Huddersfield Chess Club enjoyed one of its best seasons ever this year with a stunning roll call of trophies and a richly deserved promotion back to the elite of Yorkshire chess.

Based at Lindley Liberal Club the club, one of the oldest in the country, attracts players from as far away as Holmfirth.

On June 12 it held its AGM which saw a series of changes to the key positions in the club’s hierarchy.

Due to health problems, secretary and longstanding member, Eddie Mellor, stood down and was replaced by Robert Sutcliffe.

Robert, 47, about whom it was once said only half-jokingly, that “not a pawn was moved in Yorkshire without his knowing about it” due to his agglomeration of senior positions in Huddersfield and Calderdale chess leagues, was also elected President and Calderdale captain.

Richard Boylan, 39, who successfully led Huddersfield back into the Woodhouse Cup, Yorkshire’s Premier League, at the second attempt, was re-elected as Woodhouse team captain.

Dave Tooley replaced Huddersfield University student and rising star, Mitchell Burke, as Knights captain.

The Knights enjoyed an excellent season winning the Watkinson trophy – awarded to the best team in Huddersfield and Calderdale and Wakefield.

They twice beat arch rivals Netherton and drew twice against very strong Calderdale teams.

Huddersfield University lecturer Dave Tyfa was elected captain of Huddersfield’s second Watkinson team, the Bishops.

Dave Keddie, from Holmfirth and one of the club’s most popular members, was elected President-elect.

Peter Czerwinski, who has successfully captained the Handicap team, the Rooks, to an impressive four titles in five seasons, was not unsurprisingly re-elected team captain.

Mehool Shah, known as ‘Mike’, was re-elected treasurer and Mr Czerwinski re-elected deputy treasurer.

Former secretary and current tournament organiser Nigel Hepworth, David Firth and Dave Tooley were also elected to the eight-strong committee.