WHEN Jeremy Handley died earlier this year, Tynedale Chess Club lost its oldest, and one of its best, player.

A former member of Morpeth before his move to Corbridge, the two teams united to establish the Jeremy Handley Memorial Trophy as an annual contest between Tynedale and Morpeth.

The first bout took place at Corbridge’s with 12 players on both sides, Morpeth leading 6-5 heading into the final game.

Peter Crichton looked to claw back the deficit as he faced off against Morpeth’s blind player Les Whittle, but failed to do so as the away team took the victory.

Jeremy’s partner Bea presented the trophy to captain Whittle, a close friend of Jeremy’s for many years, with all involved looking forward to the return fixture in Morpeth next year!

Tynedale, meanwhile, turn their attention to the new season in both the Northumbrian and South Tyne leagues. They meet every Tuesday night at 7pm.