Post by arf on Feb 23, 2014 4:50:00 GMT
‘Morituri te salutant!'
The Latin phrase that headlines this report was allegedly uttered before gladiators embarked on a contest. For those unlucky not to have studied Latin it means “Those who are about to die salute you!” It is purported that the phrase was actually only ever used once and NEVER by gladiators. However despite this the term is so firmly entrenched with gladiatorial or gladiatorial-type contests that the term has become legend! It is with this legend in mind that Middlesex entered their match against Surrey, as the events of Round 3 not only influenced the mentality the squad had to adopt for the contest but for each and every match after.
Round 3 of the u180 competition saw the following fixtures played on the 25th January: Essex vs. Surrey and Kent vs. Sussex with both having an impact on the remainder of Middlesex’s campaign. Little will be said about the Kent vs. Sussex match not because Kent won it 10.5-5.5 but when you have a 5-0 headstart a comprehensive victory is always on the cards. Sussex once again default a number of boards on their travels – 8 in total for the current cycle. Middlesex travel to Sussex in March and must be concerned because since Sussex cannot qualify for National Stage they may not have a full team or may even default match. These scenarios are unlikely as in all probability they are going to play for pride, field a strong team and in doing so jeopardise Middlesex’s chances of qualification! Middlesex must assume the worst case scenario and field as strong a team as they can when they travel to Hassocks in March.
Essex who had swept all before them had their title ambitions halted. Essex who had defeated both Middlesex and Sussex comprehensively would expect to have also swept aside Surrey who are known to be poor travellers. However the odds were upset and Essex was held 8-8. This result is the worst of all possible results for Middlesex. The Kent vs. Essex match is always going to be a title deciding match and determine who finished 1st and 2nd so the outcome of Middlesex vs. Surrey was to establish who finished 3rd. Middlesex likewise would have expected Surrey to have been defeated by Essex thus Surrey would have only been only 1pt. However in attaining the draw the Middlesex vs. Surrey match takes on huge proportions in that if Middlesex fail to win they will not qualify for the National Stage the first time this would have happened since 2009-10.
In short Middlesex are now in gladiatorial mode as they are playing knock-out chess from the Surrey match onwards to the Final on 12th July (if they get there!) That’s 5 (or 6 if playing Preliminary) matches where Middlesex cannot afford a slip-up else they are out of contending for the regaining of the Ron Banwell Trophy – those who are about to die indeed! As they say when the going gets tough the tough get going – will Middlesex prove they are tough? Time will tell.
League Table Round 3:
1. Essex 2.5/3 (30.5Game Points) qualified
2. Kent 2/2 (19.5) qualified
3. Surrey 1.5/2 (18.5)
4. Sussex 0/3 (16.5)
5. Middlesex 0/2 (11)
Middlesex went into their match with Surrey knowing that it was the first of a number of gladiatorial contests they will be involved in if they harboured any hopes of not only qualifying for the National Stages but to go on to lift the National title. Although putting team under tremendous amount of pressure the positive is that it is not a bad thing if earlier than expected to get into the ‘Do or Die’ mindset. Each and every match would prove whether Middlesex’s campaign lived or died and any slip-up would be fatal.
Unfortunately slip they did as apart from the problems that have haunted them all season sees them fail to exceed average of 165 even before Robin Nettleton was forced to step in as a substitute at last minute. It is always tough being a substitute as you go into your game almost an hour down on the clock and having to play not only quickly but accurately. Despite his best efforts Robin succumbed as did the team; Middlesex were comprehensively thumped 5.5-10.5. Middlesex we salute you as you did indeed fall in combat.
In a match of few highlights George and Peter were the only victors in game of contrasting styles. George’s tactical nous sees him set up a series of mating nets that allowed him to win material; conversely Peter played a patient strategic game that sees him grind his opponent down. Other than these wins the match sees Middlesex attain 7 draws.
Unlucky guys!
Full match details here
The defeat all but brings the season to an end as qualification to the National Stage can now not be achieved. However regarding our next and final match against Sussex there are things to consider – see below.
The other fixture of Round 4 was the title-deciding match between Kent and Essex. Essex who started the season at a canter saw their ambitions halted once again as they were held to another draw, this time by Kent. The draw sets up a tantalisingly prospect of a 3-way tie if Surrey and Kent draw their match in the final round of fixtures.
League Table Round 4:
1. Essex 3/4 (38.5Game Points)
2. Surrey 2.5/3 (29)
3. Kent 2.5/3 (27.5)
4= Middlesex 0/3 (16.5)
4= Sussex 0/3 (16.5)
Fixtures Round 5: Sussex vs. Middlesex; Surrey vs. Kent
Martin Blaine Equivalent Best Performance Cup
Each cycle the MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Cup to the best performing Open team player – a cup and cash prize. Having had difficulty raising teams maybe it is worth introducing a similar award for the other divisions. In the event they were to institute a similar award for the u180 the leading positions after 3 rounds are:
1= A. Fulton 14points
1= M. Dydak 14
3= G. thingyson 13
3= P. Kennelly 13
3= I. Calvert 13
If MCCA were to award a Best Performance Award for the u180 what should it be called? Should it be named after a 2nd/u175/u180 captain? Or should it be after any successful Middlesex Captain? Any other candidates?
Next Match:
8th March 2014: Sussex vs. Middlesex
United Reform Church, Keymer Road, Hassocks, BN6 8AB
With Middlesex and Sussex unable to qualify for the National Stage they have the ignominy of playing to avoid ‘winning’ the wooden spoon. It is sure the team will want to at least play for pride if nothing else. Certainly Middlesex will want to prevent having their worst season since 2009-10 when they definitely propped up the table and took it home.
Before signing off I make this observation: It has been a disappointing season to date and I am well aware that our final match sees us with nothing but pride to play. With nothing to play for and a journey to Hassocks on the cards a number of you may opt not to play thus making it even more difficult raising a team. Please note if I do have problems I may have to consider defaulting match which is ironic when you reflect on the positive tone the report started on which raised the possibility of a Sussex default! If this were to occur do bear in mind that the 2014-15Cycle would see Middlesex play 3 away matches as apart from travelling to Kent and Surrey, in failing to fulfil the Sussex fixture in this campaign we would also have to travel to Sussex in the next.
Go on the Middlesex!