16 May. This was a close match. Jorgen Nielsen and Steve Culleton won on boards 2 & 4 for Wimborne, board 3 was drawn and on top board Ivan Willis gained a full point for Bournemouth. Aggregate grades were Bournemouth 524, Wimborne 565. Unfortunately for the Wimborne team, they needed a bigger win to overtake Highcliffe A, who play their last match away to New Milton A next Tuesday. So the result confirmed Highcliffe A are promoted to Div 1 for next season, whatever the result & score on Tuesday as Highcliffe will have higher game points than Wimborne C in the final table. It is an incredible achievement by the Highcliffe club whose playing strength has been increasing for some time, along with a growing and enthusiastic membership. They are a considerable asset to chess in our area, especially their support for local junior chess players.

Special mention to Wimborne C who had a strong team and ran Highcliffe A close in a very tough division. And both Bournemouth teams competed well – as in this match, relegated Bournemouth B frequently gave their opponents tough games and with better luck might have turned narrow losses into draws and wins.

Finally, well done to all teams in Div 2 for making it a great season. But for Highcliffe, Richard Ursell has announced the celebrations begin immediately!

ps Martin Clancy the Ringwood A Captain posted this message of congratulations (18 May)….Just want to share my congratulations to a very good Highcliffe side who deserved to win the second division and good fortune next season with the big kids in division one. A great venue, a good team and youngsters coming through – what is not to like?!