KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club has announced its annual award winners, following another successful season, writes Isabel Matthews.
At the historic club, 26-year-old Joseph Friar won the major honours again and claimed the President’s Cup, Lightning Cup, the showpiece Cup Championship – which he has also won for the past two years – the Handicap and Quick-Play tournaments.
Two other players took away individual titles – Brandon Wilkes won the Shuttle Shield for the first time and the Graham Bunn Trophy.
Cameron Henry, 15, won the Minor Club Championship for the fourth year in a row and was awarded the Clive Billinge Memorial Award for his contribution to the club
To finish the season, Kidderminster also won the Worcester and District league and the division two team won the Worcestershire Rapid Play League – led by Cameron – the club’s youngest ever captain. The division three team also won the Dudley and District League
Alongside these successes, the club’s first team finished runners-up in the elite Wolverhampton and District League Division One.
John Wrench, President of Kidderminster Chess Club, said it had been another tremendous season for the club with so many well-deserved winners and some extremely strong performances in leagues across the region.
“Joseph continues to be an inspiration to everyone at the club and one of Worcestershire’s leading players.
“We’re also extremely proud of Brandon for his hard-fought wins, whilst Cameron continues to build his reputation as a formidable teenage player.
“He made history by becoming our youngest ever captain in the club’s 180 years.”
The Kidderminster Chess Club was founded in 1845 and is one of the oldest in the UK.
Members meet from 7pm every Wednesday at the Habberley club on Truro drive, Kidderminster.
New members are always welcome
John added: “Overall, we can look back on a great chess season and it’s been encouraging to see many new players join the club, including juniors, beginners and more experienced players.
“We look forward to matching or exceeding our successes in the coming season.”
Call John Wrench on 07913 227402 or email him at: [email protected] for further details.
