York 'RI' beat Harrogate 11-4 in the fourth annual friendly chess match and lifted the Aubery Spalton Memorial Trophy.

York had won all the previous three encounters fairly comfortably, but Harrogate turned up with a strong side and a close contest was expected.

But York were in a rampant mood and notched up wins from Jon Griffith, Tim Turner, Patrick Gower, Paul Johnson, Peter Cloudsdale, David Findlay, Paul Barber, Colin Snowball, Rodney Mitchinson and Bill Fulton. Paul Hopwood and Paul Brooks added draws.

In the latest round of Yorkshire Chess Association matches, weakened York RI 'A' beat Wakefield 'A' 5-3 with wins from David Adams, Paul Townsend, Jon Griffith and John Hart and draws from Tony Slinger and Steve Huxley.

York RI 'B' turned in another solid performance but lost to a strong Rose Forgrove side. James Carpenter had an excellent win, which was complimented with draws from Barry Marshall, Paul Johnson, Laurence Cornhill and Aaron Barker.

The new York Rapidplay champion is Eric Key, who finished ahead of the excellent Fahad Yousif in second place with David Findlay third.

Tom Anderson won the Under-11 section, with Richard Alliss second and Aaron Barker third.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, April 17, 2003