Post by arf on Oct 17, 2015 8:17:05 GMT
Clash of the Titans!
Match Summary:
Middlesex win close encounter 9-7 against defending SCCU Champions Kent.
The opening fixture of the 2015-16 Cycle saw the SCCU Champions and the ECF Runners-up of the previous two cycles, Middlesex and Kent, face-off. When there are only 5 teams competing in a cycle each match becomes critical as any early setback can be difficult to recover from and with both teams harbouring hopes of lifting the Shannon Trophy AND getting to ECF Final the match even at this stage could virtually be considered a championship decider! OK Surrey should not be discounted but they do not seem to be the same force they were during and since winning the National Title in 2012-13; there will be more on them later as they are Middlesex’s next opponents.
Despite announcing a default prior to match, when considering the relative strengths of the teams over 15boards Kent had an edge – Middlesex average: 194; Kent 196; Par Score: 7.5-7.5, Middlesex win 8.5-7.5. Notwithstanding the default, the teams were closely matched and with the contest having a huge bearing on the remainder of the cycle a tight encounter was expected where Kent would be looking to take advantage of any opportunity to overturn the deficit and perhaps sneak an unlikely win!
The expectation of a close match was certainly fulfilled since with the exception of Richard’s game on Bd2 the other results between boards 1-11 were drawn! This is not to say the other 10 were dull affairs as they were far from being so, for example both Andrew (Stone) and Colin had dynamic play although being exchanges down; Simon (Spivack) and Etan had the better of their respective positions but felt that discretion was the better part of valour and all the others being tense with both sides doing all they could to eke out an advantage but facing lines that negated the best efforts to secure one. Richard’s positional win once again put Middlesex ahead as Andrew (Gilfillan) had slipped to early defeat so Kent were able to level the score and Steve’s strategic play returning the favour as Middlesex trailed after Martin’s loss. Middlesex lead 6.5-5.5.
It was a lead Middlesex never relinquished and once Ian had secured victory in the penultimate game they had an unassailable lead 8.5-6.5. The match as expected was tense match beginning to end!
Well done guys!
Before addressing other issues the Middlesex family welcomes John-Paul to its’ ranks; his debut saw him attain an entertaining draw against Neil McDonald.
The original schedule pitted Surrey vs. Sussex on Match Day 1 however this has been rescheduled for the 24th October 2015. Thus the embryonic league table places Middlesex first; a position which they hope to retain to the cycle’s end!
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. Since its’ reinstatement in 2007-08 the past three winners have been:
2014-15 Andrew Stone
2013-14 Guy Batchelor
2012-13 Andrew Stone
Next Match: 21st November 2015 vs. Surrey (H)
It was mentioned at the outset of the report that Surrey do not seem to be the same force as they were; this coupled with the fact that they traditionally are poor travellers would indicate that Middlesex’s prospects to secure a berth to the National phase even at this early stage are good. However as always past performance is not guarantee of success, work still needs to be done over the board and it must always be remembered Surrey when they pull out all the stops do field formidable teams; consequently its is expected that will indeed be so meaning Middlesex will need to be equally as formidable. If victory is secured Middlesex should be looking to attain a 25th Grand Slam! Watch this space!
Go on the Middlesex!
Despite announcing a default prior to match, when considering the relative strengths of the teams over 15boards Kent had an edge – Middlesex average: 194; Kent 196; Par Score: 7.5-7.5, Middlesex win 8.5-7.5. Notwithstanding the default, the teams were closely matched and with the contest having a huge bearing on the remainder of the cycle a tight encounter was expected where Kent would be looking to take advantage of any opportunity to overturn the deficit and perhaps sneak an unlikely win!
The expectation of a close match was certainly fulfilled since with the exception of Richard’s game on Bd2 the other results between boards 1-11 were drawn! This is not to say the other 10 were dull affairs as they were far from being so, for example both Andrew (Stone) and Colin had dynamic play although being exchanges down; Simon (Spivack) and Etan had the better of their respective positions but felt that discretion was the better part of valour and all the others being tense with both sides doing all they could to eke out an advantage but facing lines that negated the best efforts to secure one. Richard’s positional win once again put Middlesex ahead as Andrew (Gilfillan) had slipped to early defeat so Kent were able to level the score and Steve’s strategic play returning the favour as Middlesex trailed after Martin’s loss. Middlesex lead 6.5-5.5.
It was a lead Middlesex never relinquished and once Ian had secured victory in the penultimate game they had an unassailable lead 8.5-6.5. The match as expected was tense match beginning to end!
Well done guys!
Before addressing other issues the Middlesex family welcomes John-Paul to its’ ranks; his debut saw him attain an entertaining draw against Neil McDonald.
The original schedule pitted Surrey vs. Sussex on Match Day 1 however this has been rescheduled for the 24th October 2015. Thus the embryonic league table places Middlesex first; a position which they hope to retain to the cycle’s end!
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. Since its’ reinstatement in 2007-08 the past three winners have been:
2014-15 Andrew Stone
2013-14 Guy Batchelor
2012-13 Andrew Stone
Next Match: 21st November 2015 vs. Surrey (H)
It was mentioned at the outset of the report that Surrey do not seem to be the same force as they were; this coupled with the fact that they traditionally are poor travellers would indicate that Middlesex’s prospects to secure a berth to the National phase even at this early stage are good. However as always past performance is not guarantee of success, work still needs to be done over the board and it must always be remembered Surrey when they pull out all the stops do field formidable teams; consequently its is expected that will indeed be so meaning Middlesex will need to be equally as formidable. If victory is secured Middlesex should be looking to attain a 25th Grand Slam! Watch this space!
Go on the Middlesex!