Winning moves were made by Canon Lee School to capture a prized crown.

Alert-thinking from the pupils of Canon Lee enabled them to win the York Secondary Schools' chess trophy.

More than 40 players battled for the honours at the event, which was held at Canon Lee School, but the hosts' prevailed to finish top team in the event, which is organised annually by the York and District Chess Association.

Besides the team trophy there was also an individual championship.

That was won by 'guest' player Gregory Theiner from Roundhay School, in Leeds, which is just on the fringe of the York Association's area.

Canon Lee's Arron Barker - a member of the victorious team - finished runner-up.

Third place went to Millthorpe School pupil Patrick Gower, while Paul Barber from All Saints School took fourth spot.

The fifth and final position was sealed by Bootham School's Chris Watterson.

York and District Chess Association official David Baren explained that there were individual trophies too for Year 8 and Year 7 categories.

The former prize was taken by Fahad Yousif of Archbishop Holgate's School

The latter year 7 distinction wrapped up a fine day for Canon Lee, whose Tom Anderson came in first.

An even bigger entry is now expected in the Association's Primary Schools' chess competition, added Baren.

That is scheduled to be held at St Olaves School in York on Sunday, July 29.

Updated: 13:03 Thursday, April 12, 2001