Post by arf on Feb 6, 2011 8:27:51 GMT
Mx win close encounter!
After kerfuffle the u160's had with their match against Kent a few weeks ago, it was a relief to say that the Open match went off without a hitch; no double-booking and all kit found safe and sound!
The match likewise went off without a hitch with Middlesex attaining the expected win. However the result was closer than anyone would have expected as Sussex obtain a creditable score of 8.5-7.5 despite being outgraded on every board (team averages: Mx 193, Sx 180).
The possibility of a close match should have been expected as after 2.5 hours play all involved were still skirmishing. The first results were two draws 1-1. Then Neville obtains the 1st full point. Mx lead 2-1. Neville's result sets in motion a series of tit-for-tat exchanges. Sussex hit back to level but Mx win to reassert their lead: 2-1; 2-2; 3-2; 3-3; 4-3; 4-4; 5-4! Mx just couldn't pull away from a dogged Sussex. Three draws breaks this series then success. Rik's win sees Mx establish a two-point lead with 3 to play. Mx lead 7.5-5.5. Although Colin's game is written off, Bob and Daniel have safe draws to see Mx over the winning line 8.5-6.5. Well done guys!
(Full match details www.sccu.ndo.co.uk/match1.htm )
(Games to come)
The other results of the day see the SCCU heavyweights Kent and Surrey dispatch Essex and Herts respectively:
Table after Round 4
1. Surrey 4/4 (39.5)
2. Kent 4/4 (38)
3. Middx 2/4
4. Essex 1/4
5. Herts 1/4
6. Sussex 0/4
[N.B.: Essex have superior record to Herts]
The result puts us on course to finish 3rd thereby securing the final qualifying SCCU place. This will be confirmed so long as we avoid defeat in our next match home to Essex 5th March 2011.
This SCCU cycle is set for an exciting finish as in the final round everyone has something to play for - Kent v Surrey for the title; Essex v Mx for the final qualifying place, the defeated county being entered into the Minor and Herts v Sussex - the final Minor place. The incentive to ensure we finish 3rd? If the ECF Stage draw remains the same the path to the final sees Mx play the following opponents:
Preliminary - Greater Manchester
Quarter-Final: Yorkshire or Lancashire
Semi-Final: Yorkshire or Lancashire
We will have the opportunity to defeat the last two winners of the ECF Open title and by the by not only end the Northern hegemony of the title but also avenge recent defeats to Lancashire!
Martin Blaine Trophy - current leaders
Farkas 21points
Ackley 21
Mackenzie 20