Post by arf on Jul 14, 2013 3:12:43 GMT
And Now the End is Here!
With the furore surrounding the events of the SF match against Kent leading to Middlesex participating in ECF Final, your author feels discretion is the better part of valour so decides to keep the report of the last match of Middlesex’s season low key.
The participants in the last match of the 2012-13 ECF run competition were a repeat of 2011-12 the first time since 1984-85 & 1985-86, when Kent played Middlesex, that the feat was achieved. Surrey, having lost 2 titles at the expense of Middlesex (Lowënthal 2011-12 and Shannon 2012-13), would be pulling out all the stops to ensure they would not lose a third. In fielding a team with average 194 Surrey, unlike their earlier SCCU encounter in which they fielded a virtual Minor team in a match billed as the ‘Clash of the Titans’ when the SCCU title was on the line, they were able to match Middlesex who went into match with healthy 197. Par score: Middlesex win 8.5-7.5.
As expected the match was a close one and unfortunately for Middlesex they were pipped Surrey edging it 8.5-7.5 thereby winning the Lowënthal Trophy for the 7th; third time lucky! In doing so some would say justice is done as they deny a team who just shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Notwithstanding the rights or wrongs of such a view it does belittle the achievement of Surrey and our congratulations go to them in preventing Middlesex from lifting trophy for a record 30th time and with it attaining a record 26th SCCU/National double and a 18th perfect season.
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup - amendment
Final positions:
1. Andrew Stone – 41points
2. Simon Spivack – 40
3. Mark Davey – 38
4. Bob Eames - 37
[Rick’s score adjusted to 32points as included extra game in error]
The season is now well and truly over! For one reason and other it has been a long and tough cycle one which sees Middlesex regain the Shannon Trophy after nigh on 25years and relinquinsh Lowënthal Trophy. The break means we can recharge our batteries to launch a concerted effort to retain the Shannon Trophy and regain the Lowënthal Trophy in 2013-14.
With the 2013-14 Cycle in mind just a reminder the fixtures for the Open matches have been finalised. The dates for diary are:
5th Oct 2013 Kent Home (The Pilot Public House, Gunnersbury)
9th Nov 2013 Sussex Away (usually United Reform Church, Hassocks)
18th Jan 2014 Essex Away (usually Wanstead House Wanstead)
8th Feb 2014 Hertfordshire Home (Willesden Working Mens Club (Willesden)
15th Mar 2014 Surrey Away (usually either Ashtead/Cheam)
In essence it is the 2012-13 fixtures reversed so let’s hope that ‘snow’ does not disrupt the Essex vs. Middlesex fixture in January!
Well that’s it for now. Irrespective of what your plans are chess-wise, for example, good luck to those of you competing in the British Championships in Torquay, do enjoy your break and come back refreshed ready to launch a successful bid for the 2013-14 Cycle.
Go on the Middlesex!