MxB vs. Berkshire - Match Report
Group Winners!
The match report against Warwickshire mooted that MxB should no longer be thought of an underdog but a genuine challenger for the overall title. The view of them being a titan can be demonstrated with the 3 occasions Mx's 2nd team have played Berkshire's 1st team. Mx won each and everyone by a handsome score (P3 W3). If MxB's performances to date has not persuaded the reader that they are a powerhouse in this division then their past record against Berkshire should certainly support the idea. The pairing in the Group Stage of Mx 2nd team and Berkshire 1st's is the first time in just under 30years the two have met. Would history repeat itself or would Berkshire break a trend? The respective positions of the teams suggested Berkshire would have to dig deep to win and this was supported when looking at the strength of the teams fielded. Berkshire with a small squad of great range averaged as opposed to MxB's solidity. It seemed that Berkshire would once again be on the losing end so was it a question of not if lose but by how much? MxB team ave. 162 Berkshire team ave. 154 Par score Mx win 7-5
Like the Oxfordshire match where there is an advantage to MxB's opponent's at the top but a weakness at the tail the match was a slow burner. Jason and Bill getting the team off to a solid if unspectacular start with back to back draws. Manymay bounces back from his unexpected defeat against Warwickshire by attaining the first win of the match. This is followed soon after by Sacha. MxB attain a lead which is extinguished suggesting a rally from Berkshire. However Xavier and Yogit get the ball rolling and once the lead regained it is never relinquished. Raghu's win ensures Mx win not only the match but the group with match to spare. Another professional job from what is looking like the champions apparent. Well done guys. Mx win 7-5
Full match results see here
The games links are given for your perusal
Bd1. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203125658
Bd2. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203121880
Bd3. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203135060
Bd4. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203128686
Bd5. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203111301
Bd6. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203121051
Bd7. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203151474
Bd8. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203131062
Bd9. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203125820
Bd10. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203127324
Bd11. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5203128609
Bd12. https://www.chess.com/live#g=5203132826
A game of note is Yogit's on Bd1. He has been having a fantastic competition so far having been undefeated in the four games he has played (MxA +1; MxB +2 =1). When playing top board for the 2nd team you accept that you will be outgraded sometimes heavily! So it was in this case. Yogit yielded 20grading points to his opponent but completely outplayed him. His domination of the centre meant his opponent didn't have a sniff so when Yogit traded minor pieces he had a clear endgame advantage. Yogit is in a rich vein of form and will need to continue with it as stiffer challenges await on top board if not necessarily for the team.
Other results:
Derbyshire vs. Oxfordshire Oxfordshire win 7-5
Gloucestershire vs. Warwickshire match drawn 6-6
League table
| Position | County | MP | GP |
| 1 | Middlesex | 4 | 35 |
| 2 | Gloucestershire | 2.5 | 22.5 |
| 3 | Oxfordshire | 2 | 27.5 |
| 4 | Warwickshire | 1.5 | 21.5 |
| 5 | Berkshire | 1 | 23 |
| 6 | Derbyshire | 1 | 18.5 |
MxB not only continue to top the group but are group winners with a match to spare. MxB will be looking to secure a 100% record when they play Derbyshire is the final round. With place in KO secured it is just a question of whom they will face. The last round of group matches will see the placings for Division B finalised. Shropshire currently sit in second place but could be pipped by Somerset who sit in fourth and play current leaders Cumbria. Depending on how results pan out Middlesex would face Somerset if they and Shropshire win. It could be Cumbria should Somerset win and Shropshire fail to get a result. Notwithstanding whichever team face MxB will be confident of making it to the final.
Next fixture 1st August:
MxA vs. Derbyshire
Berkshire vs, Gloucestershire
Oxfordshire vs. Warwickshire
Player performance (min 3games)
1st L. Fincham 3.5pts (4)
2nd= R. Kamath (3), J. Covey (4) 3pts
4th =Yogit (3) J. Sheard (4), M. Chopra (4) 2.5pts
Although sitting in 2nd place Raghu has a 100% record. Leon will have to pull out the stops if he wishes to remain top as Jason is also on his heels.
