MALVERN Chess Club progressed to the second round of the Worcester County Cup at Longbridge.

Although higher-graded on the upper boards, Malvern needed a decisive winning margin to overcome Greenlands handicap advantage.

For Malvern, stand-in captain Brian Turner, Geoffrey Herbert and John Knee all won their matches, John showing his strength with a fine positional game. Maurice Ginger made a solid draw on four.

The star turn for Malvern came on board five where Barry Stone defended resourcefully against a much higher-graded opponent, eventually winning a piece and the game.