Post by arf on Nov 10, 2013 9:35:53 GMT
“Uneasy is the head that wears the crown!”
Since Middlesex’s return to top flight chess a cycle-defining match is the journey to Sussex. In previous cycles it goes a long way to determine whether they compete in the Open or Minor section of the National Stage of the County Championship. However in 2013-14 Middlesex harboured higher aspirations. After having two great consecutive cycles culminating in lifting their first National and SCCU titles since 1989 it was hoped that the match this cycle is one that determines whether they hold onto the Shannon Trophy for a successive season or not. If so Middlesex could turn their thoughts to securing the double for the first time since 1989; but first things first the challenge posed by Sussex.
One of the reasons Sussex Away has been challenging is because Middlesex had yet to field a representative team namely exceeding a 195 average. Another is Sussex who traditionally struggle on the road are pretty formidable at home explaining why they were able to lift their first title since 1993-94 in 2009-10. It is the convergence of these two factors that accounts for why Middlesex have only been able to secure one away victory against Sussex since their return. Unfortunately Middlesex are able to break the trend of recent defeats as they once again capitulate to Sussex losing 6.5-9.5.
There are vey few worthy observations to make about the match as they were definitely having a bad day at the office; to emphasise the point at one stage Middlesex were trailing 1-7, Colin Mackenzie and John Quinn securing solid draws. With Middlesex on the serious end of a pounding there was concern that bar defaults a record margin of defeat to Sussex would be attained – for the record the worst performances to date are:
1. 2-14 (12.5%) P. McKeown 2000-01
2. 6.5-13.5 (32.5%) J. Nyman 1988-89
3. 6-10 (37.5%) A. Fulton 2009-10
Draws by Bob and George see Middlesex trail 2-8 and the fat lady was beginning to clear her throat. With the inevitability of defeat being stared in the face it could yet be avoided as believe or not the team could harbour hopes of a getting away with a draw as the remaining games – Richard, Zehra, Rick, Peter, Steve and Guy – Middlesex were at least even if not better. Wins in all of them would see Middlesex draw 8-8 a remarkable recovery considering the litany of defeats to begin the match. Rick in exasperation at losing his advantage had returned the offer a draw however his opponent being overconfident declined it and immediately missed a tactic which lead to the loss of a piece and soon after the game. Middlesex record their first win of the day! Middlesex trail 3-8. Could the improbable really happen?
What is it they say about busses? You wait for one then a number come in succession. So it was the case for Middlesex as Rick’s win was followed up immediately by Guy’s. Guy had managed to get an overwhelming position in the middlegame but dogged defence by his opponent meant he was able to chip away at it until an endgame of opposite coloured bishops emerged. With his opponent short of time and opposite coloured bishops on the board it was felt that the game should be drawn however that vexed clause of can a player demonstrate progress means that positions that are theoretically drawn can still be played on so draws offer could be declined. Guy exercised his right and eventually his opponent overstepped the time limit. Middlesex trail 4-8. Could Middlesex continue their rearguard action and win the remaining matches and get away with a draw? In order to do so Richard and Zehra would have to consider taking a risk or two, Peter try to generate counterplay against a menacing attack and Steve execute his positional advantage.
Any hopes of a remarkable recovery were dashed as Richard had to exercise discretion and bail out with a draw. If he had pushed for the win he would in fact have ended up losing as Mark was definitely in the better position heading into an endgame. Thus in yielding to the draw the bated breath held by Sussex could be let out as they cross the winning line. Although defeated Middlesex showed they were not bowed as the team’s rally continued, Peter just avoids defeat to secure draw by repetition, Zehra likewise draws and Steve once again demonstrates his positional nous by and gives Middlesex victory in the final game. Middlesex lose 6.5-9.5. Maybe a gloss on the score considering the start but pride is restored as the final score is one that doesn’t make the top three defeats to Sussex.
Unlucky Guys!
So the defending Champions lose their first SCCU match for some time (ironically last defeat also to Sussex 2011-12) and with it cast a wary glance over their shoulders as both Essex and Surrey would look to take advantage of Middlesex’s slip-up by desperately attaining their second win of the cycle in their matches against Kent and Hertfordshire respectively. If either were to achieve victory the crown that currently sits atop Middlesex head could well be removed, ‘Uneasy is the head that wears the crown’ indeed!
It was not possible to comment on the other results after Round 1 as there were some technical problems experienced by the Webmaster so here are some belated observations. The other matches of the round were: Essex vs. Hertfordshire and Surrey vs. Sussex. On paper it would be expected that Essex and Surrey win. The notable feature was how unrepresentative the home teams of Essex and Surrey were – Essex 178 (traditionally 185); Surrey 185 (192). With Middlesex having to travel to both counties this cycle and looking to retain the Shannon Trophy both are going to have to raise stronger teams if they have intentions of knocking Middlesex off their perch! Notwithstanding Essex (12-4) and Surrey (9-7) recorded victories with Essex pipping Middlesex to top spot by virtue of their lager margin of victory.
Round 2 saw one other match Kent vs. Essex. With Middlesex re-entering the county fray the past few seasons has seen this match determine, as has historically been the case, which of the two teams join Middlesex and Surrey in the National Stage. You would expect the match be tense as Essex wanted to maintain their 100% record and Kent wished to bounce back from their defeat to Middlesex. Kent were the victors winning 9.5-6.5. Round 2 will be completed on 30th November when Surrey travel to Hertfordshire. If Hertfordshire are able to break their duck – they have yet to record a point of any kind since March 2010-11, 10 defeats in a row! – all teams would be on 1/2 and everything would once again be on an even keel and a tight competition ensues. However in all likelihood Surrey will be victors and have the edge. Watch this space!
League Table Round 2
1. Essex 1/2 (18.5Gamepoints)
2. Middlesex 1/2 (17)
3. Sussex 1/2 (16.5)
4. Kent 1/2 (15)
5. Surrey 1/1 (9)
6. Hertfordshire 0/1 (4)
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each cycle the MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Cup to the best performing Open team player. After 2 rounds the leading positions are:
1= R. McMichael 12pts
1= G. Batchelor 12pts
3= Z. Topel 11pts
3= C. Mackenzie 11pts
3= S. Coles 11pts
As usual there is an interruption to the County Competition as the London Classic takes precedence in December. Good luck to those of you who will be participating. The next match will therefore be in the New Year when Middlesex travel to Essex (18th January 2014). Last cycle ‘snow’ prevented the match being played leading to a concentrated end to the cycle. Let’s hope there are no issues this time around!
Go on the Middlesex!