The C Team's campaign ended with a typical effort with our immense team spirit pulling us to a highly creditable draw against a strong (and promoted) Grendel team who out-graded us by an average of 18 points per board.

The evening started with a crisis.

Dave Tipper rang me at about 5pm to say that he was stuck working in Bridgwater, and was clearly not going to be at Grendel by the starting time and probably not by the cut off time of 8pm. It was clear by the tone of his voice that he was very upset at the thought of letting his teammates down, an attitude we would all expect of him, although it was not something he could do anything about. Major problem.

The prospect of losing our top board, and worse still, defaulting a game, was something which would be abhorrent to our team. So I did what I always do in those situations. I rang Andrew Munn, and Andrew did what he always does in those situations, and instantly said he would play. So the major problem disappeared.

The first two games to finish were secure draws for James and the Duffer, who then supported his team in the customary manner by going straight to the bar to watch the football, sorry James, "soccer". After Spurs had beaten Brighton (big result for Cardiff City), I went back upstairs to find four major battles in play.

Keith was a minor piece up but had seconds only left on his clock against his opponent's 20 minutes plus, bur still converted strongly for a terrific win. Next year I suggest he starts each game with a maximum of 5 minutes on the clock, as he is a GIANT in time trouble.

So 2-1 to us, which became 2-2 when Jerry Humphreys won against Andrew, so no points for him last night, but a huge contribution to the team effort.

The other two games were both knife edge both on the board and the clock. Jack finally and very impressively overcame Ben Radford for 3-2. He has played five times for the C-team this season and has won four. A huge effort, and I'd love to have him as a team regular next year (unless I get the sack), though I know Grant won't want to let him go either.

The other game swung the other way, with Mike just not holding it in another time scramble, though like all the other reserves, sorry "replacements" this year, he's been wonderful for us.

So a 3 - 3 draw and a fifth place finish for the season.

Thank you team.

Duffer signing off.

"So now the end is near, It's time to face the final curtain......."