AFTER a break due to match postponements, Malvern Chess Club had an outbreak of critical matches in the Worcester and District League.

First, Malvern played their rivals for the League title, Droitwich and St John’s. Before the match, the teams were level on game and match points, and remained so after the match was drawn.

Star for Malvern was Perry Walker who retained his 100 per cent record for the club with a fine win over Greg Dyett. This draw set up an exciting finish, with the result depending on the teams’ respective performances against Kidderminster. Droitwich and St John’s won their match, but Malvern lost by a narrow margin to Kidderminster. Malvern ended in second place in the Worcester and District League. But Malvern gained some revenge, defeating Droitwich and St John’s in the Worcester and District Cup quarter-final.