MALVERN’S last match of 2013 produced a convincing 4½-1½ victory over Hagley in Worcestershire League Division One.

Team captain Geoffrey Herbert’s pressure won a piece to score Malvern’s first win, which was followed by steady draws from John Knee and Brian Turner.

Leigh Canham exploited a mating threat to win his opponent’s queen and eventually take his game, while Barry Stone drew a well-contested battle in his first match of the season.

Ian Clarke claimed a game to round off the match, leaving Malvern heading the table at the half-way stage.