Post by arf on Nov 22, 2015 9:37:36 GMT
Surrey seems to be the hardest word!
Match Summary: Middlesex lose 7.5-8.5 in close encounter at Willesden Working Mens’ Club!
Having seen off the defending SCCU Champions, Middlesex’s next game was against another long-time rival Surrey! The number of Shannon Titles accumulated between Middlesex (36) and Surrey (24) account for over half of the 111 titles competed for since its’ inception by the SCCU in 1893-94. The rivalry between the two is so fierce that the winner of their clash is effectively SCCU Champion AND a good bet for not only reaching the ECF Final but lifting the Lowënthal Trophy. This long tradition was seen once again in recent cycles where titles were literally handed from one side to the other in the final match of a cycle! With both teams getting off to winning starts and facing off on Match Day 2, whomsoever left the victor was in prime position for adding to their collection thereby continuing this illustrious tradition.
SCCU history shows that despite their strength Surrey is suspect on the road, they rarely travel well. Notwithstanding their traditional weakness the past two cycles compound this as in addition to their frailties on the road they are not as strong as they could be even at home however consideration must always be given to if they pull out all the stops since when they do so they are a formidable foe.
Once again there are difficulties fielding a team with an average in or around 195, despite this Middlesex went into the match with a healthy average of - 192; Surrey - 191; Par Score – 8-8. In an Open competition, statistically speaking, it is thought a team fielding average between180-189 is still effectively a minor county; 190-195 par; 196-200 good and 200+ outstanding. Thus the teams fielded over the past few cycles, ranging between190-200, are indeed respectable and competitive. However when thinking about lifting titles how does this measure up?
Since our return the average of the SCCU Champion is 186. This average is lower than expected since the minor teams Hertfordshire (2007-08 – 168) and Sussex (2009-10 – 188) have lifted the Shannon Trophy. In fielding teams in excess of this average, Middlesex will always have chances of securing the Shannon Trophy and have done so twice in the last 3 cycles.
In terms of the National Title, the average of the Open Champion is 196. It is interesting to note that the period 1999 to 2009 saw the averages fall below 195; this is not surprising since the drop coincides with the introduction of the 4NCL. Recent cycles sees the competition return to levels prior to its inception thus proving there is scope for both competitions and perhaps the then BCF were misguided in not taking up the opportunity to run 4NCL alongside county competition. 4NCL issues aside it is clear Middlesex just falls short of consistently fielding a team with196 average so there will always be prospect of lifting the title. However, the last 2 cycles shows that if any team harbours hopes of derailing the Yorkshire train there must be a concerted effort to match a county who has consistently fielded teams with averages of 200+ and should comfortably do so for a third. Middlesex is more than capable of matching Yorkshire and field teams averaging 200; if they do maybe finally they could turn their attention to challenging some long-standing records: 31 undefeated matches where the first 22 were wins (2 records set under the captaincy of Dave Foley-Comer – 1978/79-1980/81) and treble doubles (1907/08-1909/10)!
Anyway with the team averages so close a tight match was expected and so it proved to be with Surrey running out as eventual winners 7.5-8.5 thus leading to the team experiencing their first defeat at Willesden Working Mens’ Club since it was made their home base in 2012-13.
Once again the match gets off to an unwelcome start as for a successive match Middlesex attain a default win. Guy’s opponent to his credit did inform his captain who passed on the message that traffic was his enemy meaning that he was stuck in a jam so could not make it before the default time. This “win” is followed up with 5 draws indicating the tense nature of the match; both teams fully aware that match victory puts them in pole position for the SCCU title. The first over the board win is secured by your author who finds himself for a second time in a week facing a Czech Benoni. Whereas he let his advantage slip in his first match, he took full advantage of his second opportunity, brings home the bacon and establishes a 2pt lead for the team. With the match almost at the halfway point Middlesex lead 4.5-2.5 and things are looking good.
However there is a well known football cliché, ‘A match is a game of two halves’ and what happens next proved how apt a phrase it is. Despite being 2 down Surrey dig deep and claw back the deficit and record successive wins. Middlesex likewise reply with back-to-back victories for Phil and Simon which re-establishes Middlesex’s 2pt lead. Phil’s victory is notable as it over Akshaya Kalaiyalahan who as England’s strongest female junior is well on the way to emulating the feat of Judit Polgar and competing on a level playing field with her male counterparts. We watch her progress with interest. Once again Surrey bounce back and claw back the deficit. Match tied 6.5-6.5.
With 3 games remaining things still look favourable for Middlesex. Richard, Rick and Bob are all winning their games but all need to overcome some stiff resistance given by their respective opponents. Victory looks assured but then disaster strikes as out of the blue Surrey records a win to lead the match for the first time, a lead they do not relinquish as the remaining matches are drawn. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory which in doing so leads to the very first loss at Middlesex’s new home base (+8 -1). Unlucky guys!
An interesting observation is that the defeat is also the first home loss Middlesex have experienced since 2010-11 when, surprise, surprise, the team to inflict that defeat was Surrey! Surrey has been and continues to be a team that your author has trouble overcoming: P12 +4 =1 -7; Surrey indeed seems to be the hardest word!
At time of writing it is not possible to inform of the result of the Sussex vs. Essex as it has come to your author’s attention that the health of the SCCU Webmaster, Richard Hadrell, has been poor which has resulted in him being indisposed. Your author is sure that he speaks for all when he says that he wishes Richard a speedy recovery as his longstanding tenure as SCCU Bulletin Editor/Webmaster has proven both insightful and entertaining. His commentary on all things chess related has informed us all and long may it do so. It would be interesting to hear his views on the recent Guardian article www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/20/grandmaster-crash-how-english-chess-pawned-its-future
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. After 2 matches the leader-board is:
1st = I. Calvert 7pts
1st = S. Coles 7pts
1st = S. Spivack 7pts
Next Match
9th January 2016 vs. Essex (A) Wanstead House
As per usual the now established London Chess Classic takes centre stage before the seasonal holiday so there is a hiatus before the next game. Good luck to all of you who are competing. The resumption of the cycle in January should see Middlesex qualify for the National as matches against Essex and Sussex ought to result in victory in one or both matches. With respect to SCCU Title an outside chance remains if the following takes place, firstly Middlesex win both matches AND Kent beat Surrey by a score of no greater than 9.5-6.5. We watch with bated breathe to see what happens in the New Year!
Go on the Middlesex!
SCCU history shows that despite their strength Surrey is suspect on the road, they rarely travel well. Notwithstanding their traditional weakness the past two cycles compound this as in addition to their frailties on the road they are not as strong as they could be even at home however consideration must always be given to if they pull out all the stops since when they do so they are a formidable foe.
Once again there are difficulties fielding a team with an average in or around 195, despite this Middlesex went into the match with a healthy average of - 192; Surrey - 191; Par Score – 8-8. In an Open competition, statistically speaking, it is thought a team fielding average between180-189 is still effectively a minor county; 190-195 par; 196-200 good and 200+ outstanding. Thus the teams fielded over the past few cycles, ranging between190-200, are indeed respectable and competitive. However when thinking about lifting titles how does this measure up?
Since our return the average of the SCCU Champion is 186. This average is lower than expected since the minor teams Hertfordshire (2007-08 – 168) and Sussex (2009-10 – 188) have lifted the Shannon Trophy. In fielding teams in excess of this average, Middlesex will always have chances of securing the Shannon Trophy and have done so twice in the last 3 cycles.
In terms of the National Title, the average of the Open Champion is 196. It is interesting to note that the period 1999 to 2009 saw the averages fall below 195; this is not surprising since the drop coincides with the introduction of the 4NCL. Recent cycles sees the competition return to levels prior to its inception thus proving there is scope for both competitions and perhaps the then BCF were misguided in not taking up the opportunity to run 4NCL alongside county competition. 4NCL issues aside it is clear Middlesex just falls short of consistently fielding a team with196 average so there will always be prospect of lifting the title. However, the last 2 cycles shows that if any team harbours hopes of derailing the Yorkshire train there must be a concerted effort to match a county who has consistently fielded teams with averages of 200+ and should comfortably do so for a third. Middlesex is more than capable of matching Yorkshire and field teams averaging 200; if they do maybe finally they could turn their attention to challenging some long-standing records: 31 undefeated matches where the first 22 were wins (2 records set under the captaincy of Dave Foley-Comer – 1978/79-1980/81) and treble doubles (1907/08-1909/10)!
Anyway with the team averages so close a tight match was expected and so it proved to be with Surrey running out as eventual winners 7.5-8.5 thus leading to the team experiencing their first defeat at Willesden Working Mens’ Club since it was made their home base in 2012-13.
Once again the match gets off to an unwelcome start as for a successive match Middlesex attain a default win. Guy’s opponent to his credit did inform his captain who passed on the message that traffic was his enemy meaning that he was stuck in a jam so could not make it before the default time. This “win” is followed up with 5 draws indicating the tense nature of the match; both teams fully aware that match victory puts them in pole position for the SCCU title. The first over the board win is secured by your author who finds himself for a second time in a week facing a Czech Benoni. Whereas he let his advantage slip in his first match, he took full advantage of his second opportunity, brings home the bacon and establishes a 2pt lead for the team. With the match almost at the halfway point Middlesex lead 4.5-2.5 and things are looking good.
However there is a well known football cliché, ‘A match is a game of two halves’ and what happens next proved how apt a phrase it is. Despite being 2 down Surrey dig deep and claw back the deficit and record successive wins. Middlesex likewise reply with back-to-back victories for Phil and Simon which re-establishes Middlesex’s 2pt lead. Phil’s victory is notable as it over Akshaya Kalaiyalahan who as England’s strongest female junior is well on the way to emulating the feat of Judit Polgar and competing on a level playing field with her male counterparts. We watch her progress with interest. Once again Surrey bounce back and claw back the deficit. Match tied 6.5-6.5.
With 3 games remaining things still look favourable for Middlesex. Richard, Rick and Bob are all winning their games but all need to overcome some stiff resistance given by their respective opponents. Victory looks assured but then disaster strikes as out of the blue Surrey records a win to lead the match for the first time, a lead they do not relinquish as the remaining matches are drawn. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory which in doing so leads to the very first loss at Middlesex’s new home base (+8 -1). Unlucky guys!
An interesting observation is that the defeat is also the first home loss Middlesex have experienced since 2010-11 when, surprise, surprise, the team to inflict that defeat was Surrey! Surrey has been and continues to be a team that your author has trouble overcoming: P12 +4 =1 -7; Surrey indeed seems to be the hardest word!
At time of writing it is not possible to inform of the result of the Sussex vs. Essex as it has come to your author’s attention that the health of the SCCU Webmaster, Richard Hadrell, has been poor which has resulted in him being indisposed. Your author is sure that he speaks for all when he says that he wishes Richard a speedy recovery as his longstanding tenure as SCCU Bulletin Editor/Webmaster has proven both insightful and entertaining. His commentary on all things chess related has informed us all and long may it do so. It would be interesting to hear his views on the recent Guardian article www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/20/grandmaster-crash-how-english-chess-pawned-its-future
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. After 2 matches the leader-board is:
1st = I. Calvert 7pts
1st = S. Coles 7pts
1st = S. Spivack 7pts
Next Match
9th January 2016 vs. Essex (A) Wanstead House
As per usual the now established London Chess Classic takes centre stage before the seasonal holiday so there is a hiatus before the next game. Good luck to all of you who are competing. The resumption of the cycle in January should see Middlesex qualify for the National as matches against Essex and Sussex ought to result in victory in one or both matches. With respect to SCCU Title an outside chance remains if the following takes place, firstly Middlesex win both matches AND Kent beat Surrey by a score of no greater than 9.5-6.5. We watch with bated breathe to see what happens in the New Year!
Go on the Middlesex!