The race for the York Evening Chess League first division title has developed into a battle between Shepherds and York RI Cavaliers 'A' after third-placed Minster Inn dropped points in recent weeks.

Realistically, Minster Inn had to win all their remaining games to give themselves a chance of the title but they could only draw their matches at the University and at home to Lady Anne Middletons.

Playing away at the University is one of the toughest fixtures of the season as the students always put out a stronger team at home than away and this was no exception.

In the end wins for Minster Inn's Paul O'Neil and Adam Ismail and draws for Mark White and Les Bresnan meant the match was drawn.

Poor away form is the reason why the University are not challenging for the title and this was illustrated when they defaulted the game at Shepherds meaning Shepherds were awarded the game 6-0.

Minster Inn's home draw with Lady Anne Middletons was a tense affair that went to the last game to finish.

After five of the six games had been completed two games were drawn and there were wins for Minster Inn's Mark White and Paul Anderson and Lady Anne Middletons' Tony Slinger, meaning Minster Inn led by three points to two.

In a nerve-racking last game Lady Anne Middletons' Colin Snowball won an end-game after having the worse position for most of the game to level the score.

This was the second week running that Lady Anne Middletons had drawn their match by winning the last game to finish. Previously they drew with league leaders Shepherds.

After four games of that contest, Shepherds led 3-1. Barry Marshall and Eric Key both won and the games between Richard Larkin and John Knowles and Herbert Lockwood and Phil Mander were drawn.

In the fifth game to finish Neville Pearce defeated Nigel Dowker and in the last game Tim Turner won in a time scramble.

York RI Cavaliers 'A' capitalised on Shepherds' dropped point and drew level with them when they beat the junior team, York RI Whippersnappers.

The league title will probably be decided on the outcome of the forthcoming game between Shepherds and York RI Cavaliers 'A'.

* Eric Key is still looking for more opponents for his simultaneous display on Sunday, February 18 at York Bridge Club on Holgate Road.

The event, starting at 10am, should be a lot of fun and there are prizes for anyone who wins. The cost is £2. For further information call Eric on 01904-426728.

Updated: 13:05 Thursday, February 15, 2001