Sixty-two students from St Nicholas’, St Joseph’s and St Edward’s in Tamworth, St Michael’s in Manilla and St Xavier’s in Gunnedah locked horns last week.

St Nicholas’ Primary emerged a narrow victor and will have the chance to defend the title when the schools reconvene for another hit-out later in the year.

Ethan Gale, of St Nicholas’, was crowned the individual winner from joint runners-up Vitorio Sardinha, of St Xavier’s, and Ethan Waters, of St Joseph’s.

St Joseph’s school secretary and chess co-ordinator Maureen McNeill said the competition had been a great success.

“Chess builds a sense of team spirit while emphasising the ability of the individual – and that’s really what the day’s about,” she said.

Ms McNeill also said she wished to thank McDonald’s for its support in providing food vouchers to the students.