Post by arf on Nov 30, 2008 6:28:57 GMT
Middlesex lose 7-9
Middlesex suffer successive defeat in losing 7-9 to Sussex.
The defeat was a bit of a surprise as so far this season Sussex had struggled to field a full team (7 defaults, with 4 being at home!) and the teams they have fielded were not the most competitive. Consequently Middlesex could be confident of obtaining a result even if having to field a second XVI.
What is it they say about the best laid plans...? Fortune being a fickle mistress...? And other sayings of this ilk? Any thought of a 'gimme' result was firmly removed when come match day Sussex under a new captain were not only able to field a full XVI for the first time but when comparing the respective line-ups were also competive. Yet another tense encounter coming up for Middlesex.
How did the match unfold? Middlesex score the first win of the match to take a 2.5-1.5 lead. Mike was gifted a pieced but he still had to play accurately before the extra piece told. This lead was maintained until the halfway point when Sussex pull level. Scores tied 4-4. When reviewing the position of match it was still unclear as both sides could confidently say ahead on a couple of boards but not so sure of the others. The final 8games see Sussex take a lead, Middlesex pull level and then Sussex take a lead they were not to relinquish. Defeat number 2 for Middlesex.
There were certainly a number of interesting encounters but certainly game of the day must go to Mike Tasker. He was involved in a traditional bloodthirsty Sicilian Dragon where the dragon was comprehensively put to the sword. I will endeavour to obtain a score of the game for your enjoyment.
This result is an unfortunate setback as rather than being in top three Middlesex tumble to the bottom of the table! A win in our next match against Surrey on the 13th December is imperative as this will mean we still control our own destiny in seeking qualification for the national stages.
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm