CHESS: Kidderminster began their Wolverhampton League programme with a 4.5-1.5 home victory over Mercia.

The side has been strengthened with the acquisition of Jim Friar, who lives in Bewdley but previously played for West Bromwich.

Individual results (Kidderminster names first): Friar 0.5, M Share 0.5; Maurice Bissell 1, K Francis 0; F Pickett 0.5, D Perks 0.5; G Link 1, B Smith 0; J Gittus 0.5, J Phillips 0.5; P Thomas 1, R Price 0.

Kidderminster recorded another victory when they won 4-1 at Hagley in Worcestershire League Division Two.

Scores: M Riley 0.5, K Dodd 0.5; K Durnell 1, D Waldron 0; W Pugh 1, G Voskanian 0; J Varilone 0.5, R Beasley 0.5; T Pountney 1, J Matchett 0.

The Kidderminster players who were due to represent Worcestershire's second team at Redditch were given the afternoon off.

Staffordshire secretary Robin Lewis reported there were only five players available and defaulted the 15-board match.