FRANK Pickett has transformed Kidderminster Chess Club's first team from strugglers to a force to be reckoned with in Worcestershire.

Pickett has been in his captain's role for just six months and he oversaw the side's 3-3 home draw against Halesowen, continuing an unbeaten record of five matches.

Regular Mark Riley was unavailable and Tim Yates was unable to avoid defeat after being drafted in at the last minute with little preparation.

Maurice Bissell and Gerald Link had good wins, but John Wrench was once again beaten by the brilliance of Stuart Fishburne.

Individual results (Kidderminster names first): Wrench 0, Fishburne 1; Pickett 0.5, R. Thomas 0.5; Jim Friar 0.5, M. Bethal 0.5; Bissell 1, R. Grimes 0, Link 1, M. Hadley 0; Yates 0, Wyle 1.