ECFOLCC - Preparation Matches
The first set of online county matches were played in preparation for the ECF's maiden Online County Competition. Mx won the first OTB competition when created in 1908 so will be looking to make it a unique double of firsts!
There has been a good response to the competition which means we will be fielding a number of teams MxA and MxB in Open and u1825. Mx B will be kept away from Mx A and depending who drawn against may have a few tough matches but I expect them to hold their own. It was better to field two Open teams rather than trying to ask opponents to play large scale matches. Notwithstanding I would like to think all teams will have a successful campaign.
The 6th June saw a trial run of matches just to iron out kinks. The pairings for the match were:
Northumberland vs MxA
MxB vs. Greater Manchester
Mx u1825 vs Essex/Leicestershire
Due to a number of administrative problems coupled with some just wanting to get on with the competition it was not possible for Mx to field all their teams. Consequently MxA was slightly weaker than expected and the u1825 failed to make the minimum allocation of 10boards. Mx B had to be withdrawn. Notwithstanding the final scores were:
Open: Northumberland vs Mx Open Drawn 7-7 Match Reference OPR01
After a slow start we rallied. At one start we were 0.5-3.5 down! Tom's draw the only bright spot. The average team difference (Mx 175 Northumberland 185) suggested that it would be a difficult day for the team. Despite trailing the team dug deep beginning with Raghu who got the team's maiden win and ending with Nev's. A magnificient performance by the team! What must be frightening for other teams is the one fielded was effectively Mx B! They must be thinking what will be like when we have our first team out? Hell that's what I'm thinking!
u1825: Mx vs. Essex/Leicestershire 3-4 (1 result pending) Match Reference UPR03T
The u1825 matches were problematic for so many reasons! The first being an inability to field a full Mx team so it meant that the u120 players who played did find going tough as playing on significantly higher board. Second not too many entries hence jamboree format for our team some playing against Essex and others Leicestershire. The more problematic one is the inability of players of significantly different ratings to challenge each other! This one put pay to one of our matches. It must have been extremely frustrating to all players concerned but I have found solution which will mean should not happen going forward. Putting this game aside the others played saw a mixed bag of results. The u120 players as expected finding it tough however their difficulties were offset by our top order who including default win scored a creditable 3 wins. David (McNish) and Evan scoring the over the board victories
Combined county vs. Combined county cutely called Marauders vs. All Stars Match Reference UPR00
This match was reserved for late entrants or players on counties team sheet who would not get opponent but wanted to play in trial round. Mx had 3 players involved Nigel, Sacha and Jonathan of the 3 only Jonathan got to play! Sacha making his debut for the county was awarded default and Nigel experienced the same frustrations of being able to receive challenge due to rating difference! What was even worse in Nigel's case was that despite Controller being advised username wrong no action was taken so he was unfortunately left in limbo. The captains meeting next week will certainly hope to iron out kinks! Jonathan managed to play and scored his maiden victory
Well done to those of you who played. All in all it was well worth doing a trial not so much from a playing point of view as very few problems arose but certainly for me as non-playing captain and the administrative burden! Won't bore you with details but those of you who have oversight of online competitions will know what I mean!
Please remember to send a copy of your game to the ECF Controller at:
controller.counties@englishchess.org.uk
Ensure you site: Match reference, Bd. number and Result
I have yet to go through your games but if you give me some of the highlights I can publish those of interest.
Over and above send match report by email I will be aiming to publish match reports on a revived Middlesex Facebook Page and on the Chess.com county page. There will be other digital channels that I will be seeking to use include WhatsApp and Zoom link so that in game notification / discussion can take place once games finished Will keep you posted.
Middlesex now look forward to the real competition and things bode well with the size of squad we currently have. Since matches can be played over more than minimum 12 and other counties fielding 1 team over 12boards but under 24 there is scope for more to join up and make these proper contests of 16! So circulate the word and the link!
https://www.chess.com/club/ecf-middlesex
I would remind that some of you have yet to join so please send a request to do so and I'll accept.
I would also ask that you send me a Friend request (username: Amynstor) so that I can monitor games in progress. Unfortunately this is the only way to view games. This will also apply to yourselves you will need to make Friend requests of each other if you wish to view games. Please go onto the ECF Middlesex Page and click onto members to see who you would like to Friend. I will send lists of who is in what team once nomination process completed on 12th June.
The fixtures will be published in due course but with the exception of knowing opponent I can advise that the next match is:
13th June 2020
Start time 6:30pm
Time Control G60/15
Please let me know if able to play
Please note that I am expected to submit team sheet by 6pm on Friday 12th June so that Controller has plenty of time to conduct his checks and generate pairings
Anyway trial runs out of the way. Let the real thing begin!
Go on the Middlesex!
