IT all came good for the Worcester City Chess Club in the county knock-out competition for the Wheatley Cup.
Worcester beat Malvern before seeing off Kidderminster Rooks and then Headless Cross in the final.
Team captain Ray Collett said: "The team had a dismal season in the league competition with players out of form.
"It was as late as March with an unexpected home win against Division One leaders Halesowen that form returned."
In the final, Worcester started badly with board five having to resign in a quick game against the talented, young county player Ashley Davis.
Further bad news followed when Pat Greenow was outgunned in a king-side attack. At this stage, Worcester's top board and board three looked in trouble.
The first Worcester win was Andrew Farthing who continued fine form in his debut season for the club.
Roger Yates' game went to a minor piece ending and he was lucky to keep his opponents' connected passed pawns from queening.
On top board, the Worcester captain equalised but there looked little chance of a win until the Cross player allowed black's queen to penetrate his defences in time trouble.
With only seconds left on the clock, Ray Collett wrapped up his game, and the match, with a mate.
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