Post by arf on Mar 17, 2013 10:02:08 GMT
Grand Slam! Thank you Mam
Trivia questions:
1) When was the last time Middlesex played Surrey to just win SCCU title (no Grand Slam)?
2) When was the last time Middlesex won the Grand Slam?
3) When was the last time Middlesex played Surrey in the final game of an SCCU Cycle in order to secure both SCCU title AND achieve the Grand Slam?
(Answers below match report)
The SCCU and Middlesex record books show that matches between these two Metropolitan rivals are epic where the result of the match would in the main determine the destination of the Shannon Trophy. Of the previous 107 SCCU Championship cycles – inaugural competition 1893 with 12years of no contests: 10years no competition due to war (1915-19 and 1939-45); 1 abandoned due to war (1914-15) and 1 undecided due to the length of time taken to ascertain participants in knock-out stages (1901-02)) – Middlesex and Surrey have won 58 titles (54%) between them. The 2012-13 Cycle is no different as a 59th title is up for grabs!
In returning in 2007 after a lengthy hiatus from 1996, including the two competitive cycles under Paul McKeown’s captaincy (1999-2001), Middlesex knew they had a lot to live up to in order to match the successes of their illustrious predecessors – 28 National Titles, 34 SCCU Titles, 25 National and SCCU doubles not to mention the hat-tricks of either and both! Middlesex’s absence also sees them suffer the ignominy of having Kent supplant them as Surrey’s main challengers. It must be noted though that as a Kentish Man (a person born north and west of the Medway) rather than a Man of Kent (born south and east of same river) your author is not too upset about the success of Kent but having thrown his lot in with Middlesex it’s just not right that Middlesex is not the pre-eminent county both at SCCU and National levels as in the ‘days of yore’. OK the early part of the 20th Century is not exactly ancient but you get the drift! The burden of history was lifted from their shoulders when winning the National Title in 2012. So it was great to be in a position to challenge for a successive title especially against their greatest SCCU rival!
When considering their matches against Surrey between 2007 and 2011, Middlesex had accrued a magnificent 0.5/4. However the 2011-12 Cycle sees a dramatic change in fortunes in that, even though eventually losing, Surrey were run close in the SCCU match but they were turned over in the National Final. Was the fact that Middlesex recorded their maiden victory over Surrey since their return a sign of the changing of the guard as in 1907 when Middlesex affiliated to SCCU? Had Middlesex built a foundation solid enough to not only win successive titles but do so again at the expense of Surrey as in the days of old?
It could certainly be said so as Middlesex entered their final match with a 100% record knowing a draw would be sufficient for them to lift the Shannon Trophy for the first time since 1989 and their 35th SCCU title overall. In fielding a team with an average of 200 Middlesex rather than settling for a draw were doing all they could to win so they can achieve three milestones: 50th win against Surrey; SCCU Champions and 28th Grand Slam winning season. Surrey like Middlesex confident that qualification to the National Stage assured travelled to the Willesden Working Mens’ Club knowing they had to secure a win to hold onto the Shannon Trophy for the 25th time.
For match billed as title-decider Surrey’s line-up was surprisingly weaker than expected; it was a virtual Minor Counties team (average 184). What is noticeable once again about Surrey’s line-up this cycle is having exhausted their ‘big guns’ they do struggle; there is a dearth of players in the 180-195 range as compared to the plethora for Middlesex – a pleasant selection dilemma (yet to happen) when all available! As in previous matches the u180 squad is called upon to bulk out the team and in having to do so Surrey’s tail is vulnerable. This proved to be case the case in the 2011-12 Final which Middlesex took advantage of (5/8), would history repeat itself? So Middlesex go into the match as favourites but had to avoid complacency to ensure they would be crowned the latest Champions of the SCCU.
Having ‘bigged-up’ Surrey, it was hoped they would be field a strong team so that there would be more tension in the match. If there were you could imagine with so much riding on the match it would not be surprising if the spirits of esteemed players of the past of both teams were present at the Working Mens’ Club witnessing the events unfolding; overseeing the moves of each player; conducting their own analyses; cheering their respective side on and urging them to achieve great things. Players such as Golombek, Alexander, Rees, Griffith, P.W. and E.G Sergeant, Wade, etc. As it was the match was a virtual procession, with Middlesex displaying a professional attitude to go on to secure a comprehensive 11-5 win (+7 =8 -1). Surprisingly it was Surrey’s head rather than tail that proved vulnerable as the tail scored a respectable 2.5/8, 0.5pt less than the Final.
A brief (!) overview of some of the games:
Richard is in a rich vein of form. He follows up his joint 2nd place finish in Bunratty (draws against Adams (1st) and Short (2nd=) with a win over Osborne. Richard’s tactical acumen proving too much for Marcus; Jochem once again is drawn against a player who has been a thorn in Middlesex’s side – Russell Granat. Russell’s undefeated record against Middlesex since their return went in the 2012 Final when defeated by Andrew so he was hoping to maintain his undefeated record in the regional stage. Unfortunately for him he found himself playing Jochem who was obdurate in defence and having drawn the sting off Russell’s advantage slowly but surely nursed a small advantage which eventually led to material advantage and with it victory; Bob once again involved in a tactical melee where he had seen a few moves further than his opponent which ensured he had an overwhelming position enough to convince his opponent to resign rather than try to defend hopeless position; Zehra who wins an exchange and lets technique do the rest; Simon who likewise lets technique do the rest having won a pawn after a series of exchanges and Mateusz who takes advantage of weak opening play of his opponent. Mark Davey would admit that he was lucky to get away with a draw. His opponent seems to be a promising junior so it was unfortunate for her that Mark’s experience proved to be the difference as she seemed to be unaware that although a piece up if that piece happens to a bishop and it is the opposite colour to the queening square of the passed pawn then it is drawn. Mark must have been banking on that when he deliberately gave up his bishop.
In defeating Surrey the three milestones were achieved: 50th victory over Surrey; SCCU Champions and SCCU Grand Slam. Middlesex’s back to back titles may see the fulfilment of a wish, certainly if they go on to successively lift the Lowënthal Trophy it could be said to be so.
Well done Guys!
Full match details here: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
Match Day 5: With all eyes on the top of the table the results of the other fixtures are given for completeness as they were to establish positions 3-5 with 3 being the final nomination for participation in the Open competition of the National Stage – Kent in pole position - and the others for the Minor Competition – Essex assured of one berth: Essex defeat 8.5-7.5 Sussex and Kent defeat Hertfordshire 11.5-4.5.
Final Table:
1. Middlesex 5/5 (53)
2. Surrey 3/5 (44)
3. Kent 3/5 (40)
4. Essex 2/5 (37)
5. Sussex 2/5 (39)
6. Hertfordshire 0/5 (27)
[Teams in BOLD qualify for the National Stage of Open competition and teams in ITALICS qualify for the National Stage of the Minor competition].
With the SCCU Cycle completed attention turns to the National Stage where Middlesex will be desperate to hold onto the Lowënthal Trophy, displayed proudly whilst playing Surrey. Unfortunately due to the majority of Surrey players using public transport the Shannon Trophy was not brought so both trophies could be on display. The road to the Final begins on 18th May 2013 and as the draw stands a probable match against Warwickshire. With the greatest of respect to their opponents Middlesex can feel confident of progressing to the SF but as Warwickshire playing the National Champions they may want to see if they cause an upset to both the defending Champions and one of the favourites of current cycle.
This is all hypothetical as confirmation of the National Stage nominees is not made until the end of March so there is a possibility that Middlesex may face an unconsidered opponent! Notwithstanding as previously mentioned the following dates should be written into your diaries:
QF 18th May 2013
SF 8th June 2013
F 13th July 2013
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup to the best performing Open team player. To date Andrew has been far and away the leading performer in the competition. The previous round sees his lead cut to 1 point by Simon Spivack, a multiple winner of the Cup; he clearly is launching another bid to land it! The final round of SCCU matches sees Bob als close gap as 2points now separate top 3. Leading players are:
1. Andrew Stone 26points
2. Simon Spivack (25)
3. Bob Eames (24)
We’ve a bit of a break before our next match in May so take the time to rest and recuperate as the National Stage will see our competitors determined to knock us off our perch! The National Stage will take care of itself for the time being just revel in winning a consecutive title!
Championes! Championes! Champions, Champions, Champions!
Championes! Championes! Champions, Champions, Champions!
Go on the Middlesex!
Answers to trivia questions:
1) Date: 19/3/1955 Captain: J. Poole - Middlesex defeat Surrey 12.5-7.5 (P4 W3 D1)
2) Date: 29/3/1980 Captain: D. Foley-Comer – Middlesex defeat Oxfordshire 16.5-3.5 (P9 W9)
3) Date: 24/3/1956 Captain: J. Poole – Middlesex defeat Surrey 13-7 (P4 W4)