The Club Championship final proved a fascinating match, as former champion John Altham, returning after a long lay-off, convincingly beat last years winner, Bernard Sharples, in the two-game match, winning both games.

In the first game, with White, he played the adventurous 4.Qg4 in the Advance Variation against Bernard's French Defence, and won after a mistake under pressure by his opponent. In the second, he played the Sicilian against 1.e4, and defended stoutly against Bernard's usual 2.Nc3. Needing a win to stay in the match, Bernard seemed to get a convincing positional edge, but pieces were exchanged, John gained the upper hand, and then wrapped up the endgame neatly.

Congratulations to the new club champion, well done, John!