Post by arf on Oct 20, 2013 11:36:27 GMT
1 down 4 to go!
Traditionally the Open fixtures are published at the end of the previous Cycle, however the 2013-14 fixtures were delayed as a proposal from the NCCU that was never discussed at the ECF AGM was finally discussed by Committee in March. Consequently for ease and because he did not know what the outcome was going to be the Controller decided that for the 2013-14 Cycle the order of matches would be the same as 2012-13 but with venues reversed. This meant for Kent that their first match since the 2012-13 ECF semi-final debacle would see them face Middlesex, their semi-final ‘conquerors?!’ You could be forgiven if you thought the match was going to be a grudge-match but no-one made reference to the debacle – although it did make the latest edition of Chess Magazine – so a line was clearly drawn under the incident.
When you’re a Champion you recognise that everyone guns for you and as defending SCCU Champions Middlesex are well aware that their SCCU rivals will be more than happy to rip the crown off Middlesex’s head when given opportunity. In fact some would argue that with the current state of County chess outside the SCCU the competition for the Shannon Trophy – proudly displayed at the match – is more fiercely contested than the ECF Title but that is a discussion for another time.
It is with great pleasure to announce that Middlesex started off the 2013-14 SCCU campaign with a resounding 10.5-5.5 win. Victory seemed to be on the cards as Kent (habitually poor travellers) just about mustered a team with a 190 average as compared to Middlesex’s 197. With a 7point advantage par score was Middlesex win 9-7 but as final score showed Middlesex were in unforgiving mood. 1 down 4 to go!
When seen as the favourites slip-ups are always possible but with the exception of Daniel’s loss Middlesex displayed a professional attitude to ensure they attained victory. Daniel’s loss had offset Colin’s (Mackenzie) early win. You know things aren’t quite right when you see a fianchettoed Rook! I suspect the journey he had to the venue had left him more frazzled than he expected! The opening salvos then had seen 3 draws and a win apiece. Score tied 2.5-2.5.
The real damage to Kent’s hope was done when Middlesex scored 3 victories in the next 5 matches. The first of those victories was secured by Open debutant Trevor. He opted for the positional rather than tactical lines of the Nimzo-Indian which is, when playing a predominantly tactical player such as Syd Jacob, always a worthwhile strategy as it ensures the game lacks bite and saps the will of the player who revels in skirmishes! His victory was followed by Zehra’s who continues her magnificent form for the County. Once again her tactical acumen pays off as when playing her sacrifice in looking a move or two further into the position than her opponent it ensured she was picking up more than she offered. Rick recorded the third victory rounding off his game by mating his opponent’s king in the centre of the board! Having not seen much of his game myself, I’ll let Jochen’s words give you an indication, ‘I like watching Rick’s games they are always interesting’. Middlesex lead 6.5-3.5.
With victory within touching distance after Colin’s (Crouch) and Richard’s draws the point that took Middlesex over the winning line fell to Guy who’s 2 Bishops carved up the board. With his opponent being pushed back and his pawns marching menacingly up the board capitulation was inevitable. Great result Guy since you expected to have a relaxing day watching the football rather than play by substituting for Carsten! Middlesex lead 8.5-4.5.
With victory achieved and the remaining games looking good the question was whether Middlesex could match the best result against Kent under my tenure, 11.5-4.5 (2012-13)? Unfortunately no as both Steve and Jochen achieved draws which speaks volumes about the lengths their respective opponents had to go to, to fend off defeat. Steve’s opponent found a terrific defensive resource to all but neutralise the small advantage Steve had accumulated and Jochen just could not make enough of his passed pawns as compared to his opponent’s. Honourable draws agreed by both. With Nevil cashing in on the long-term advantage he had amassed Middlesex secure a double-digit win – 10.5-5.5.
Well done guys!
At time of writing the results of the other matches (Surrey vs. Sussex – probable Surrey victory – and Essex vs. Hertfordshire – probable Essex victory) are unknown.
Middlesex’s next match sees them travel to Sussex a match that in the past has gone a long way to determine whether Middlesex qualify for the Open or Minor competition in the National Stage of the County Championship; this Cycle Middlesex will be looking at this match to see if it goes on to determine whether they hang onto the Shannon Trophy for a successive year!
Round 2 (9/11/13) – Sussex vs. Middlesex United Reform Church Hassocks.
Martin Blaine Trophy Individual Trophy
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. Since its’ reinstatement in 2007-08 the past three winners have been:
2012-13 Andrew Stone
2011-12 Nevil Chan
2010-11 Peter Ackley
To date there has always been a close fight to see who the eventual winner of the trophy is. Let’s hope for another a close competition AND like 2011-12 its’ culmination being the 2014 Final!
Go on the Middlesex!