Post by arf on Feb 26, 2012 8:17:50 GMT
CHAMPIONS!!
“We are the Champions! We are the Champions! We are the Champions! No time for losers for we are the Champions of the SCCU”
“It’s coming home. It’s coming home. It’s coming home, MJ’s* coming home.” “Twenty years of hurt never stopped me dreaming” (* MJ = Montague-Jones Trophy)
2 decades wait finally came to an end when Middlesex defeated Kent 10.5-5.5 to claim the SCCU 2nd Team Title for the first time since 1992-93 SCCU cycle. A wrong finally put to right!
Mx went into their final match knowing qualification to the ECF Stage assured (see Essex match report for full details) it was just a question of seeding. Would Mx round off their SCCU cycle in style as ‘The Undefeated’ thereby becoming SCCU Champions and securing S1? Or would they slip at the final hurdle (as has been known in past) and have to endure an agonising wait as have to see how the final round of results panned out and whether pipped at the post?
Looking at the respective line-ups Mx had the edge out-grading Kent over the 16 boards. This advantage was reinforced as if using the January grading list Mx could boast of having 3 over-graded players. Thankfully July grades still in use! Previous experience though suggested that even with an advantage the Chess Gods could be fickle and with Kent harbouring aspirations of the title they were not to be dismissed lightly. Their dream of becoming SCCU Champions could be attained starting with a defeat of Mx followed up with home win against Sussex. Team averages: Mx – 171/168 (Jan/Jul Grades) Kent – 161/159.
With so much at stake for both sides it was a surprise that the team achieved such a resounding victory. This result could never be envisaged especially with the first results coming in at just under 2 hours play. 2 draws – Chris ironically being the 1st to finish after being one of the last to finish in previous match against Essex! Followed by an exchange of wins, George’s victory being immediately cancelled out by Martin’s defeat. Match tied 2-2.
Usually the report would contain more details about the games and/or game of the day. However a combination of tension for your author and a mix-up with scoresheets means it is not possible to do so. Despite this it must be noted that Ian played inspirationally sacrificing material for long-term positional advantage which he converted adroitly; David involved in a tactical melee which had an aesthetically pleasing finish; Thomas’ opponent inexplicably leaving a piece en pris; Bob’s draw being the last points scored by Kent as Mx win the last 4 games and Maria dismissing the adage, ‘Bishops of opposite colours are always drawn!’.
If there is to be a ‘game of the day’ it is he one that took Mx over the winning line. The clinching game being Guy’s who in the words of Steve, ‘Tony I think Guy’s just won a piece and with it the game, the match and the championship!’ [Steve, forgive me if I’ve paraphrased!]
Well done team!
Full match details: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm
At time of writing the result of the Sx v E match unknown but who cares as Mx outright 1st!!! Round 5 will be of interest to see who finishes in 2nd as a prospective semi-final opponent. Surrey are in prime position but face Essex. An amazing set of circumstances would have to occur for Surrey and 2 others to be tied on 2points.
The Championship winning squad can now look forward to a well-deserved break before making an assault for more silverware and becoming triple winners. In addition to the SCCU Title, Mx will have the opportunity of adding both the SCCU u185 Jamboree and ECF Titles to it. Details about the Jamboree will be sent in due course but will be taking place on the 14th April 2012. The real match is the ECF match later in April (21st or 28th April 2012 with 28th being default date) [Note this is an error the match will be played in May with default date being 19th May edited 25/2/12] where Mx will once again face Warwickshire. When recalling what happened in 2010-11 it will be a ‘grudge-match’ so revenge will be definitely sweet!
Anyway, the future will take care of itself. For the time being just bask in the glow of being SCCU Champions!!
P.S.: What other song's for champions can you come up with?