The first of the Leinster Chess Union's league competitions for 2010/11 was completed recently with Ballinasloe Chess Club's novices league team winning the O' Connell Cup for the second year running. The Novices league is in its second year of existence and is designed to give clubs newer, predominantly younger players, valuable competitive experience in a team and league environment.

After an exciting contest involving 8 teams, the Ballinasloe youngsters emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, on tie break from the Blanchardstown Rooks with whom they finished level on points. Ballinasloe's 3-1 win in the individual game between the teams earlier in the season ultimately proved decisive. Elm Mount Chess Club finished in third position.

Pictured are the winning Ballinasloe team receiving their prizes from Gerry O' Connell from St Benildus chess club who very kindly donated the Cup for teams competing in the Novices league. Full details and results are on the Leinster Chess Union's website.