Last night saw the B team narrowly beaten (1.5 vs 2.5) by Division 3 leaders Cheddleton C, to put an end to any realistic hope of retaining the title. With just 4 pts from 7 matches the team languish in 7th place with the wooden spoon much closer than the silverware. It was a bit unfortunate as the match could have been drawn if our Board 4 had accepted a draw offer shortly before losing on time, with a position that was unclear holding an exchange advantage for two extra pawns. On top board Karl Lockett won a fine game, with skipper Martin Gill agreeing to a draw.