Post by arf on Mar 7, 2013 20:42:12 GMT
Middlesex relinquish SCCU Title
Having seen Sussex fail to take a full team to Essex earlier in the cycle (4 defaults) it was suspected that, with Sussex once again having to travel and this time solely playing for pride, they may once again default. Thus it came as no surprise on the eve of the match when notice was received that Sussex would be indeed be defaulting. In this case it was only two boards but defaults nevertheless.
If there is one thing more annoying than getting a team together its’ knowing who to leave out when defaults are announced especially when you would like to give everyone in the squad a fair crack. Some decisions are easy so thanks to Andrew who, due to distance, was prepared to stand aside. The other was more difficult as both players who were asked were within reasonable travelling distance and had performed well for the team so thanks to Michael P who also stood to one side.
With the team having established a 2-0 lead before start of play the thing to guard against in these circumstances is complacency expecting that the win will come of itself especially when victory could maintain Middlesex’s slim prospects of retaining the Montague-Jones Trophy. The prospect of victory was brought even closer when Sussex had to declare yet another default; 3 – 0 up after an hour’s play had elapsed. It transpires the missing player crossed dates and turned up at The Pilot on the 3rd March! Embarrassing!
Suffice to say I will spare any more Sussex blushes and state the team were extremely professional recording an impressive 11-5 win. The four victories on the day were achieved by debutant Trevor, who squeezes his opponent until the inevitable crack occurs; Jonathan K who makes up for his oversight against Surrey by launching a vicious attack which his opponent has no answer; Bob who once again plays a dashing game this time his endeavours bear fruit as his opponent has to give up Q for R with no prospect of counter-play and Paul who demonstrates patience is a virtue especially against a weaker player who will, as in this game, make a mistake. Once the mistake made the comment, ‘The rest was technique’, applied. Special mention goes to Dominic and Kayode who like Trevor also made their debuts for the County. Both had solid games and attained draws.
Well done Guys!
Full match details here: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm
Round 5: The other tie of the round pitted Kent against Surrey. Surrey already eliminated had nothing but pride to play for. In doing so if they scored a final victory they would avoid winning the wooden spoon in the unlikely event Sussex defeated Middlesex. Middlesex hoped that Surrey recognised their obligation to field a strong and strive for a win as it would give them a shot at retaining the SCCU title. A factor complicating the match was that both counties Open teams were facing each other on the same day at the same venue, the rearranged match from 19th January 2013 postponed due to snow. Kent could rightly say that their neck of the woods prevented travel. With both open teams having relied heavily on the u180 squads to make up the XVI AND both seeking qualification to Open Section of National Stage team selection was more important than usual especially for Kent who did not want to jeopardise their chances of lifting the Montague-Jones Trophy for the first time since 1995-96. Unfortunately Surrey were unable to do Middlesex the sought after favour as they went down 10-6. They declared 2 defaults and had a raft of u160 and u140 players making up the team. Clearly their players felt they had better things to do than play in a dead rubber!
Final Positions
1. Kent 3.5/4 (36)
2. Middlesex 3/4 (37)
3. Essex 2/4 (33)
4. Surrey 1/4 (32.5)
5. Sussex 0.5/4 (21.5)
The results mean that Middlesex finish second and with it relinquish their hold on the SCCU title. Kent look out Middlesex will be determined to regain the Montague-Jones Trophy in the 2013-14 Cycle.
Although suffering the disappointment of losing one title Middlesex do qualify for the National Stage so will be desperate to hold onto the Ron Banwell Trophy won in impressive style against Yorkshire in the 2011-12 Final. The road to the Final begins on 18th May 2013 with a probable match against Devon. Confirmation of the National Stage nominees will be made at the end of March. However as previously mentioned the following dates should be written into your diaries:
QF 18th May 2013
SF 8th June 2013
F 13th July 2013
Traditionally the SCCU hold a Jamboree at the end of March however with reduced number of entries in previous years its’ continuance is being called into question. In the event it does go ahead I contact you nearer the time. If the match doesn’t go ahead take the time to rest and recuperate as the National Stage will see our competitors determined to knock us off our perch!
Next match: SCCU u185 Jamboree or National Stage QF?
Go on the Middlesex!