Reigning Robertson Cup holders Andover Chess Club went down to defeat in their first round match away at Fareham. When winning the cup last season they only lost one game out of 20 either winning or drawing the others and defeating Southampton C, Ringwood, Salisbury and Eastleigh BR on the way to the trophy. Andover now enter the Plate Competition, open to all first round losers, which Andover won in 2011/2012.

At one stage in the evening match Andover led 2-1. Bottom board Kevin Steele ruthlessly dispatched his opponent to gain the first full point and shortly afterwards Paul Hackman on board one gained a draw playing the Sicilian Maroxcy Bind against Corkett, rated 203. David Thompson on board three, after sacrificing for a promising attack and then winning his material back, got a draw with a perpetual check to bring the match score 2-1 in favour of Andover.

Unfortunately Terry Gray on board four missed his chances in the time scramble of obtaining the draw or win and Stuart Knox on board two went down to a previous Hampshire county champion, Keith Gregory. The time control of 30 moves in one hour and then all the moves in 15 minutes led to five eventful games but on this occasion Andover fell short by 2-3.