Belper A have made a strong start to the Division 1 season with a 2½ – 1½ victory over Derby A. This was a key early fixture in the calendar, as Derby A are expected to be close rivals again this year – last season, the two teams finished level on 22 points, with Belper taking the title on match points scored.

The match was decided by excellent performances on the top two boards, where Belper players overcame significant rating deficits. On Board 1, NM John Potter (2200) secured a notable win with the black pieces against Owen Crawford (2373). James Tilston (2103) backed this up on Board 2, winning with the white pieces against John Tompson (2141).

Simon N. Gilmore (1960) ensured the match victory by holding George Burdell (1877) to a draw on Board 3. On Board 4, Andy Townsend (1862) played a tough game but was defeated by Leonid Siedielnikov (1825).

This was a great result for Belper A against a highly competitive Derby side and although there is a long away left to go in the season, it provides a solid foundation for the rest of the campaign.