In division 1 SASCA A’s strong flexible squad had the title sewn up with a match or two to spare, finishing three points clear of Chesterfield A. In division 2 University A were the early front runners, but they were pipped by Worksop and Hillsborough. Barnsley for a number of reasons were weaker than expected and failed to gain a match point, but I hope they at least enjoyed the competition. With hindsight I feel I should have placed them in the third division, but I’m not sure that their replacement would have performed any better. The division 3 title race was a close affair. Ecclesall slipped up on a couple of occasions but critically beat their nearest rivals, Chesterfield B, in both meetings. University B were comfortable winners of division 4, finishing four points clear of Ecclesall C. The University had a large better than expected squad that might have been more suited to the third division, but it could have been problematic for whichever club took their place.

In conclusion, I think the summer league has been a great success. There were 120 matches played over 579 boards. I never expected we would have four divisions of six teams and I never expected we would have so many new players taking up over the board chess. What is also encouraging is that although these new players are not exactly in their teens, they have certainly lowered the average age of those playing in the S&DCA league.

Finally, I would like to thank all those that took part but especially the captains that entered their results – reducing my workload – and especially Geoff Brown and Steve Mann for their work on new players, registrations and general support.