BASINGSTOKE Chess Club continue to have a good season in the Southampton Chess League with both teams challenging for promotion at the half way stage of the league fixtures.

The Basingstoke A team returned from the match at the Southampton D team with a 3 ½-1 ½ win.

Barry Kocan and Philip Ware scored wins and there were draws from David Graham, Colin Knight and Paul Boyd.

This leaves the Sherborne road club top of Division Three narrowly ahead of Winchester A.

The B team scored a narrow 2 ½ -1 ½ win over Chandler’s Ford B courtesy of wins by Frank Bonsey and Adam Matthew plus a draw from Peter Beldaus.

This moves the team up to within one point of leaders Winchester B.

In the Basingstoke League, Kempshott beat Central 5-3 while Basing won 5-3 at the Basingstoke Junior Chess Club. Daniel Yu, Savindu Sapumanage and Tom Matthews recorded the wins for the youngsters.

The Basingstoke Junior Chess Club held their Christmas Party at the club and there was a good attendance of parents and juniors.

The ‘Blitz’ tourney saw Daniel Shek and Savindu Sapumanage win their respective sections.

The knock out stage saw Shek win a very attractive winners trophy beating the improving Matthews in the final.

Basingstoke Bridge and Chess Club has been massively re-furbished over the past year with a new kitchen, toilets, disabled access and lighting. There are further plans for an extension to the club.

The Chess Club meets every Wednesday from 7pm and details can be found on their website basingstokechessclub.co.uk New members welcome from beginner to seasoned player.

The next Family Chess morning will be held on Saturday at the Discovery Centre/Library starting at 10am.