ST HELENS Chess Club defeated Wigan to win the Peninsular Cup.

The win represents the 17th Trophy the have won in the last ten years - a very successful period for the club, which is likely to continue given the demographic of the club and the competitive range of players’ grades.

After approx two hours, the games on Bd1 and Bd3 were drawn. Mark Talbot then won his game against Graham Lilley on Bd2 and Mark Higgins drew with Neil Jolley on Bd6, which left Wigan on the brink of victory with a lead of 2.5 - 1.5. This left St Helens having to win both remaining games.

Dave Hill’s game looked like he had a winning advantage, so the game on Bd5 was crucial.

Keith Lyon had two rooks and two extra pawns versus rook and two knights, but was massively down on time. With enough time Keith should have been victorious, but time pressure brings mistakes, and mistakes were a plenty with Keith seeming to gradually throw away his advantage. However, despite repeated draw offers from the opposition, with about 30 seconds left, the game simplified to a probable win for Keith, who, moving instantly, managed to convert the win with 10 seconds remaining.

Dave Hill then converted his advantage to secure the Cup for St Helens (3.5 - 2.5).