Chess clubs in Fenland are thriving, with a record number of teams and players participating in county events this year.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the county is now fielding a full set of teams, including March and Wisbech, who recently competed against each other.
The Wisbech team, whose origins date back to 1840 and once included Lord Peckover, played against March A in the first Under 4200 North Division match of the season.
Despite the closely fought match, Wisbech lost to the larger club's top team, with a final score of 1-2.
The match was played by Kevin West against Dexter McShane-Wright, James Jenner against Sean Thaliplakkal, and Diane Von Helmhotz against Archie Bullman.
Both clubs attract players from a wide area, including Welney, King's Lynn, and Lincolnshire.
Membership for juniors is free.
Local chess has been supported by the English Chess Federation with grants, Fenland District Council with chess tables in Wisbech Park, and Wisbech Town Council and Cambridgeshire County Chess Association with grants for equipment for junior players.
This has already led to an increase in junior players participating in local clubs and competitions.
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