THE York Evening Chess League started with a match apiece in the first and second divisions.

Shepherds II beat Danger Squares 4-2 in division two, their wins coming from Herbert Lockwood, David Baren, and John Hewitt. Paul Masiak won for Danger Squares.

In the first division, Cavaliers opened their account with a 3-3 draw against Shepherds \\\\\i. All the games were decisive with Richard Hardy, Martin Carpenter and James Carpenter winning for Cavaliers, while Calum Filtz, Eric Key and Herbert Lockwood replied for Shepherds 1.

The matches between Conquerers and Lady Anne Middleton in the first division, and Nowhere Men against Kings in the second were postponed.

The annual friendly Roses match takes place this weekend in Lancaster, between the home club and York, who went ahead in the series last year 10-9, with one drawn.

It will be a tough match for York, since Lancaster tend to have a strong side when they are at home. However, a number of the York side have improved over the last year and a close result is forecast.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, October 02, 2003