Chess kings win promotion.

TRIUMPHANT Alnwick Chess Club proved they were kings of the chess board as they celebrated a promotion double.

And it could get even better for the club as defeat for Gosforth Empire in their final game of the season would see Alnwick A snatch top-spot and the league crown.

But with Empire facing second-bottom Tynemouth Castles it's more than likely Gosforth will take the title.

Nevertheless, Alnwick A leap-frogged into Division One after a crucial final game victory over third-place Forest Hall.

In what was a promotion decider, Alnwick edged past Hall in dramatic fashion, clinching a 3-2 victory.

Ties for Phil Hemsley and David Wallace made the score one apiece before Mike Trolan grabbed a win against Jeff Baird on board three to put the north Northumberland side ahead.

Forest Hall levelled through Keith Brooks who saw off Harry Teetsov to take the promotion decider right to the wire.

But Alnwick were not to be denied and Dennis Patterson beat E Isherwood on board five to claim victory and book their promotion ticket.

Meanwhile, already-promoted Alnwick B faced South Shields.

One player short, Alnwick were 1-0 down before a piece was moved.

But things didn't improve for the Division Three runners-up and South Shields swept aside their opponents in ruthless style, winning all four encounters on the night, crushing Alnwick 5-0.

But the result was scant consolation for Shields who finished in third place, unable to catch promoted Alnwick.

For more information www.freewebs.com/alnwickchessclub

Chess kings win promotion.

TRIUMPHANT Alnwick Chess Club proved they were kings of the chess board as they celebrated a promotion double.

And it could get even better for the club as defeat for Gosforth Empire in their final game of the season would see Alnwick A snatch top-spot and the league crown.

But with Empire facing second-bottom Tynemouth Castles it's more than likely Gosforth will take the title.

Nevertheless, Alnwick A leap-frogged into Division One after a crucial final game victory over third-place Forest Hall.

In what was a promotion decider, Alnwick edged past Hall in dramatic fashion, clinching a 3-2 victory.

Ties for Phil Hemsley and David Wallace made the score one apiece before Mike Trolan grabbed a win against Jeff Baird on board three to put the north Northumberland side ahead.

Forest Hall levelled through Keith Brooks who saw off Harry Teetsov to take the promotion decider right to the wire.

But Alnwick were not to be denied and Dennis Patterson beat E Isherwood on board five to claim victory and book their promotion ticket.

Meanwhile, already-promoted Alnwick B faced South Shields.

One player short, Alnwick were 1-0 down before a piece was moved.

But things didn't improve for the Division Three runners-up and South Shields swept aside their opponents in ruthless style, winning all four encounters on the night, crushing Alnwick 5-0.

But the result was scant consolation for Shields who finished in third place, unable to catch promoted Alnwick.

For more information www.freewebs.com/alnwickchessclub