Andover Chess Club began the season with a 2-3 loss at home to Fareham in the first round of the prestigious Robertson Cup, a competition Andover won two seasons ago.

On board two Stuart Knox agreed an early draw in a symmetrical position while David Thompson on board three, agreed a draw when well up on time and with hindsight should have played on. Terry Gray, on board four, got his season off to a good start by beating an equally graded opponent and newcomer Francis Pearce, on board five, found the going tough against an experienced opponent when by weakening his kingside he allowed infiltration and a winning attack.

Everything was left in the hands of Paul Hackmanon board one where a draw would mean Andover won on board count. Corkett, the 200 plus rated player for Fareham, squeezed the win so Andover lost and must now play in the Robertson Plate competition for all first round losers – a competition Andover won last season.