MALVERN Chess Club's good run of form at their new venue at the Manor Park Club continued into the new season.

They scored a convincing win against Worcester St Johns in their first match in defence of their Worcester and District League Division One title.

The results were as follows, Malvern players first. Malvern had white on the odd boards: 1) B Turner 0.5-0.5 S James; 2) 1 Clarke 1-0 G Dyett; 3) G Herbert 0.5-0.5 N Harris; 4) P Walker 1-0 S Foster.

Steve James surprised Brian Turner with the Alekhine's defence on board one and gained the initiative. Brian struck back in the centre of the board to gain the advantage. He was unable to find a decisive line however and a drawn endgame was eventually reached.

Ian Clarke gave Malvern the lead on board two. Grey Dyett played Bird's opening and advanced aggressively on the king's side. Ian withstood the pressure and managed to redevelop a knight to a strong position.

This was the springboard for a counter-attack on the queen's side, which led to the win of the exchange. He followed this up by invading with his rooks on the seventh rank, which forced Greg's resignation.

Nick Harris won the opening duel in the exchange variation of the French defence and generated dangerous threats against Geoffrey Herbert's king. He was unable to convert his advantage however and Geoffrey managed to generate some counter-play. A draw was eventually agreed in an unclear position when both players became short of time and were unable to unravel the complications.

Perry Walker played the Dutch defence on board four. His strategy was to generate pressure against white's castled king position on the queen's side with his queen and a bishop on the long diagonal. He won two pawns and was able to hold on to them during the fierce tactical exchanges that followed. He won the endgame to complete Malvern's victory.