Magdalen College School's chess players repeated their triumph of two years ago in the Birmingham and District Under 14 Rapidplay comp- etition.

The Oxford school came from behind to take the title with a 5-3 victory in a tense last-round encounter against tournament leaders St Olave's, Kent.

This followed some excellent performances in a 5-3 win against Nottingham A and a 7-1 thrashing of St Bede's Grammar School.

However, Magdalen's success had seemed unlikely after a 5-3 first-round loss to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Wakefield.

Perfect performances came from team captain and England star Jonathan Lappage, and board eight Bobby Moussavi, who both posted five wins out of five.

There were also very good performances from the MCS Junior School players.

Wantage Chess Club's Daniel Rey, playing on board five, won two of his five games against much older opponents.

Meanwhile, MCS and Cowley Chess Club player Beau Schofield won the reserves tournament, posting an excellent score of 10/11.

MCS players also took two second place slots in this competition, Yvo Buxton and Edward Keene both on 8/11.