Kidderminster could hardly have asked for a better start to the new season, opening their Wolverhampton & District League Division 1 campaign with a superb 3–1 victory away to defending champions Halesowen.
Halesowen were the dominant side last season, finishing top of the 10-team league and losing just once all year. Kidderminster, meanwhile, finished sixth, so this was always going to be a serious test on opening night. Instead, Kidderminster produced an excellent team performance and sent out an early statement.
On board one, Joe Friar (2175) drew with John Edge (2027), giving Kidderminster a solid result at the top of the order.
On board two, debutant Ben Attwell (1958) picked up an important win against Stuart Fishburne (1990), adding a vital full point to Kidderminster’s score.
On board three, John Wrench (1970) secured an early draw against David Cooper (1946), keeping Kidderminster firmly in control of the match.
On board four, Gavin Cartwright (1930) found a strong sacrifice against Mike Hadley (1840) and converted it into a win, sealing an excellent 3–1 victory for Kidderminster.
Beating the reigning champions in the very first match of the season is a huge result, especially against a Halesowen side that lost just once throughout the whole of last year. After finishing sixth last season, this is a brilliant way for Kidderminster to begin the new campaign and a major confidence boost for the team going forward.