Wolverhampton fielded their strongest side in many years for the Pittaway Cup Final against Stafford, and enjoyed a slender three point per board grading advantage over the seven boards played as a result.  Enjoying a 2.25 point handicap advantage, by virtue of being a second division team, Wolverhampton got off to the best possible start when Stafford were unable to field a full team, which meant that the score was 3.25 - 0 before any of the games started.  Frank Wood lost a piece early on, while Dave Wightman developed a strong attack against the black king which led to an exchange advantage.  Most of the games remained level into the middle game, when Phil Bull drew, Frank Wood lost and Rob Marshall drew all in quick succession.  This took the match score to 4.25 - 2, but Tomasz Sygnowski was a pawn down on Board 1.  John Mangwengwende won a pawn, and then a second pawn, and was able to close out the match to win the trophy, but Tomasz Sygnowski ended up three pawns down and duly lost.  Mike Townsend agreed a draw on Board 3 in a complex minor piece ending.  Dave Wightman was the last to finish, with the match ending in a chaotic time scramble which included a checkmate that wasn't, both flags falling and two interventions from off the board.  However, with the match already decided, a draw was agreed in keeping with the sporting spirit with which this exciting match was conducted.  So, the score was 4 - 4 on the night, but Wolverhampton take the trophy by virtue of the 2.25 point handicap.  Thanks are due to Stafford for a tremendous match, full of hard fought games, and to Bushbury for hosting the event.