Staines Chess Club finished the season in style with a 5-2 home win over Berkshire team Maidenhead.

Staines ended with a hot streak, notching three wins and a draw in their final four games of the season.

The result means the club have had their best-ever finish in the Division Two of the Thames Valley Chess league, ending in fourth.

In an eight-team league, this is a big improvement on last year's seventh, and means the club is well placed to battle for promotion to Division One when the season starts again in September.

Staines B team has also done well in Division Four, improving by one place over last year's result.

The 5-2 win on May 14 was sealed by victories from four of the seven Staines players, with two more drawing.

Tim Chesters, Paul McKeown and Derek McGovern won with the white pieces, and Ralf Gruettner picked up a good win with black to ensure the win.

Jonny Kay and Stephen Welch chipped in with draws to increase the victory margin.

Only a late win by Maidenhead's board six saved them from complete embarrassment.

"It's too bad the season has to end. We have picked up so many victories lately, I wish we could keep going. But we're going to use the summer to refine our skills and challenge for promotion next year", said team captain Stephen Welch.

Staines Chess Club meets every Monday for casual games during the summer, at the Staines Riverside Club, 6 Laleham Road, Staines. For more information email Welch at stephen@staineschess.ch.