Chess competition at St Patrick's Hall

The whole-day event also stretched the strategic skills of students from St Xavier’s Gunnedah, St Joseph’s Quirindi, St Michael’s Manilla, and St Nicholas’s and St Edward’s Tamworth.

Although the day was competitive, it had other important benefits such as social interaction and student collegiality, co-ordinator Maureen McNeill said.

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“I believe it’s a great skill for children; ones who don’t achieve academically can achieve with chess. It’s good for self-esteem and good for motivation.”

Mrs McNeill thanked schools helpers, and Forum 6 Cinemas and McDonalds, which provided vouchers as prizes.

St Nicholas’ Tamworth took out the first prize on the day, on 75 points, just three points ahead of runner-up St Joseph’s Tamworth.

The individual equal winners were Dante Reverr (St Joseph’s Tamworth) and Trang Tan (St Nicholas’ Tamworth) – neither of whom lost a game all day – on 27 points.

The runners-up, all of whom finished on 24 points, were Rebecca Biju and Henry George of St Nicholas’ Tamworth, and Charlie McKenzie of St Joseph’s Tamworth.

The most improved player was Luke Fensbo of St Edward’s Tamworth.

The best games – chosen for being a strong game between evenly matched players – were deemed to have been between Acacia Taylor (St Edward’s Tamworth) and Malachy McKenzie (St Joseph’s Tamworth); and between Aden Lee (St Edward’s Tamworth) and Zac Culbert (St Nicholas’ Tamworth).

Every school had one or two students selected for encouragement awards.