The final Open league match of the 2024-25 season, Penrith C v Carlisle A, would not affect the league table regardless of the result but that didn’t stop both sides trying.
The games got under way a little after 1 pm as three of the Carlisle team were waiting at Carlisle for Alan Hiatt who had decided to make his own way to Penrith.
Considering the rating difference, all the games were surprisingly close, hard fought tussles but gradually, our boards started to fall beginning with board 2. Nathan was forced to give up a piece against Alan Hiatt, after Alan took a pawn on b2 to attack a rook and a bishop. Nathan struggled on but couldn’t salvage anything from the game.
Board 4 didn’t fare much better but Dave didn’t lose his piece until later in the game and Nathan Rothwell didn’t give anything back..
Richard had a good game against Bill Burgess but Bill eventually got the upper hand to win a third point for Carlisle.
Cameron was forced to trade his queen for rook and bishop after a strong attack by captain, Paul Rivers, on board 1. It was still a struggle for Paul as Cameron put up a stiff resistance but Paul got there in the end.
Ah well. A valiant effort by our C team who can be proud of the fact that we didn’t finish bottom this season. The final League table is below with any points gained or lost against Barrow, who have withdrawn from the league, deducted.
