Post by arf on Nov 20, 2011 6:06:11 GMT
Twenty Years of hurt nearly over?
Middlesex's hopes of winning the SCCU Title for the 1st time since 1992-93 continued unabated with a 9-7 win over Sussex. However when the result of the match hinges on the last 3 games you know you've been involved in a tight tussle!
The match got off to an inauspicious start as the trials and tribulations of getting the team together came home to roost; Mx forced to announce a default. The deflatory effect of this default was eradicated when Sussex likewise announced a default. You know it's likely to be a bad day when the home team announces a default but any fillip was quickly cancelled as John capitulated. 3 results at the end of an hour's play; the opening salvos set the scene for the remainder of the match (Mx trail 1-2)
Sussex's lead is once again nullified when Chris records Mx's first over-the-board win. A miscalculation by his opponent allows Chris to launch a devastating attack. Despite his best effort with a few tactical ideas to allow him to reorganise his defence, Chris's opponent eventually succumbs (Scores level 3-3)
Having been 1 down Mx go 2 up when Russell and Geoff achieve wins in 2 of the next four matches. Russell sacrifices a pawn for the attack which culminates in him mating his opponent's king in the centre of the board. Geoff's calculation proves superior in a tactical melee. He obtains significant material which he duly converts when he demonstrates the wisdom of the adage, 'Give material back when ahead!' His opponent was continuing to grovel in a hopeless position and would have persevered had Geoff not opted for a clean finish. (Mx lead 6-4)
Although achieving the lead holding it and crossing the winning line were distinctly different issues with both Charlie and George struggling to hold their positions. Dave's draw in opposite-coloured bishop middle-game punctuates their inevitable defeats. (Scores level 6.5-6.5)
So the result of the match goes to the wire and is now the best of 3. The good news is that Mx are ahead in all of them, the question is, 'Who can secure the win that will guarantee Mx victory?'
Despite being a pawn up Steve's advantage evaporates as with a more active rook and king his opponent has sufficient compensation so for the sake of the team Steve acquiesces to a draw. 1 down, 2 to go. Can Frank or Mike attain the win and in turn take Mx over the winning line? (Scores level 7-7)
A strategic game by Frank eventually sees him reel in the point, however in pushing for the win he allows his opponent a defensive resource which is overlooked. His opponent correctly plays check but puts his queen on the wrong square. Had he played it to g7 instead of g5 it would allow him to regain the pawn AND defend against the mating attack. Disaster for Sussex; joy for Mx as they regain lead knowing they cannot beaten and a safe draw by Mike will obtain the win. However he nurses his pawn advantage in a K+N+4P v K+N+3P endgame to give a gloss to the final score. Mx win 9-7 and maintain their unbeaten start to the 11/12 SCCU cycle a fantastic effort after such a dismal start!
Well done guys
Full match details: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm
The other match of Round 2 pitted Surrey against Kent. At time of writing the result is unknown but with Kent being poor travellers and Surrey strong at home the chances are that Surrey have recorded their 1st win. A Surrey win would be welcomed as it means that Mx will be the only County who could attain a 100% record! Overlooking this specualtion, what is known though is that Mx continues it's march to the SCCU title and all but secure a place in the ECF Stages even if it is only a Preliminary place.
Formative Table after Round 2
1. Mx 2/2 (18.5)
2. Kent / Surrey
3. Kent / Surrey
4. Essex 0/1 (7.5)
5. Sussex 0/1 (7)
Next match pits Mx against Essex (21/1/12) THE LOCAL DERBY. Victory will assure our place in the knock-out stages and what better way to do it but with a win over Essex in Essex! Essex will be smarting over their close loss to Kent and by trailing to Mx by 2pts salt is rubbed into the wounds. Needless to say we will need to be at our fighting best to put the sword to our local rivals and in doing so will release their grasp on the SCCU title and have one of ours hand on it instead.
Is the title finally coming home?
Addendum
The result of the Surrey Kent match has come in with Kent involved in yet another close encounter. Unfortunately for them they could not repeat their feat against Essex instead losing 7.5-8.5 to Surrey. It will be worh looking at the Kent line-up as they travel to Mx in February which could very well be a title decider (but let's not get ahead of ourselves!).
Table after Round 2
1. Mx 2/2/ (18.5)
2. Surrey 1/2 (15.5)
3. Kent 1/2 (16)
4. Essex 0/1 (7.5)
5. Sussex 0/1 (7)
Surrey 2nd by virtue of their win over Kent
The Surrey victory is good news. Apart from Mx the maximum score all the other counties can now achieve is 3 thus a win against Essex guarantees a place in the QF of the ECF Stage and with it sitting pretty at the top of the table eyeing the SCCU trophy. In short 1 win from the remaining 2 games is all Mx need to qualify for the knock-out stage. Let's see if it can be done at the 1st time of asking!
[Note: After 2games in the SCCU 2010/11 cycle Mx were also 2/2 having played both Surrey and Sussex. The season came off the rails with defeats to both Essex and Kent. Let's see that history doesn't repeat itself.]