final table