MALVERN Chess Club's form had dipped in recent matches, with a draw against Droitwich in Division One of the Worcester and District League and a disappointing exit from the cup at the hands of Kidderminster Rooks.

They got back into their stride with a 4-0 home win against Kidderminster Pawns in the league at their Manor Park venue.

The results were as follows, Malvern players first. Malvern had black on the odd boards.

1) B Turner 1-0 D Close; 2) G Herbert 1-0 M Kitchen; 3) S Fuchs 1-0 C Billinge; 4) M Ginger 1-0 D Digger.

David Close played the King's gambit on board one. He opened the centre too early and allowed Brian Turner to develop strong pressure. Brian won a central pawn and then a piece to open the score for Malvern.

Derek Digger played the modern defence against Maurice Ginger's King's pawn opening on board four. He had almost neutralised white's opening advantage when he overlooked a skewer on his queen and rook, allowing Maurice to win the rook.

Maurice had the chance to finish the game with a bit of brilliance. He missed the forced mate in eight, but the win was never in doubt.

Geoffrey Herbert was next to win, to secure the match for Malvern, on board two. He played the Torre attack with white, obtaining a space advantage and some chances on the King's side.

Mike Kitchen defended well, but Geoffrey was able to switch his attack to the Queen's side and win two pawns. This proved sufficient to win the endgame.

Stefan Fuchs played the Sicilian defence on board three against Clive Billinge. Stefan won two pawns early in the game at the cost of falling behind in development.

Clive was unable to exploit his extra tempi, leaving Stefan with a comfortable material advantage. Stefan won another pawn and finally won a piece with a cunning trap to complete the whitewash.