Post by arf on Jan 31, 2016 6:11:18 GMT
A Close Shave!
Match Summary:
Middlesex save a thriller emerging 9-7 winners against a resurgent Essex!
The traditional December break allowed Middlesex to recover from their close loss to Surrey and go into the second half of the season in determined mood. Victories against both Essex and Sussex were necessary along with Kent defeating Surrey if Middlesex harboured hopes of regaining the Shannon Trophy. More realistic though was qualification to the National Stage which would all but be secured with victory over Essex. Your author has waxed lyrical before about January matches against Essex as they are reminders of the very first County match played by Middlesex, a 9.5-6.5 win on the 11th January 1908 and with much hinging on this one it was hoped the spirit of 1908 would inspire the team.
It proved difficult to read Essex as they had only played the one match and the team fielded against Sussex was somewhat unrepresentative. In recent years Essex have been a solid Minor County traditionally field teams averaging 180-185. However their opener against Sussex saw them field a team with a distinctly average of 175, a team which a few u180 sides would have liked to take on! An Essex side of that strength could be seen as a sign that they are on the wane or more realistically they, like many others, loathe the trip to Hassocks. Essex in hosting Middlesex were expected to field a somewhat stronger team and so it proved to be the case with Essex fielding one of their strongest teams for some time (Essex average 189). In wanting to qualify for National Stage at first time of asking, bounce-back from their last result AND not wish to take Essex lightly, took no risk and fielded a team that would grace the National Final (Middlesex average 197; National Champions Average 196). Since their return to top flight chess, Middlesex have a perfect record against Essex – P8 W8 – however it was clear that this was going to be tested as despite giving away 8points a resurgent Essex were well prepared to fight tooth and nail for each and every point. This was going to a match worthy of the Open. Par Score – Mx win 9-7
Middlesex’s pursuit of excellence against Essex got off to a perfect start when Rick records the first win of the day. In a game of cats vs. dogs, i.e. Knights vs. Bishops, his knight pair proved superior to the bishop pair as a closed position coupled with a shattered pawn structure saw Rick reap benefit. His win is followed up by 3 solid draws for Martin, Simon and Andrew. Any dynamism attained by the trio was soon neutralised by their opponents thus parity was the order of the day despite their best efforts. Mx leads 2.5-1.5.
The battle of the Richards on Bd1 went the way of Richard Pert. The defeat sees Essex draw level and the subsequent draw by Nevil maintained parity. For those of you who enjoy the odd statistics your author now and then puts into match reports here is a distinctly ‘odd’ one for you. The 11th January saw Middlesex attain their first SCCU points; some 108years later, Nevil’s draw sees Middlesex accrue their 7000th game point (All-time). Someway to go yet to get 6000pts for SCCU! Match tied 3-3.
With just over a third of the match gone, the early skirmishes has set the stage for what comes next, one side going ahead, the other pulling level! Middlesex regain the lead when Etan overcomes his opponent. His superior development allowed him to set up a series of tactical threats to which his opponent eventually succumbs to. Essex however once again level when Bob’s opponent manages to overcome his pawn deficit and use the poor position of Bob’s queen to turn around his once dire position. Match tied 4-4.
Once again Middlesex pulls ahead when Steve gets the better of opposite side attacks. A series of tactical exchanges sees him gain both position and material advantage which he expertly converts. Essex though refuses to be shrugged off and doggedly hang on to Middlesex’s shirt tails as they once again fight back to level the score when Colin loses to another upcoming Essex junior. Match tied 5-5.
Two-thirds of the match elasped, scores tied but things are looking bleak for Middlesex. Despite a clear advantage for Carsten but of the remaining matches three are at least level and two are advantageous for Essex. When all things are considered it is looking as though Essex is edging to victory probable score 8.5-7.5. It is Middlesex’s precarious position which influences Mark (Lyell) to press for a win. His brave decision ultimately backfired and for the first time Essex take the lead. Mark’s defeat sees the top three boards lose and with it Essex now look nailed on for securing a 9-7 win unless the stubborn resistance put up by both Mark (Davey) and Mike could be maintained coupled with the guaranteed win for Carsten AND a win for either Jochen or Peter or both! A nail-biting end is on the cards as all three results are still possible. Mx trail 5-6.
Scores are once again levelled when Carsten secures the expected win. His queenside advantage proved too much for his opponent. So now it comes down to the last 4 matches, Middlesex ahead in two (Jochen and Peter), down in two (Mark and Mike). Middlesex’s hopes of securing qualification at first time of asking are on a knife edge as is their slim chances of regaining the Shannon Trophy and the maintenance of their 100% record. Could Mark or Mike find something to save their respective games? Mark has definitely rallied. Having gone into a protracted endgame the exchange down, he has presented problems to his opponent and is now threatening to queen his a-pawn. Mike is hanging on as best as he can in a Rook and Pawn endgame a pawn down. Match tied 6-6
Jochen restores Middlesex’s lead. He has nursed a positional advantage for some time which eventually nets him a pawn. Although a pawn up things are still difficult as a queening race ensues. It is the fact that he wins the race which allows him to call a number of checks leading to a forced series of exchanges giving him a won position. His win is followed up by victory for Peter. Peter admits both he and his opponent obtained a position neither liked but both were too stubborn to offer the draw! Consequently positional play was in order. Material was equal throughout but Peter’s careful play led to an advantage – he had passed pawns on opposite sides of the boards. When facing King and Knight this is a distinct advantage and when he queens for a second time the writing is on the wall. Middlesex stretch their lead to 2points which in the context of the match amounts to clear water. Mx leads 8-6.
Having stared defeat squarely in the face, Middlesex now only need a draw to win and remarkably it is obtained by Mark. He has battled manfully to hold his dire position and gains the draw by repetition of moves. Clearly the threat of the queening the a-pawn proved dispiriting to his opponent. Later analysis shows Mark was dead lost as his ‘threat’ is easily nullified. How? Both he and his opponent overlooked a simple check which would have seen Mark drop his rook AND his opponent being able to stop the pawn from queening! On slim margins do chess games hinge! Notwithstanding Middlesex stumble over the winning line thus Mike’s game becomes academic. However Mike likewise obtains a draw as his opponent complicates an elementary endgame which instead of winning Mike’s Rook, sees Mike use it to tremendous effect to repel his opponents attack. Final score Mx wins 9-7!
A tremendous effort guys! A match well-saved! And yet another nail-biter for Middlesex, too many of these will see your author with no arms by the end of the cycle! Commiserations to Essex in a hard fought match. It would be nice to think that Essex will field a team of similar strength for the visit of Surrey. If they do they could well secure the victory they let slip against Middlesex. Victory would also be sweet since if Surrey lost to both Kent (9/1/16) and Essex (27/2/16) Middlesex could yet lift the Shannon trophy!
The other match of the day pitted Surrey against Kent. Surrey was in buoyant mood having defeated Middlesex and knowing victory would guarantee the Shannon Trophy. Kent on the other hand went into the match knowing that they could be on the verge on elimination. They had not played a match since their opening defeat to Middlesex so victory was paramount if they wished to grace the National Stage. Middlesex were supporting Kent’s endeavours if only for selfish reasons. Unfortunately, Surrey continued to sweep all before them and trounced Kent 10.5-5.5. The defending SCCU Champions have had a torrid time. It is quite possible that they could lift the wooden spoon, a fall from grace indeed. Our congratulations go to Surrey who lifts the Shannon Trophy. Surrey’s victory means that any hopes of Middlesex lifting Shannon Trophy are dashed; however on the plus side it does mean Middlesex can now finish no lower than 4th thus qualification to the National Stage is assured it is now just a question nomination of which section – the Open and playing with the big boys for the Lowenthäl Trophy or the Minor and playing with the almost-rans! Your author apologises for the disparaging tones to describe the Minor but to be fair when considering Middlesex’s track record they should not really be participating in the competition.
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. After 3 matches the leader-board is:
1st – S. Coles 15pts
2nd = S. Spivack 14pts
2nd = R. McMichael 14pts
Next Match: 30th January 2016 vs. Sussex (A)
The next match is fast upon us a journey to Hassocks to play Sussex. It was aforementioned qualification to the National Stage assured but it is a question of which. It goes without saying that finishing as high as possible is always the intention when participating in a completion thus victory over Sussex therefore will guarantee a 2nd place finish and qualification to the Open. Defeat however will consign Middlesex to the ignominy of playing in the Minor so is critical that the team that travels to Hassocks is as strong as possible so as to maximise chances of winning. An away victory against Sussex is something that has not been achieved since 2007-08 so would be nice to break that trend! Notwithstanding the following dates should be noted in your diaries as they are the pre-arranged dates for the National Stage:
Quarter-Final – 21st May 2016
Semi-Final – 11th June 2016
Final – 2nd July 2016
Go on the Middlesex!
It proved difficult to read Essex as they had only played the one match and the team fielded against Sussex was somewhat unrepresentative. In recent years Essex have been a solid Minor County traditionally field teams averaging 180-185. However their opener against Sussex saw them field a team with a distinctly average of 175, a team which a few u180 sides would have liked to take on! An Essex side of that strength could be seen as a sign that they are on the wane or more realistically they, like many others, loathe the trip to Hassocks. Essex in hosting Middlesex were expected to field a somewhat stronger team and so it proved to be the case with Essex fielding one of their strongest teams for some time (Essex average 189). In wanting to qualify for National Stage at first time of asking, bounce-back from their last result AND not wish to take Essex lightly, took no risk and fielded a team that would grace the National Final (Middlesex average 197; National Champions Average 196). Since their return to top flight chess, Middlesex have a perfect record against Essex – P8 W8 – however it was clear that this was going to be tested as despite giving away 8points a resurgent Essex were well prepared to fight tooth and nail for each and every point. This was going to a match worthy of the Open. Par Score – Mx win 9-7
Middlesex’s pursuit of excellence against Essex got off to a perfect start when Rick records the first win of the day. In a game of cats vs. dogs, i.e. Knights vs. Bishops, his knight pair proved superior to the bishop pair as a closed position coupled with a shattered pawn structure saw Rick reap benefit. His win is followed up by 3 solid draws for Martin, Simon and Andrew. Any dynamism attained by the trio was soon neutralised by their opponents thus parity was the order of the day despite their best efforts. Mx leads 2.5-1.5.
The battle of the Richards on Bd1 went the way of Richard Pert. The defeat sees Essex draw level and the subsequent draw by Nevil maintained parity. For those of you who enjoy the odd statistics your author now and then puts into match reports here is a distinctly ‘odd’ one for you. The 11th January saw Middlesex attain their first SCCU points; some 108years later, Nevil’s draw sees Middlesex accrue their 7000th game point (All-time). Someway to go yet to get 6000pts for SCCU! Match tied 3-3.
With just over a third of the match gone, the early skirmishes has set the stage for what comes next, one side going ahead, the other pulling level! Middlesex regain the lead when Etan overcomes his opponent. His superior development allowed him to set up a series of tactical threats to which his opponent eventually succumbs to. Essex however once again level when Bob’s opponent manages to overcome his pawn deficit and use the poor position of Bob’s queen to turn around his once dire position. Match tied 4-4.
Once again Middlesex pulls ahead when Steve gets the better of opposite side attacks. A series of tactical exchanges sees him gain both position and material advantage which he expertly converts. Essex though refuses to be shrugged off and doggedly hang on to Middlesex’s shirt tails as they once again fight back to level the score when Colin loses to another upcoming Essex junior. Match tied 5-5.
Two-thirds of the match elasped, scores tied but things are looking bleak for Middlesex. Despite a clear advantage for Carsten but of the remaining matches three are at least level and two are advantageous for Essex. When all things are considered it is looking as though Essex is edging to victory probable score 8.5-7.5. It is Middlesex’s precarious position which influences Mark (Lyell) to press for a win. His brave decision ultimately backfired and for the first time Essex take the lead. Mark’s defeat sees the top three boards lose and with it Essex now look nailed on for securing a 9-7 win unless the stubborn resistance put up by both Mark (Davey) and Mike could be maintained coupled with the guaranteed win for Carsten AND a win for either Jochen or Peter or both! A nail-biting end is on the cards as all three results are still possible. Mx trail 5-6.
Scores are once again levelled when Carsten secures the expected win. His queenside advantage proved too much for his opponent. So now it comes down to the last 4 matches, Middlesex ahead in two (Jochen and Peter), down in two (Mark and Mike). Middlesex’s hopes of securing qualification at first time of asking are on a knife edge as is their slim chances of regaining the Shannon Trophy and the maintenance of their 100% record. Could Mark or Mike find something to save their respective games? Mark has definitely rallied. Having gone into a protracted endgame the exchange down, he has presented problems to his opponent and is now threatening to queen his a-pawn. Mike is hanging on as best as he can in a Rook and Pawn endgame a pawn down. Match tied 6-6
Jochen restores Middlesex’s lead. He has nursed a positional advantage for some time which eventually nets him a pawn. Although a pawn up things are still difficult as a queening race ensues. It is the fact that he wins the race which allows him to call a number of checks leading to a forced series of exchanges giving him a won position. His win is followed up by victory for Peter. Peter admits both he and his opponent obtained a position neither liked but both were too stubborn to offer the draw! Consequently positional play was in order. Material was equal throughout but Peter’s careful play led to an advantage – he had passed pawns on opposite sides of the boards. When facing King and Knight this is a distinct advantage and when he queens for a second time the writing is on the wall. Middlesex stretch their lead to 2points which in the context of the match amounts to clear water. Mx leads 8-6.
Having stared defeat squarely in the face, Middlesex now only need a draw to win and remarkably it is obtained by Mark. He has battled manfully to hold his dire position and gains the draw by repetition of moves. Clearly the threat of the queening the a-pawn proved dispiriting to his opponent. Later analysis shows Mark was dead lost as his ‘threat’ is easily nullified. How? Both he and his opponent overlooked a simple check which would have seen Mark drop his rook AND his opponent being able to stop the pawn from queening! On slim margins do chess games hinge! Notwithstanding Middlesex stumble over the winning line thus Mike’s game becomes academic. However Mike likewise obtains a draw as his opponent complicates an elementary endgame which instead of winning Mike’s Rook, sees Mike use it to tremendous effect to repel his opponents attack. Final score Mx wins 9-7!
A tremendous effort guys! A match well-saved! And yet another nail-biter for Middlesex, too many of these will see your author with no arms by the end of the cycle! Commiserations to Essex in a hard fought match. It would be nice to think that Essex will field a team of similar strength for the visit of Surrey. If they do they could well secure the victory they let slip against Middlesex. Victory would also be sweet since if Surrey lost to both Kent (9/1/16) and Essex (27/2/16) Middlesex could yet lift the Shannon trophy!
The other match of the day pitted Surrey against Kent. Surrey was in buoyant mood having defeated Middlesex and knowing victory would guarantee the Shannon Trophy. Kent on the other hand went into the match knowing that they could be on the verge on elimination. They had not played a match since their opening defeat to Middlesex so victory was paramount if they wished to grace the National Stage. Middlesex were supporting Kent’s endeavours if only for selfish reasons. Unfortunately, Surrey continued to sweep all before them and trounced Kent 10.5-5.5. The defending SCCU Champions have had a torrid time. It is quite possible that they could lift the wooden spoon, a fall from grace indeed. Our congratulations go to Surrey who lifts the Shannon Trophy. Surrey’s victory means that any hopes of Middlesex lifting Shannon Trophy are dashed; however on the plus side it does mean Middlesex can now finish no lower than 4th thus qualification to the National Stage is assured it is now just a question nomination of which section – the Open and playing with the big boys for the Lowenthäl Trophy or the Minor and playing with the almost-rans! Your author apologises for the disparaging tones to describe the Minor but to be fair when considering Middlesex’s track record they should not really be participating in the competition.
Martin Blaine Best Performance Cup
Each year MCCA awards the Martin Blaine Individual Trophy to the best performing Open team player – a cash award is also received. After 3 matches the leader-board is:
1st – S. Coles 15pts
2nd = S. Spivack 14pts
2nd = R. McMichael 14pts
Next Match: 30th January 2016 vs. Sussex (A)
The next match is fast upon us a journey to Hassocks to play Sussex. It was aforementioned qualification to the National Stage assured but it is a question of which. It goes without saying that finishing as high as possible is always the intention when participating in a completion thus victory over Sussex therefore will guarantee a 2nd place finish and qualification to the Open. Defeat however will consign Middlesex to the ignominy of playing in the Minor so is critical that the team that travels to Hassocks is as strong as possible so as to maximise chances of winning. An away victory against Sussex is something that has not been achieved since 2007-08 so would be nice to break that trend! Notwithstanding the following dates should be noted in your diaries as they are the pre-arranged dates for the National Stage:
Quarter-Final – 21st May 2016
Semi-Final – 11th June 2016
Final – 2nd July 2016
Go on the Middlesex!