Post by arf on Feb 5, 2012 7:06:59 GMT
Unhappy New Year start for Mx
The Sussex (A) match has in previous seasons become the defining match for Mx. The timing and result of the match goes a long way to determining whether Mx go on to compete in the Open or Minor competition in the ECF Stages. So having to play Sussex in Hassocks just after the festive break does Mx no favours whatsoever! And this proved to be the case with Mx succumbing 7-9.
A competitive team faced Sussex and as usual no significant difference in strength between the two adversaries with Sussex edging the averages by +1 grading point.
The match got off to an explosive start; 4 results within the hour sees Mx trail 1-3. Two draws followed by defeats for Anthony and George firmly give Sussex the advantage which despite Mx's best efforts they never relinquish.
Realising the significance of this match the team raised their game putting in a concerted effort to attempt to level it. This was achieved with 11games played. Wins by Daniel, Richard and Mark attained parity. Could Mx secure an unlikely win? Scores level 5.5-5.5
However in trying to draw level and then use it as a platform to push for a win a number of aggressive lines were pursued but rebounded on the aggressor, e.g., Simon's sacrifice that he felt lead to the win but he just couldn't calculate over the board so acquiesced to a draw by repetition, Rick's kingside assault that was repelled and overturned and Colin Crouch involved in a double-edged game in which he finally fell. Mx having worked hard to draw level see Sussex take advantage and recorded 3 straight wins to attain an unassailable 8.5-5.5 lead and with it the match. Colin Mackenzie's win gives a nice gloss to the Mx score but that extra point could still prove crucial in the final shake-up if game points come into play.
Mx lose 7-9. Unlucky guys.
Full match details here
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
With Surrey continuing to sweep all before them with a 9-7 win over and Herts and Essex recording a fine win over Kent the table after 3 Rounds is as follows:
1. Surrey 3/3 (30.5)
2. Sussex 2/3 (23.5)
3. Essex 2/3 (25.5)
4. Mx 1/3 (24)
5. Kent 0/2 (13)
6. Herts 0/2 (11.5)
Although losing to Sussex not all is lost as Mx are still firmly in control of their campaign. It is safe to presume Surrey have secured 1 of the 3 SCCU berths and probably as champions. With Sussex punching above their weight due to home advantage in this cycle, Mx are practically playing for 3rd place. So the next match away to Essex is in essence a play-off match. Of course with 2 rounds to go anything could happen and there is still a glimmer that Mx could finish in 2nd, however this will require wins in remaining 2 games starting with Essex on 4th February at Wanstead.
Go on the Mx!!