Post by arf on May 1, 2011 11:10:28 GMT
For the first in time in who knows how long Middlesex's top three teams qualfied for the k-o stages of the County Championship. It was hoped that all 3 teams would progress but due to the lateness of Warwickshire's u180 captain returning messages it meant that all 3 matches had to be staged on the same day. The inevitable result being mixed success for Mx at the Preliminary Stage of the County Championships.
Due to downward pressure the u160 team withdrew in order to aid the campaigns of both the Open and u180 teams. The u180's unfortunately went down 6.5-9.5 to a stronger than expected Warwickshire. The gamble of sacrificing the u160's did not work in this instance. However it did prove to be a success for the Open team who defeated Greater Manchester 9-7.
Although mixed success a Mx team are still in it so have a chance of winning it. It is now incumbent on the Open to justify the decision of the withdrawal of the u160 team in order to support their and u180 campaigns.
The task for the Open team is progressively harder as next up is Lancashire a formidable team at the best of times so we will need to be at our fighting best. This will be third time of playing them since Mx return to top flight. Victory will be especially sweet since they defeated us in the Open final in our first year back in top flight and edged a close semi-final in our second season. Let's try and make it 3rd time lucky.
Full match details Prelim match: Mx v Greater Manchester
Date: 21st May 2011
Venue: Thurmaston Old School
736 Melton Road
Thurmaston, Leicester
Leicestershire
LE4 8BD
Start time: 1pm
Time Control: 40moves in 2h + 1/2 QPF
Due to downward pressure the u160 team withdrew in order to aid the campaigns of both the Open and u180 teams. The u180's unfortunately went down 6.5-9.5 to a stronger than expected Warwickshire. The gamble of sacrificing the u160's did not work in this instance. However it did prove to be a success for the Open team who defeated Greater Manchester 9-7.
Although mixed success a Mx team are still in it so have a chance of winning it. It is now incumbent on the Open to justify the decision of the withdrawal of the u160 team in order to support their and u180 campaigns.
The task for the Open team is progressively harder as next up is Lancashire a formidable team at the best of times so we will need to be at our fighting best. This will be third time of playing them since Mx return to top flight. Victory will be especially sweet since they defeated us in the Open final in our first year back in top flight and edged a close semi-final in our second season. Let's try and make it 3rd time lucky.
Full match details Prelim match: Mx v Greater Manchester
Date: 21st May 2011
Venue: Thurmaston Old School
736 Melton Road
Thurmaston, Leicester
Leicestershire
LE4 8BD
Start time: 1pm
Time Control: 40moves in 2h + 1/2 QPF