Post by arf on Oct 3, 2010 7:21:49 GMT
First stop to Leicester!
The journey to the 2010-11 County Championship Final in Leicester got off to a flyer with Middlesex defeating Sussex 9.5-6.5. ;D
It was a wlecome victory since the past two cycles have seen Sussex pettiness blight this fixture, a unsupported claim for off-the-board shenanigins and an aborted match due to double-booking compounded by a refusal to accept alternative proposal. Won't go into all the details of the respective issues but in a season where every result counts the fixture really didn't need any more spice. Sussex's previous actions were enough to motivate the team and motivate it did!
The match got off to a great start with Sussex declaring a team of 15. This unexpected lead quickly doubled when Sussex had to acknowledge a second default. Sussex are know to be poor travellers and this was once again proved. The gift of a 2-0 lead never looked like being challenged despite one or two wobbles along the way (mea culpa!) and Middlesex duly wrapped up a win.
Full details below: www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm
Usually the report would contain more details about the games and/or game of the day. Unfortunately a mix-up with scoresheets means it is not possible to do so. Despite this it must be noted that Ian outclassed his opponent; Charlie launched a speculative rook sacrifice which would have paid off however he acknowledges he missed an intermezzo check that would have secured him a full point rather than a draw; Chris showed fine technique in a 2B v B+N endgame to take the team over the winning line and Dave and Nevil had close calls but managed to hang on. Mike T's game rounded off a great result. Well done to you all.
The final comments on the match go to Pepe who made his debut for the team. Welcome to the Middlesex family Pepe. Thanks also to Geoff and Richard who were unable to get games due to the double default and to Nevil for the inspired title of this post.
Away from our game, the first round of matches sees a welcome return to Kent who mark it with a 8.5-7.5 defeat of Surrey. It is worth reviewing their line-up to consider prospective opponents as we have to travel to Kent in January and this is could be a championship deciding match, but let's not get ahead of ourselves since we have yet to negotiate our way around our Jonah team Surrey and Essex are no pushovers.
Table after Round 1:
Middlesex 1/1 (9.5)
Kent 1/1 (8.5)
Surrey 0/1 (7.5)
Sussex 0/1 (6.5)
So the season gets off on the right track which is a great filip after the trials and tribulations of the 2009-10 cycle. It is actually nice to top the table rather than prop it up!
The journey to Leicester has begun next stop Surrey on the 30th October. In the words of Sly and Robbie, 'Let's go all the way!'