CALSTOCK Chess Club just lost out to Liskeard Chess Club by 3.5 points to 4.5 points in the 500 league following an entertaining struggle.

On board one David Jenkins and Brian Parkin had two short games and shared the honours with a win each, both arguably in sucker-punch territory. On board two Alistair Bissell had Calstock’s best result, winning the first game against Liskeard captain Don King and drawing the second after dredging up some desperate defensive tactics with a lone knight.

On board three Richard Hendin played better than his results indicate, but in the second game let an advantage slip before surrendering to time trouble.

On board four Steve Knight was strong and in control in the first game against Stuart Lee but lost concentration in the second.

It was however a pleasant social occasion with the friendly Liskeard team, and — just as well for the chess — the players missed St Patrick’s Day in the grass-greened bar of the Boot Inn by a matter of hours.

RESULTS: Round one, Calstock white — David Jenkins 1 Brian Parkin 0; Alistair Bissell 1 Don King 0; Richard Hendin 0 Eric Westlake 1; Steve Knight 1 Stuart Lee 0. Round 2, Calstock black - David Jenkins 0 Brian Parkin 1; Alistair Bissell 0.5 Don King 0.5; Richard Hendin 0 Eric Westlake 1; Steve Knight 0 Stuart Lee 1.