WELLINGTON Chess Club hosted Yeovil in a match over four boards in Division 3 of the West Somerset League. Wellington fielded a relatively strong team but Simon Pickard on top board made an uncharacteristic shaky start and found himself two pawns down in the opening.

Team captain David Smith also lost pawns in the opening and both he and Simon struggled to try to restore parity in their games. Their opponents played to a consistently high standard, making no mistakes and closing down any thoughts of a comeback eventually forcing the Wellington players to resign almost simultaneously to put Yeovil 2-0 ahead.

Alan Stonebridge was Wellington’s third player to lose his game. Alan started off well, playing strongly but failed to gain a winning advantage. When his opponent launched a pawn rush attack supported by his rooks, Alan was unable to counter this attack and was forced to resign.

It was left to John Jeremiah to try to salvage some consolation for Wellington but unfortunately this was not to be.

Wellington have now completed their league season and may finish bottom of the table. They are level on points with Weston whobneed just one draw from their two remaining fixtures to leave Wellington finishing bottom.