Post by arf on Feb 5, 2012 7:48:26 GMT
Mx campaign back on track!
Mx bounced back from their close defeat to Sussex with a good win over Essex (9.5-6.5). With Surrey and Sussex having great campaigns there was a huge amount at stake for both teams as this effectively amounted to a 3rd placed play-off. The win over the old rivals was a filip in this critical stage of the season.
Usually your author would give an indication of the relative strengths of the teams but this cycle the decision of the ECF to publish a Grading List in January has thrown a spanner in the works! The August Grading is the preferred list for all but ungraded players but Captains have been asked to give January grades on team sheets (see following from SCCU website):
"January Grades
Note 3.2.12. The Controller asks match captains to list players showing their new January grades from now on. But he emphasises that eligibility remains based on August grades. January grades are not used, save for players who had no August grade. Clearance previously granted to ungraded players (see today's note in the clearance page) now lapses for players who have a January grade."
This is good since Steve Coles who is 179 according to August list has a grade of 193 according to January list!!
For the record August team averages: Mx 191 Essex 186 January team averages: Mx 192 Essex 184. Whichever you use Mx went into this match as the stronger team.
The match got off to a slow start with no result for the first 2hours of play. Then out of the blue a flurry of results that allow Mx to establish a 3-2 lead, Bob's win punctuating 4 draws.
This set the platform for a Mx push which see them stretch the fragile lead to a healthy 4points. Victories for Rick, Jochen, Mark and George. Mx lead 8-4.
Nev having played patiently and securing a positional advantage sacrificed hopes of glory and took one for the team by proffering the draw that saw Mx cross the winning line. Mx have unasailable lead 8.5-4.5
Hopes of recording a double-digit score were dashed by the defeats of Ian and Colin Mackenzie. Mx win 9.5-6.5
Well done guys!
Full match details below:
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
At the time of writing no other results are known
This result puts Mx in command of a qualifying berth to the ECF Stages. The assumption is that Mx will secure the 3rd berth but having reviewed results there is an outside chance of finishing 2nd. Of course results will have to go Mx way in addition to Mx winning their remaining home to Herts in the final match of the SCCU cycle.
Next match Herts (H) 3/3/12
Go on the Mx!