Phil Owen clinched the final premiership promotion spot of the season in style as he emerged victorious from the playoffs. Starting a promotion run late in the season, he managed an impressive 14 wins and 4 draws from his 18 games - a performance rating just shy of 1800 - to place 7th and secure a place in the playoffs. Having beaten Ian Stent and Trevor Shaw in the quarter and semi-finals respectively, he faced club steward Alan Kelly in the final. Alan had come out best against Saul Marks and Lewis Chatten after replays in the earlier rounds, and Phil would have well been aware of the danger of an upset.

From early on it was clear it wouldn't be a staunch positional battle, as Phil threw forward his kingside pawns and quickly maneuvered his heavy pieces to surround Alan's King. Alan defended solidly, aware that if he survived the attack he could well find himself in a better position, but in the end the pressure told. Alan had too many threats to defend, and having won a piece, Phil had the pleasure of delivering mate on the board to finish the season and secure his spot among the club elite next year.