MxB vs. Gloucestershire - Match Report

The opening words of the Mx A match report do not bear repeating but suffice to say the ECF were glad that the second round of group matches went off without a hitch.

Mx B's opening pairing in the competition was against the underdogs of the group Derbyshire, an u1825 team who are attempting to punch above their weight, so from second pairing onward they expected tougher encounters beginning with Gloucestershire. The last time any Mx team played Gloucestershire were Mx1 in the 1986-87 National Stage QF. In fact no other team except the 1st's has ever competed against Gloucestershire. This includes Mx 2nd team who missed the opportunity to play at least Gloucestershire's 2nd team in the BCF's Minor/2nd Teams Competition (1972-81) a competition consistently won by strong counties 2nd teams much to the chagrin of weak counties 1st teams hence the separation in 1981. Incidentally Buckinghamshire won the tournament in the final year thus became the only 1st team to win the title! The ECF's new venture meant Mx B were once again flying the flag for 2nd teams against 1st's! This encounter therefore was a first on a number of levels, the first time ant Middlesex team had played a Gloucestershire team since 1987, the first time a Mx 2nd team played a Gloucestershire team and the first time since 1981 that a second team took on a first team. Although billed as a 1st vs. 2nd team it seemed that history would repeat itself. Just like the redundant Minor/2nd Team competition the 2nd team seemed to be the favourites as Mx went into the clash the stronger team, Mx Ave: 160 Gloucestershire 135 so would expect to win 12-4. Mx once again would have to guard against complacency as although match against Derbyshire aborted then as now Mx's would be expecting to record a large margin of victory.

Putting aside concerns of mismatches in the early stages of the competition if there is one thing to admire about the opposing captains is that they agree to play over the classical 16 boards not 12. Middlesex were always in a good position to play over increased number of boards as the u1825 had a rest week so many in the top half could be called upon. Gloucestershire on the other hand were a different kettle of fish. The Gloucesterians really gain the plaudits as they may not have the largest or strongest of squads so by fielding a team of 16 could effectively had all their players turning out.

The match did not get off to the most auspicious of starts for Gloucestershire as within short order they declared 2 defaults. A match that was already going to be difficult was therefore not made any easier. As expected the Mx wins came in thick and fast, Bill scores the first with actual play. His win was followed in quick succession by Ajoy, Jack, Laith and Manmay. Kian's win meant that Mx could not be beaten and after Roshan also won Mx's victory was assured. It would seem that Middlesex would achieve a thumping score especially at the tail perhaps even a clean sweep from Bd7 onwards. The next five games to finish saw Mx's prospects of a whitewash eliminated as they were shared Mx winning three. The final two games saw Mx gain 1.5/2 meaning Mx won by the very comprehensive 13.5-2.5.

Well done all for achieving Mx's maiden victory in the competition.

The url's for each game are given below so that you can play through at your leisure.
1. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031476301
2. Mx win by default
3. https://www.chess.com/live?#g=5031462875

4. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031470248
5. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031472466
6. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031472176
7. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031459109
8. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031472361
9. Mx win by default
10. https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/live/5031486360
11. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031445592
12. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031471786
13. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031473070
14.https://www.chess.com/live#g=5031453277

15. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031474005
16. https://www.chess.com/live/game/5031486265

If there is one thing that is difficult to do adequately with format of chess it is to observe games in play so that you can gain sense of how they and in turn the match is developing. This may be more a question of the functionality of the platform. In a match such as this where there is a clear favourite it may not matter too much but where games are tight this is a different matter. Another thing to consider is the rule that prevents players from observing other games. It is all good and well keeping an eye on ECF LMS to see live score but if offered a draw with a few games to go how do you know whether to accept? In physical games a player will naturally take a walk around the playing area, review the positions of his team mates and then make decision. By denying player an opportunity to view his team mates games the accepting or refusal of a draw offer could be devastating. Notwithstanding Mx secured comfortable win so the above musings could be considered academic. However, at some stage of the competition they may come to pass.

Other results:

Berkshire vs. Oxfordshire Oxfordshire win 9.5-4.5

Derbyshire vs. Warwickshire Derbyshire win 6.5-4.5

League Standing:

See full results here

Mx B stand atop the embryonic league even if allowing for adjusted game points ((AGP) score over 12boards). At this early stage a few conclusions can be drawn, firstly Oxfordshire would seem to be Mx challenger for top spot and Warwickshire seems to be hardest hit by the events of last Saturday as apart from playing a game over 11boards they also had 2 defaults so only played over 9boards.

Next Round 4th July

Mx B vs. Oxfordshire

Berkshire vs. Warwickshire

Derbyshire vs. Gloucestershire