BASINGSTOKE Chess Club produced their best performance of the season as they held Borders League leaders Reading A to a draw.

The visitors had a grading advantage of around 20 points average on every board, but the home side got off to a good start thanks to Bernard Cooke’s win and a draw from Ewart Smith.

The home side battled hard on every board, but two wins from Reading put them ahead.

It was left to Tim Chapman to make sure the honours were even, as he won his game thanks to a double rook and pawn ending.

In Southampton League Division Four, Basingstoke A faced a must-win promotion match against Southampton E.

It looked to be going well after draws from Frank Bonsey, Ken Wyld and David Graham saw them lead 2-1.

The remaining match also looked rosey, with the Basingstoke player two pawns up in a single minor piece ending. However, the Southampton player turned things around to win, gain his side a draw and all but end Basingstoke’s promotion chances this season.

Basingstoke Chess Club meets every Wednesday at the Bridge and Chess Club, Maydene, Sherborne Road.