Post by arf on Oct 13, 2012 8:07:26 GMT
Intent in Kent!
Middlesex’s campaign for the 2012-13 SCCU cycle is a simple one: Qualify for the National Stages (ideally as Champions) in order to defend their title. In having such a simple objective it was imperative that Middlesex send a message of intent to their SCCU rivals from the outset and send it they did with a resounding 11.5-4.5 victory away to Kent.
The message of intent began when Middlesex fielded a team averaging 194, by far and away the strongest team to travel to Kent since their return to the Open division. Despite fielding a strong team there was nothing really between the teams as Kent were able to maintain their home average of190. In having a slight edge victory could be expected but the margin of it was a surprise especially as after the first few results, commencing with a draw between friends Colin M and Chris Howell, there was no indication one side or other would run out such overwhelming winners.
The first win was of match was achieved by Geoff who continues his impressive form for the County his win following up a good 2011-12 cycle culminating with his victory for the u180 in the Final against Yorkshire. With two further draws from Nevil and Colin C and the score standing at 2.5-1.5 to Middlesex a close match was on the cards so no-one could envisage what was to happen next as Middlesex go on to record +6 =6 -0 and go through the match without losing a single game (+7 = 9 -0)!
Wins from Carsten, Guy, Mark and Steve, punctuated with draws from Ian, Richard and Bob, sees Middlesex secure an unassailable 8-3 lead with a ¼ of the match sill to go. Paul’s draw takes them over the winning line and with Simon W and Andrew holding healthy advantages it was just a question of, ‘How large would the margin of victory be?’ They duly attain their respective points and draws from Simon S and Peter sees Middlesex rack up a final score of 11.5-4.5.
Well done guys!
Full match details: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
By recording a comprehensive victory in their opening match, which in being an away match is worrying for their SCCU rivals as the implication is Middlesex will be stronger at home, a message of intent has clearly been sent to them: A determination to win the Shannon Trophy for 35th time – the first SCCU title since 1989. It could even be argued that a wider message of intent was sent to all rivals it being Middlesex is determined to hang on to the Lowenthal Trophy! What odds Middlesex winning the SCCU and National double for 26th time?
The first round of fixtures saw a surprising result as Surrey capitulated to a weak Sussex side in Hassocks. It also saw Essex defeat Hertfordshire. So although early days Middlesex sits atop the division:
Table after Round 1:
1. Middlesex 1/1 (11.5)
2. Sussex 1/1 (10)
3. Essex 1/1 (9.5)
4. Hertfordshire 0/1 (6.5)
5. Surrey 0/1 (6)
5. Kent 0/1 (4.5)
Fixtures Round 2 – 17/11/12
Middlesex vs. Sussex
Surrey vs. Hertfordshire
Essex vs. Kent
The second round of fixtures are interesting ones, firstly it pits the early leaders against each other. A victory for either side will see them establish a grip on the division. With Sussex having to travel to Middlesex this bodes well as Sussex is notoriously poor at travelling. A more pertinent observation is that victories for Essex and Hertfordshire would virtually eliminate the recent powerhouses of the SCCU – Kent and Surrey – as serious competitors from both competitions. The odds are against this happening as in previous cycles when these matches have been played Surrey and Kent has secured victory. We await the completion of second round with bated breath!
Martin Blaine Trophy Individual Trophy
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. Since its’ reinstatement in 2007-08 the winners have been:
2011-12 Nevil Chan
2010-11 Peter Ackley
2009-10 Simon Spivack
2008-09 Simon Spivack
2007-08 Colin Mackenzie
Last year the outcome was not known as going into the final match of the cycle, which incidentally was the Final(!), there were 3 potential winners with Nevil just edging Mark Davey. Let’s hope for a repeat of a close competition AND it’s culmination being the 2013 Final!
Go on the Middlesex!