THE new season started with a defeat for Lytham Chess Club first team with Morecambe beating them in Division A by 3-2.

Lytham were missing five of their squad and recalled David Dawber for his first senior game in more than four years -- this ending in a draw against the Morecambe captain Norman Blade.

Leo Ainsworth scored an excellent victory and Peter Jowett broke his duck with the black pieces against Glenn Charleshouse to force a draw.

The second and third teams played each other in the opening match in Division B; this being a win for the seconds by 3-1.

Again Leo Ainsworth was in good form by obtaining the thirds' consolation. Phil Raynor, Kostas Domoras and Nick Ward won for the seconds.

The fifth team were trounced by Cleveleys firsts in Division C to the tune of 3- with Geoff Robinson grabbing the half point.

The third recovered their composure with a narrow 2-1 victory over Bispham. Leo Ainsworth, David Dawber and John Regan all drew and Peter Dirs won in fine style.