TWO matches in a week saw Bury Chess Club's first team storm to the top of the table with two victories, both by a score of 5-2.

Firstly, the visit of previously unbeaten Urmston saw solid play at the top and bottom of the team with victories for the strong middle order.

Paul Macklin 0.5 P Wheldon 0.5; Roger Howley 0.5 D Owen 0.5; John Altham 0.5 I Pendlebury 0.5 ; Mick Norris 1 D Horton 0; Bernard Sharples 1 A Smith 0; Jim Litherland 1 D Hewitt 0; Keith Evans 0.5 M Davis 0.5.

Jim, Bernard and Mick were all up early on, but Mick was the last one to finish, by which time the winning score had been already reached.

A short trip to Rochdale in the snow followed, with the home team surprising failing to field a full team.

First to finish was Paul, drawing on top board against Rochdale's only star player. Keith than agreed a draw, as Bernard was winning easily and John stood well, his opponent eventually failing to reach the first time control.

The match was again over by the time Mick won, and Roger ran out of time in pressing for a win.

B Hague 0.5 Paul Macklin 0.5; A Dunkerley 1 Roger Howley 0; M Taylor 0 John Altham 1; S Solomczak 0 Mick Norris 1; I McNeil 0 Bernard Sharples1; Default 0 Jim Litherland1 ; D Taylor 0.5 Keith Evans 0.5.

With no matches until April, unless rivals slip up, the team will need to win their final two games for the B Division Manchester League title.