Post by arf on Oct 31, 2010 7:02:56 GMT
Disaster averted!
In the first of an Open/u180 double-header against Surrey the u180 strike the first blow for Mx. It's campaign goes from strength to strength with the 8.5-7.5 defeat of Surrey. Mx maintain their 100% record and in doing so virtually guarantee qualification for the ECF Stage as third placed SCCU team. However one or two hurdles were overcome en route to victory.
With the teams equally matched and Surrey eager to make it a hat-trick of wins after their double in 2009-10 the last thing Mx need are any mishaps. Unfortunately this is not to be as Surrey are gifted a point. This start was a great way for them to look to achieve their feat. Mx's task was now harder as the first objective of the day is to overturn the deficit and get back on level terms; but as they say, 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going' and Mx got going!
Match highlights:
Two quick draws were achieved before the default ceded Mx trail 1-2.
A further draw then scores levelled when Guy records the first Mx win of the day. He launches a devastating attack which his opponent withers against. (2.5-2.5)
Another flurry of draws before Surrey restore their lead. Ray puts up a sterling defence to his opponent's speculative sacrifice, but the attack proved too strong and he eventually succumbed (4-5).
The decisive stage of the match came when Mx recorded back to back victories. A tactical finish by Chris sees him safely bring home the point, he admits his job was made easier when his opponent blundered early and he could nurse his early advantage; Geoff likewise has a number of tactical ideas at his disposal and puts his opponent to the sword. Mx lead 6-5 and never relinquish this lead.
With 5 games to go Mx look comfortable in all bar 1 and slowly but surely the 2.5 points required to attain victory come. Nevil ensures defeat is avoided by recording the fourth Mx win and extend Mx lead to 8-6. Although Dave had the best of the final position he confirms match position and offers his opponent the draw which once accepted sees Mx over the winning line (8.5-6.5)
Charlie's defeat is academic but puts a gloss on the score for Surrey.
Win achieved and the overturning of the default means disaster averted!
Well done guys.
Full match details.
www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match2.htm
In a match littered with draws the games of the day are:
tinyurl.com/P-Archer-G-Hermes
tinyurl.com/Chan-Stimpson
[N.B.: Guy would be great if we could see your match]
The second round of matches also pitted Essex against Kent who were given a timely reminder of just how tough the second division is as they went down 8.5-7.5 to the Essex juggernaut. 2 tight matches for Kent and 2 tight matches on the day.
Table after Round 2:
Mx 2/2 (18)
Essex 1/1 (8.5)
Kent 1/2 (16)
Surrey 0/2 (15)
Sussex 0/1 (6.5)
[BTW: Mx have not had such a start since their return to the second division in 2001-02. In fact the win against Sussex was the first time Mx have had a winning start to a campaign!]
The next round of matches pits the top two against each other. Victory against the 'auld enemy' Essex will not only taste sweet as it will be the first win over them since 2007-08, it will secure a place in the ECF Stage as at least the 2nd placed SCCU team and see Mx on the brink of their first SCCU second team title since 1992-93! A lot therefore rests on the make-up of the team for the forthcoming match.