Post by arf on Oct 24, 2010 6:38:37 GMT
Rick, Rick Hooray!!
The 2010-11 County Championship for the Open team got under way and the mischievous nature of the County Controller was clearly evident as he pits the erstwhile Minor County Finalists against each other in the 1st Round.
The 2009-10 cycle proved disastrous for Mx as two matches against Herts see a less than impressive score of +1 =19 -12. Yes 1 win over 32boards despite being the stronger team on both occasions. Good natured banter at the beginning of the match highlights that revenge is order of the day. So who will get bragging rights?
The match did not get off to the most auspicious of starts as at the 11th hour (both literally and metaphorically) one of the original XVI dropped out due to a misunderstanding of dates thinking 23rd October is Sunday. Thankfully the spectre of "Default" was averted as Mark D steps in at the last minute.
Again Mx prove to be the stronger team outgrading Herts on average 10points per board, the same differential as the embarrassing defeat in January. Last season showed this means nothing to Herts; in fact they seem to revel in the role of underdog. Was history going to repeat itself?
After two quick draws, the first positive result was achieved when yours truly went down, it must be said, without putting up too much of a fight. For those of you looking for omens this reverse surely must be the third (fourth?) trouble so Mx had to win, right? As is the case between these two counties this match as in others proved to be a nip and tuck affair.
A further draw see Herts maintain their lead before it is overturned. Mx sandwich a draw with two wins in the next three games. Daniel making his debut for the Open team secures a maiden victory with Neville B following suit. Mx lead 4-3
Mx maintain their lead when the next three games are also drawn then disaster. Herts give a chess rendition of Annie Get Your Gun when they repeat Mx's feat of sandwiching a draw with two wins, a case of anything you can do I can do better! After controlling his game for the majority of time Jochen makes a strategic error and is punished - demonstrating chess is an unforgiving game; Mark D is brutally put to the sword so is unable to gain the accolade of 'Man of the Day'. Mx trail 6-7.
The match enters the business end and with three games left things are looking good for Mx. Up in all 3. The question is could Mx achieve the magic total of 2.5 to ensure victory? Peter shows good endgame technique and duly wins his game to once again level the scores 7-7. 1.5pts needed.
After establishing match position Mark R takes up the challenge and makes a valiant attempt to secure the win that will take Mx over the winning line, however discretion is the winner of the day and he acquiesces to a draw. Score 7.5-7.5 1pt needed. Could Herts nick a draw in the last match thereby achieving yet another notable result against Mx?
So as you would want with any gladiatorial event the result of the match hinges on the last game and it is your top board, the chess equivalent of the Ryder Cup, the best performing players on either side going to the 18th green with one having the chance to putt for the win. Luckily, it was Mx who had the chances of winning. Rick entered the final phase of his game an exchange up but dour defence on the part of his opponent meant he had to work hard to break him down; but break him down he did. Rick timed the return of the exchange to eventually go into a R+2PvR endgame. The pressure on his opponent of having to play accurately eventually told and when the error which never looked liked coming was made, it allowed Rick to exchange Rooks leaving him with the prospect of promoting his solitary pawn....
His opponent resigns....
Rick wins....
Rick Rick Hooray!!
Mx edge Herts 8.5-7.5 and gain a modicum of revenge for their ignoble performances in 2009-10.
Well done team, we washed the 2009-10 results right out of our hair!
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm
This result in the SCCU Stage maintains an odd statistic, since our return to top flight the away team in this fixture has always won! Let's hope 2011-12 sees us break this streak but for the moment enjoy the win.
At time of writing only one result has come in, Surrey defeat Essex 9-7 and in turn gain revenge for their 2009-10 loss. Revenge seems to be the watchword of the day:
Mx do it,
Surrey do it,
It just remains to see if Kent do it,
Let's do it,
Let's get revenge
(sung to the refrain of Cole Porter's 'Let's do it')
[This post clearly has a musical theme! Annie Get Your Gun; South Pacific and Paris]
The 2010-11 campaign is the only the second winning start for Mx and gets us off on the right track. This is also a great filip as although we reached the Minor Final it must be admitted we never really did do ourselves justice last cycle. This result shows that we are determined to put that right.
The journey to Leicester has begun. Next stop Surrey on the 20th November and inevitably both will be unable to maintain their 100% record. To date Mx have yet to beat Surrey so the 20th November is an ideal time to put the record straight. In the words of Sly and Robbie, 'Let's go all the way!'
Addendum:
Along with Mx and Surrey, Kent was another county seeking revenge. They duly made it a hat-trick with a comprehensive 11.5-4.5 defeat of Sussex.
Table after Round 1:
Kent 1/1
Surrey 1/1
Mx 1/1
Herts 0/1
Essex 0/1
Sussex 0/1