tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78066196209744746692024-03-28T20:28:22.975-07:00Middlesex County Chess AssociationThe Official Home of Chess in Middlesex (est 1907)Adam Raoofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07463126739488034901noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-5017183132420600212023-08-04T01:23:00.005-07:002023-08-04T01:25:02.207-07:00County Success!<p>Having belatedly congratulated the Division Winners of the 2022-23 Middlesex League season, belated congratulations are also issued to Middlesex's county teams!</p>Each year the MCCA enters teams into the county championships. The competition is run in two stages:<br /><br />Stage 1: Regional Stage - Middlesex participate in Southern Counties Chess Union entering teams into the following sections: Open, u2050, u1850, u1650 and u1450.<div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Stage 2: National Stage - the top two teams in each section qualify for the respective sections of the National competition which pitches the qualifiers of the five chess Unions (East Anglia Chess Union, Midlands Counties Chess Union, Northern Counties Union, Southern Counties Chess Union, and West of England Chess Union) against each other. On occasion the third placed team is requested to make up numbers, so 4/5 in National Stage not a bad return! The team finishing 3rd in Open section progresses onto Minor Counties Competition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: start;"><u>SCCU Stage</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the Regional Stage Anthony's Open and Keith's u1850 were crowned SCCU Champions; Evan's u1650 team finished runner-up, Anthony's u2050 finished 3rd and Dilu's u1450 collected the wooden spoon. Consequently, Open, u1850 and u1650 teams all qualified for the National Stage as of right. the u1450 also participated in the National Stage as Kent declined the invitation to make up places. For full details of respective SCCU performance see <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/63543/previous">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>National Stage</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The u1450 entered at the preliminary stage and met familar foe Surrey. The term third time lucky seemed to apply as the team scored a comprehensive 7.5-4.5 victory. Unfortunately, due to penalties for failing to request permission to play unrated players, the team lost 5.5-4.5. This was disappointing as after a challenging season the team showed their class only to be undone by the rules. Overlooking the disappointment the team score a moral a victory and are in a good place for 2023-24.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Evan's u1650 team were knocked out at the QF round by <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/139818">Greater Manchester</a> A tough result to take but it was the first time in decades that the team had reached this stage. It would be hoped the team now has a taste and will qualify again next season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anthony's and Keith teams received byes to SF where both had hard fought wins likewise against Greater Manchester.<a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/139813"> u1850 won on board count</a> with Open winning a close encounter <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/139785">8.5-7.5</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With both the Open and u1850 teams progressing to the final both teams were seeking to attain their own records: Open were seeking to set a new record of 30 National titles the most of all counties when the competition introduced in 1908; u1850 were seeking to make it a hat-trick of titles where these titles straddled the pandemic. Keith had an easier time of it defeating familar foe Yorkshire <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/139814">10-6</a>.The Open had another tough match this time against Surrey and after a match that had enough swings and roundabouts ended up winning on board count <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/139786">37-38</a> as the two teams could not be separated. A detailed account of the Open match is available in July's Chess Moves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Congratulations to both Keith and Anthony, both will look forward to defending their doubles in 2023-24. It is hoped that the County will be able to get all teams through to the National Stage in next campaign.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Should you wish to represent any of the county teams do fill in the <a href="https://form.jotform.com/220641666243352">Play for a Middlesex County Team</a> form or contact the respective captains directly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Enjoy the photos of the winning captains, Anthony and Keith.<div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjuzQt4aMkrxjhFCoyi_bBsA8K8BnhuG1eK0mqdvsJ1XQh66z24-l1XEicGcIy5cpB9wPjxRx_X2ZHLHc0SFZ9Z8gvCGkpi5EHSDWOZtTbI18jC6D5K-oevQ46fT7P7j7k6UCi9x-Y30p_FgCz_JMSpZ1y4UX_FK2L4TRIB8EIyIRsZOEFn8r9t6sirs/s4032/Middlesexfinalteam.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjuzQt4aMkrxjhFCoyi_bBsA8K8BnhuG1eK0mqdvsJ1XQh66z24-l1XEicGcIy5cpB9wPjxRx_X2ZHLHc0SFZ9Z8gvCGkpi5EHSDWOZtTbI18jC6D5K-oevQ46fT7P7j7k6UCi9x-Y30p_FgCz_JMSpZ1y4UX_FK2L4TRIB8EIyIRsZOEFn8r9t6sirs/w450-h291/Middlesexfinalteam.jpeg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Victorious Open Team</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW-Fi5p-fkKmVNsD5j2m_yEH9TAFdLlBNgPC2YjYPnCsWmDs55OOT5m2924w6rQ8RMPKNIYTdWwM3tyD3GpnbjOL42miMlPcOWySC1ItnANIjb3chHhYzI80bCGFxeS6ubhJw5HDtU25qMKbH1YW4v6mT8iKZX_fLpwt0uxwewOnFDt5H1KSmuUoa8_I/s2016/Victoriousu1850team.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="2016" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW-Fi5p-fkKmVNsD5j2m_yEH9TAFdLlBNgPC2YjYPnCsWmDs55OOT5m2924w6rQ8RMPKNIYTdWwM3tyD3GpnbjOL42miMlPcOWySC1ItnANIjb3chHhYzI80bCGFxeS6ubhJw5HDtU25qMKbH1YW4v6mT8iKZX_fLpwt0uxwewOnFDt5H1KSmuUoa8_I/w451-h260/Victoriousu1850team.jpeg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Victorious u1850 Team</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjuzQt4aMkrxjhFCoyi_bBsA8K8BnhuG1eK0mqdvsJ1XQh66z24-l1XEicGcIy5cpB9wPjxRx_X2ZHLHc0SFZ9Z8gvCGkpi5EHSDWOZtTbI18jC6D5K-oevQ46fT7P7j7k6UCi9x-Y30p_FgCz_JMSpZ1y4UX_FK2L4TRIB8EIyIRsZOEFn8r9t6sirs/s4032/Middlesexfinalteam.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-21972330921679169112023-07-31T22:11:00.001-07:002023-07-31T22:13:01.874-07:00Middlesex League League Fixtures meeting 2023-24<div style="text-align: justify;">Congratulations to the following teams for winning their respective divisions for the 2022-23 season:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex League Division 1: Hackney</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex League Division 2: Albany</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex League Division 3: Harrow Juniors</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The trophies held by 2021-22 division winners will be transferred to current winners in due course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The new season will be fast upon us and with this in mind the League Secretary draws your attention to the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2023-23 Middlesex League Fixtures meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 12th September 2023 at The Carpenters Arms. Clubs will be contacted in advance to verify:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">a) Time</div><div style="text-align: justify;">b) Composition of respective divisions for Middlesex League</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A key agenda item will be to review the Formula League boundaries - the current boundaries are based on 3-digit rating when of course 4-digit rating is in operation. It is hoped that the competition can be revived once new boundaries established. By way of reminder the competition is a 4 board competition and runs alongside Middlesex League. Individuals participating in Formula League are not exempted from participating in Middlesex League so no nomination issues. It is a good competition for club members who are returning to competitive play or would like to 'blood' themselves!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Clubs should have been contacted by Treasurer to request that they confirm participation in MCCA-run competition ensuring they have paid their dues in advance certainly by 1st September 2023. It is not possible to participate in any MCCA-run competition unless your dues have been paid. The Treasurer urges you to pay soon rather than later to secure your MCCA affiliation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enquiries about Middlesex/Formula League should be referred to League Secretary</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enquiries about fees should be referred to Treasurer</div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-63799274629364687482023-03-15T07:04:00.000-07:002023-03-15T07:04:09.933-07:00County Championship News<div style="text-align: justify;">A message from Anthony Fulton, MCCA Senior Match Captain:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"On 11th March 2023 the SCCU Cycle came to an end and all told it was a successful one for the County!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Open - SCCU Champions</div><div style="text-align: justify;">u1850 - SCCU Champions</div><div style="text-align: justify;">u1650 - 2nd</div><div style="text-align: justify;">u2050 - 3rd</div><div style="text-align: justify;">u1450 - 3rd/4th (final position to be determined as there is a unresolved dispute however should all teams finish on 6pts it looks as though Mx will miss out on Game Points (2nd tie-break!))</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once again the Open and u1850 teams finish as regional champions and their comprehensive wins in the <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/63543/ofixtures" target="_blank">final round of matches</a> sends out a message to their national rivals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is good to see the u1650 once again reach the KO stage after a lengthy break (2014-15)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The u2050 will keep fingers crossed to see if extra teams required, unlikely</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The u1450 will rue their slow start to the campaign as they look like missing out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now that the regional stage is over we can look forward to National Stage and taking on our national rivals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Open will be seeking to regain the National Title which has rested with NCCU since 2014.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The u1850 will be seeking to defend their title and if they do Keith will in essence be the first 3rd team captain to completed a hat-trick of victories (2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23?). Granted COVID-19 has spoilt a pure hat-trick but it is a hat-trick nevertheless as the team would have won the last three contested titles!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The dates for the National Stages are:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">22nd April 2023 Preliminary - All sections</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">13th May 2023 QF Open and u1850</div><div style="text-align: justify;">20th May 2023 QF u1650</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10th June 2023 SF All sections</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1st July 2023 F All sections</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The results for this campaign holds us in good stead for 2023-24 as we should be looking to be getting all teams to National Stage. If we can develop the junior team as well we will show that Middlesex is a force at all levels not only regionally but nationally! </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Congratulations to all captains and squad members for another fully completed cycle!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Go on the Middlesex!"</div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like to represent the County either contact the captains via the <a href="http://middlesexchess.blogspot.com/p/officers.html" target="_blank">Officers page</a> or complete the following <a href="https://form.jotform.com/220641666243352" target="_blank">form</a>.<br /></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-76793134768210886212022-04-09T09:34:00.004-07:002022-04-09T09:34:51.627-07:00A History of Chess in Brent<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking about the history of clubs in the Middlesex area, Willesden & Brent Chess Club Secretary, Anthony Fulton, advises that the club has published a document outlining the history of chess in his borough of Brent. The article has been written in order to show that chess in Brent (actually the former Wembley Urban District and Willesden Municipal Borough) is not alien and it inspires more in the borough to give chess a go!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="https://willesdenchess.wordpress.com/brent-chess-history/">article</a> can be found on W&BCC website along with ECF Chess Histories.</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-76233571179485846422022-04-09T09:23:00.004-07:002022-04-09T09:28:31.737-07:00Hammratty!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Hammersmith reach 60year milestone!</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hammersmith Chess Club are intending to celebrate their 60th birthday with a chess congress over the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend - 4th and 5th June 2022 - see <a href="http://hammerchess.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a> for more details. The club were born in August 1962 after the actions of P. Martin to found one. They initially met at Westcott Lodge.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It will be interesting to note that although Hammersmith may be running its first ever congress a Hammersmith Congress did exist beforehand. In January 1968 Thames Valley Chess League (TVCL) and Hammersmith Corporation agreed to run a four-day congress called the Hammersmith Chess Congress. It could only be held as TVCL agreed their Richmond Congress could be held in Hammersmith. The first congress ran from 15th-18th April 1968 and it ran annually until to at least 1976. It will be left to those interested in the chess history of Hammersmith and/or TVCL to complete.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Good luck to Hammersmith on their new venture and an early, 'Happy Birthday!'</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-92025686772523928572022-02-14T03:39:00.000-08:002022-02-14T03:39:21.485-08:00Stanmore Chess Club<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> A new chess club has formed in the Middlesex area - Stanmore Chess Club.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Their details were found purely by accident when reviewing the ECF's Club Finder's page to identify unaffiliated clubs in Middlesex area who have individuals willing and able to represent one of the county teams. The words of the club's founder are left to speak for themselves:</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"We play social chess and offer coaching for beginners and those who want to improve their game. We offer an oportunity to make new chess friends with short demos, instruction and checking of understanding. We are very excited to have moved to Stanmore Library, 8 Stanmore Hill, Stanmore, Harrow, HA7 3BQ as of Tuesday 9th November (and each Tuesday thereafter) from 2.30 – 4.45pm.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Current attendees range in age from 4yrs to 70yrs and include people in business, at school and retired. We promote the skills of logic, reading, numeracy, creativity, language, problem solving and Chess etiquette i.e. we play quietly to help concentration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Harrow Library services are very pleased to host us and they are looking to utilise the Borough Council website to promote our Chess club in a COVID safe environment."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsvTzQDO3wyzhoNVmTkYnhO-OTTBm6HS3VgIcWYE9dVg91rBP-MhZha-CVjA3Tt_FPPY4H5TMY324Vwh-AwpeH1H4vv5guwnY8_DXHMWvKLlRuNyFRW68I5mYpKhuJTSuoUgmChaTKzrPxCfJPzwrHGfhmJbPD4NEVbjPgvWSRJnukKADqGQRztT-0=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsvTzQDO3wyzhoNVmTkYnhO-OTTBm6HS3VgIcWYE9dVg91rBP-MhZha-CVjA3Tt_FPPY4H5TMY324Vwh-AwpeH1H4vv5guwnY8_DXHMWvKLlRuNyFRW68I5mYpKhuJTSuoUgmChaTKzrPxCfJPzwrHGfhmJbPD4NEVbjPgvWSRJnukKADqGQRztT-0=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It is hoped that the club will expand beyond their current hours and although based in Harrow consider reaching out to the Edgware area. It has been over 50years since there has been a club in that part of the world and Stanmore could fill the void.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It is also hoped that at some stage Stanmore will affiliate to the Association and take part in its events. Irrespective of affiliation we look forward to their players contacting the county captains in order to represent one of the county's teams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stanmore, welcome to Middlesex if not yet the Association!</div><br /></span></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-1529953848052097852022-02-05T21:37:00.002-08:002022-02-09T08:33:15.949-08:00A Vision for Middlesex's County Teams<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Middlesex's Senior Match Captain, Anthony Fulton, asks us to publish his vision for Middlesex''s county teams.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Dear Middlesex Chess Players,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am Anthony Fulton Middlesex's Senior Match Captain. Some of you may know me or seen me at county matches or at Middlesex/Hillingdon/London/Central league matches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A little background on me. I have this title because I have captained the u2050 team (formerly u175 and u180) since 2006 and Open team since 2007 so am the longest serving Middlesex captain, in fact I am one of the longest serving current captains both regionally and nationally. I recognise my longevity is partly because of wanting to set new records as a Middlesex Captain but in part because of a vision. From the outset of my captaincy both had a low starting base consequently, I have intimate insight into the struggles a match captain has firstly in building a squad and second to organise a team for a specific match, so mentor existing and new county match captains. In spite of my longevity and the successes of my teams it is a constant struggle to maintain a squad if only because being a London-based county there is a high turnover of players however I have been able to do so due to the loyalty of a core of individuals. For those of you who have turned out for any one of my teams, "I thank you". This goes double for you who have turned out or willing to turn out during trying cycles. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me share with you a vision I have. County chess has been a staple in the south of England since 1884 when Sussex and Surrey played in the first match. From 1904 'big' county matches were arranged. These matches were 100+boards. After forming in 1907 and affiliating to SCCU Middlesex were not only able to consistently raise these teams but consistently won the titles that were contested for. In 1972 these types of matches were broken up and we have the current system of non-overlapping matches. The only time the overlap can occur is at the National Stage Final when on Finals Day all six matches (Open, Minor, u2050, u1850, u1650 and u1450) are played at the same time. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My vision is that Middlesex has a team in each section on finals day. The Open, u2050, u1850 are consistent qualifiers for the National stage with each reaching finals day at various times, but not all three at the same time.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;"> </span>The u1650 is a work in progress, it has been a while since they played in National Stage and certainly consistently. The same applies to u1450 who have qualified a few times in recent times but not as consistently as I'd like or expect. Middlesex's u1450 team should really be one of the strongest in the country. If we are able to get all five teams to finals day once, we would have achieved one of my visions to field a team of 76players so emulate some of the big matches of the past. However, having done it once we would need to repeat and keep repeating. If we were to do this we would show that Middlesex are the best organised county in the country. Of course if all were to win their respective section we would have the undisputed claim of being the best in the country!</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With this in mind I write to you with a personal request - please support the county team! Support my vision!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">County chess is an important part of the chess pyramid as it affords many benefits. These include:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">a) Playing a good quality game of classical chess</div><div style="text-align: justify;">b) Playing an opponent of similar standard</div><div style="text-align: justify;">c) Playing as a team with individuals whom you may played against in league or tournament chess - think the equivalent of golf's <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Ryder Cup</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">d) An opportunity to graduate to a higher team thereby prove improvement and continue to test yourself against your peers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I could go on but give the main ones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope the sharing of this vision gives you food for thought and either persuades to represent the county for the first time; or better yet reinvigorates your willingness to represent it! The county teams still have a few remaining fixtures for this cycle and all could still qualify for the National Stage should there be one. Get involved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Go on the Middlesex!"</div></span>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-22246258015695848892021-11-07T09:03:00.000-08:002021-11-07T09:03:26.247-08:00County Chess Fixtures - 13th November: u2050 vs. Essex (A); u1650 vs. Essex (H)<p><span style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex's opening matches in the SCCU County Championships for the remaining teams are upcoming a double header against Essex. Match reports to come.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For those interested in representing a county team either complete form Play for a Middlesex County Team above or contact the relevant Match Captain via the Officers page.</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-77855960164962737312021-11-07T09:02:00.001-08:002021-11-07T09:02:28.038-08:00County Championship 1st Round - Open/u1850/u1450<p style="text-align: justify;">The resumption of County chess as one format of OTB play was welcomed. However, to be honest the current climate saw a heavy focus on resumption of leagues so overshadowed it as all 3 Middlesex teams playing in the opening round of the Open/u1850/u1450 had difficulties raising teams as proven by the reduction to 12boards for Open and u1850 and the plethora of juniors dragooned into representing the u1450. The difficulty for the Open understandably meant fielding an understrength team against a virtually full strength Kent. The team would have done well in a Minor or u2050 competition but as expected struggled against a genuine Open team.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There is not much too write home about as all 3 teams suffered a reverse:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/85037">Open</a> lost 3.5-8.5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/85078">u1850</a> lost 4.5-7.5</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/85118">u1450</a> lost 5.5-6.5</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rather than give respective reports as nothing great to report your author will focus on the fact that for a long time a significant number of juniors represented a Middlesex Senior Team. Granted it was for the u1450 team but if this talent is nurtured we ought to find in short order they will accelerate through the divisions and become a permanent presence in the Open or at least u2050.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The 13th November sees the opening round of the u2050 and u1650 campaigns who have a double-header against Essex. It is hoped that the results favour Middlesex!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The 2nd Round for Open/u1850/u1450 is 4th December when it is hoped that all 3 teams will fare better.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-63170399437355383102021-10-28T10:34:00.004-07:002021-10-31T12:48:18.579-07:0013th Richmond Blitz - The Rik Thomas Memorial<div style="text-align: justify;">This will take place on Saturday 18th December 2021, from 12:00 to 18:00, at Orleans Park School, Richmond Road, TWICKENHAM TW1 3BB.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This will be held in memory of “Rik Thomas” a chess teacher at Richmond Junior Chess Club and a popular organiser at King’s Head Chess Club, who passed away last year during the lockdown. Two Richmond Juniors’ parents, Suman Chatterjee and Jatinder Sian will also be remembered, who also passed away during the lockdown. A donation box will be left at the event for contributions for the families concerned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There will be an exceptional prize fund of £3,000 to mark this special event. 1st £500, 2nd £375, 3rd £275, 4th £200, 5th £150. 1st female £375, 2nd £275. U2000 1st £100, 2nd £60. U1500 1st £100, 2nd £60. Richmond Junior 1st £100, 2nd £60, 1st girl £60. Former Richmond Junior (including staff) 1st £100, 2nd £60. King’s Head or former King’s Head £100, 2nd £60</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Details and download the entry form from: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">http://rjcc.org.uk/richmond-blitz</a>.</div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-68655705137354235112021-10-28T08:30:00.003-07:002021-10-28T08:30:57.983-07:00Middlesex Club vs. Rest of Middlesex<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Middlesex's Senior Match Captain, (i.e., longest serving Match Captain, Venue Organiser, Equipment Manager, Captain's Guide and current Captain of Open and u2050 teams!) and unofficial MCCA Archivist, Anthony Fulton, advises the recent Hendon vs. Rest of Middlesex is not the first time that an event of this kind has taken place in MCCA history. He writes,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"There was at least one occasion when a match of this kind took place at the outset of the 1928-29 cycle when Hampstead played the Rest of Middlesex. In this case Rest of Middlesex succumbed 17.5-12.5."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He advised more research will need to be done to determine issues such as date, venue, respective teams and individual board score for above encounter. He goes on to state if readers of the website express an interest in this piece of history he will even review MCCA's archived documents in the London Metropolitan Archives to see if other matches of this kind took place and if so over what timescale then forward his research so can be published on website. Traditionally comments on website posts are not allowed but in this case they are being allowed so that Tony can gauge level of interest in his offer.</span></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-29555601277527035132021-10-27T20:40:00.003-07:002021-10-27T20:43:26.596-07:00County Chess Matches - 6th November 2021: Open vs. Kent (H); u1450 vs. Kent (H); u1850 vs. Kent (A)<p style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex's opening matches of the resumed SCCU County Championships begins with a triple-header against Kent. Match reports to come.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For those interested in representing a county team either complete form Play for a Middlesex County Team above or contact the relevant Match Captain via the Officers page.</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-68221380549796899652021-10-27T20:03:00.004-07:002021-10-31T12:39:47.632-07:00Resumption of County Championship<div style="text-align: justify;">After a break of 20months or so the County Championship is due to resume.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Middlesex have entered teams in all sections with the fixture dates being:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Open & u1850 & u1450</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6/11/2021; 4/12/2021; 22/1/2022; 5/2/2022; 26/2/2022; 12/3/2022</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">u2050 & u1650</div><div style="text-align: justify;">13/11/2021; 11/12/2021; 29/1/2022; 19/2/2022; 5/3/2022; 19/3/2022</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The timetable is rough especially in the new year but this is due to the truncated nature of the cycle i.e. the month of October has not been able to be used to host matches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last Championship (2019-20) saw Middlesex lift the Open and u160 titles and finish 2nd in the u180, so all told a good return!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It goes without saying that the Open and u160 teams as defending Champions will want to retain their titles however as the fixtures list shows for the u160 (u1850) it will be under very different circumstances. In their wisdom the ECF have decided to adopt 4-digit grades (a move that many in the past have argued would help the Open as it would attract more players) and revise the grading boundaries. In 2009 it was decided to narrow the grading bands from 25 to 20 points which allowed the introduction of a 6th band. The move was welcomed by some, especially the SCCU, as it meant that more players could represent their county. Others though resented the change as it meant a reduction in the pool of players that could be selected from. The ECF decision is to effectively return to pre-2009 conditions. Thus under the new system the grading bands as indicated above are Open, u2050, u1850, u1650 and u1450. Middlesex would argue that that the banding grades are incorrect and that each should be at least 50pts higher. and that with only 5 bands it is probable that some dedicated county players may now not get a game.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Notwithstanding the changes this years county rules are stringent as they have an eye on the COVID world we currently live in. The rules do follow Government guidance regarding masks, sanitising and cleaning but does put a financial pressure on counties, namely, each county team is to have their own playing space, i.e. a bubble. Consequently, counties will have to either have a venue that is able to supply 2 rooms or alternatively use 2 venues. The outcome for Middlesex is that on the assumption we are able to continue using the Child's Hill venue another one will have to be found!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is hoped that those who have previously represented the county in OTB play pre-COVID and those who joined the Online county teams in the successful 2020 Online County Championship campaigns are able and willing to represent the county in this and future cycles.</div></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-9592122881438857442021-10-02T00:12:00.005-07:002021-10-02T00:19:15.343-07:00Hendon vs. Rest of Middlesex match report<p><span style="text-align: justify;">An enjoyable time was had by all
when a Rest of Middlesex team descended on The Holly Bush to play Hendon. The
match was arranged to celebrate the change of venue for the latter and to show
the MCCA’s commitment to resuming OTB play after a difficult 18months for this
format of chess.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With the entirety of the county
to call upon, The Rest of Middlesex team could be significantly stronger than
that of Hendon but for the sake of fair play it was suggested that the teams for
this maiden match should fall between 1800 to 2300. The suggestion was a good
one as it transpired that both teams were well matched, although Hendon were
slightly stronger towards the tail.<o:p></o:p></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Bd<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Hendon<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Grade<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">Result<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Rest of Mx<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Grade<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">Score<o:p></o:p></p>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">1<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">J. Richardson (B)<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2365<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">0 - 1<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">D. Foord (W)<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2365<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(2) ½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">2<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">R. Willmoth<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2220<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">B. Eames<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2268<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(7) 1 - 1<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">3<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">G. Senior<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2215<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">0 - 1<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">M. Gallana<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2223<o:p></o:p></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(6) 1½ -
1½<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">4<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">S. Marin Stoica<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2120<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">F. Chin<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2077<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(4) 2 - 2<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">5<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">G. Jain<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2020<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I. Calvert<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1993<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(1) 2 -3<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">6<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">D. Levy<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2013<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">L. Fincham<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1900<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(3) 2 - 4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">7<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">D. Amoir<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1900<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">½ - ½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">P. Conway<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1855<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(5) 2½ - 4½ <o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">8<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">J-C. Sartenaer<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1810<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1 - 0<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">J. Oh (Jr)<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">1580<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">(8) 3½ - 4½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 37.5pt;" valign="top" width="50">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.95pt;" valign="top" width="124">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Hendon Ave.<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 46.5pt;" valign="top" width="62">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2083<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm;" valign="top" width="76">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">3½ - 4½<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Rest of Mx Ave.<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66">
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">2033<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 75.4pt;" valign="top" width="101">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The match was played in good
spirits even if glory was sought with the bragging rights being claimed by Rest
of Middlesex; Marco’s game (Bd3) proved to be decisive difference.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The venture was a novel one for
the MCCA as, at least in their recent past, they had never organised or participated
in a match of this kind. MCCA used to play against a combined London League team for
the Ralph Barnett Trophy on an annual basis but that ceased decades ago and no
other format of allowing a combined MCCA to play was formulated. The occasion clearly
allows players to socialise and warm-up for the respective County and League campaigns;
this benefit cannot be overlooked. It is hoped that matches of this kind will
be a permanent one on the MCCA calendar, if so in time both the D1 Champions
and Rest of Middlesex teams will show their ‘true’ strength and provide
spectacles as entertaining as this initial match.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For a Hendon view of the match <a href="https://www.hendonchessclub.com/news/2021-22/hendon-vs-middlesex/" target="_blank">see here</a></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-589202844059266772021-10-02T00:00:00.004-07:002021-10-02T00:00:38.158-07:00County Chess<p><span style="text-align: justify;">County Chess has had a challenging
and transformative 18months.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The SCCU’s 2019-20 cycle finished
just before lockdown began; its’ end saw a successful one for Middlesex as they
won both the u180 and u160 divisions; were placed 2<sup>nd</sup> in Open and
gave creditable performances in u140 and u120 divisions. In lifting the u160
title Keith Jones became the first Middlesex Captain in this division to win a
hat-trick. Lockdown of course prevented the three teams from participating at the
National Stage where all would have been harbouring hopes of lifting their
respective titles.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Although the National Stage did
not go ahead the ECF ran an online competition during the Summer – ECF Online
County Championship – and Middlesex proved they could be successful in this
format also. They were the only team to enter three teams in the Online County
Championships – two in Open Division and one in u1825 The Open Division 2 were
the only team to be crowned Champions when defeating Oxfordshire but, the other
teams performed equally as both were knocked out in the semi-finals (Open
Division 1 by Northumberland and u1825 by Lincolnshire.) A team was not entered
for the 2021 version but, entries overall were down compared to 2020 – only 10
teams total in both Open divisions in 20201 as opposed to 23 in 2020. The final
online competition of 2020 was the National 100 in which Middlesex provided
significant numbers for The South Team. This proved to be the difference as The
South went onto lift the title with a 100%. This team comprised of u100 players
bodes well for Middlesex’s u100 and junior teams when OTB resumes. All told a
successful online campaign!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With OTB play resuming we await
to hear what happens with County Chess. Notwithstanding when it does resume you
will note there is a change in divisions. The ECF has adopted the 4-digit
grading system so naturally the grading bands had to be revised. The divisions are
now:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We shall see if the effective
return to the pre-2009 grading boundaries will make a significant difference to
participation. With respect to Middlesex, it is hoped that those who have
represented the teams prior and during lockdown irrespective of format will be
willing and able to do so once again. If so, Middlesex will look to sweep titles
at both Regional and National Stages as they used to doon regular basis in the
past. The Open team for example can look to break their hoodoo of finals losses
(x in y years!) and finally extend record of the most National Titles won
(Middlesex hold current record of 29 titles). News will be circulated on both
the website and through MCCA Captains once the position of County Chess is
finalised. Watch this space! <o:p></o:p></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-60984685747294236482021-10-01T23:59:00.004-07:002021-10-01T23:59:48.372-07:00 Hendon vs. Rest of Middlesex<p><span style="text-align: justify;">In order to celebrate the
resumption of OTB play Hendon, the only recognised Middlesex League Champions
for 2019-20, have agreed to play an 8board match against the Rest of Middlesex
on 30</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> September 2021. The match not only celebrates the intention
to return to OTB play but is also one to congratulate Hendon moving to a new
venue – The Holly Bush in Hampstead. It has been sometime since a Club has been
based in Hampstead, the Hampstead Community Centre was the home of Hampstead
Chess Club before their dissolution.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One criterion for the respective
teams is that the grades cover 1800-2300 range so that Rest of Middlesex do not
have an unfair advantage! For this cycle at least the Rest of Middlesex also
need to consider the following: Members of the team are comprised of –<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Individuals
whose Club is affiliated to MCCA who are committed to playing OTB<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Individuals
whose Club is not affiliated to MCCA but is in Middlesex catchment area and
they are committed to playing OTB, e.g., Hillingdon League, London League,
Thames Valley League, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Individuals
who are unaffiliated to any Club but satisfy County Championship Eligibility
rules <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The idea of the League Champions
playing the Rest is something other sports and Chess Associations have
regularly engaged in but is new to Middlesex. It is hoped that the idea will be
an ongoing one and matches will be played annually. If so, it can potentially
replace some of the defunct competitions once run by the MCCA, e.g., Winter’s
and Ralph Barnett Trophies – Middlesex Team Competition and MCCA match against
London League.<o:p></o:p></p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-1097618821368145372021-10-01T23:55:00.001-07:002021-10-02T00:24:19.487-07:00MCCA OTB Resumption Plan<p style="text-align: justify;">At MCCA AGM (28th July 2021) the Council were of one voice and hoped that some form of OTB play could take place for 2021-22. The commitment to this hope was fully demonstrated when the General and League Secretaries formulated the following plan:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Determine how many clubs would be willing to participate in OTB play</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Depending on numbers decide whether League proper or Formula League would be enacted</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aim to get OTB playing up and running sometime in October</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The plan was circulated just before the now rearranged fixture meeting; it was delayed in part due to the extended deadline of the London League (LL). It was felt that fixtures could not be feasibly scheduled until the position of the LL was known, and their fixture dates entered into club calendars. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anecdotal conversations with Club Secretaries and Captains intimate they are happy with the proposals. It seems therefore as though both the League proper, and Formula League will be up and running for the current cycle, thus ‘Business as usual!’ </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Date of fixture meeting to be confirmed</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-67514511905135832052020-10-20T08:14:00.002-07:002020-10-20T08:14:23.557-07:00Middlesex Girls Chess Championships 2020 - Results<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rKH9thK-BERGvAl6rTHUU6CjMUpHFk-33jon3XbsGAabwYiMAwPuJQi-0hE3zbH3QuqXnSQ_KUv_1F5rsxBF-1_8brYoGIT7cHRcM02hWU5V0r20ROb-GHvMoJm8VmqjrW6RBON6bYL7/s347/prizes+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rKH9thK-BERGvAl6rTHUU6CjMUpHFk-33jon3XbsGAabwYiMAwPuJQi-0hE3zbH3QuqXnSQ_KUv_1F5rsxBF-1_8brYoGIT7cHRcM02hWU5V0r20ROb-GHvMoJm8VmqjrW6RBON6bYL7/s320/prizes+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="text-align: left;">Middlesex Girls Chess Championships 2020</strong></div></strong><p></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Here is the link to the final results; <a href="https://tornelo.com/chess/orgs/chess-england/events/middlesex-girls-chess-championships-2020/" style="color: #ff6b00; text-decoration-line: none;">https://tornelo.com/chess/orgs/chess-england/events/middlesex-girls-chess-championships-2020/</a> and you can view the crosstables. First three in each section get a medal, and highest girl from Middlesex also gets a plate. Thanks to Beryl Metcalf for sponsoring the event!</p><blockquote style="border-left: 4px solid rgb(255, 107, 0); color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 1em 0px;"><p style="line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">If you have won a medal or a plate then please let me have your postal address - email adamraoof@gmail.com.</p></blockquote><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">U18: Narayanan, Niranjana (gold medal)</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">U14: Ashwina Haria-Skuse and Emily Maton =1st (gold medals), Lindsay Pyun 3rd (Bronze medal)</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">U11: Amelie Rees 1st (Gold medal), Riya Aude Barbier-Ramaiah and Seha Konara =2nd (Silver medals)</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">U9: Samiksha Yerabati 1st (Gold medal), Rhea Pal 2nd (Silver medal) and Amya Patel 3rd (Bronze medal)</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">U7: Amelie Bryant 1st (Gold Medal), Eliza Blin and Zeel Shah =2nd (Silver medals)</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Spectral, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Join my free <strong>mailing list</strong> here - <a href="https://chesscircuit.substack.com/subscribe" style="color: #ff6b00; text-decoration-line: none;">https://chesscircuit.substack.com/subscribe</a></p>Adam Raoofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07463126739488034901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-20903875449154019102020-08-23T22:08:00.001-07:002020-08-23T22:08:34.991-07:00MxB ECF Online Open Challengers Champions<p style="text-align: justify;">MxB were the sole team flying the flag for Mx and one of two teams flying for the SCCU. MxB faced group stage opponents Oxfordshire over 24boards. The high number agreed upon as both had teams in Open and u1825 competitions so in this way as many could be involved on finals day as possible. Whether match played over 12,16 or 24 boards the advantage lay with MxB and this was demonstrated with an overwhelming victory 17-7. MxB therefore are one of six online counties champions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Read full match report<a href="https://www.chess.com/news/view/ecf-online-counties-championship-national-stage-open-challengers-f-vs-oxfordshire-match-report" rel="nofollow"> here</a>.</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-86094542230547005542020-08-15T00:19:00.003-07:002020-08-15T00:20:47.566-07:00ECF Events: North v South - The Oldest Challenge<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="North vs South Gang War" src="https://th.bing.com/th?q=North+vs+South+Gang+War&w=120&h=120&c=1&rs=1&qlt=90&cb=1&pid=InlineBlock&mkt=en-GB&adlt=moderate&t=1&mw=247" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 1893 & 1894 the historic counties of England contested a match to determine where chess was the strongest. The South won both encounters the 2nd comfortably due to the existence of the first and oldest chess Union the SCCU who were able to aid in the co-ordination and communication of the southern counties.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After a 126years a much delayed 3rd match is to take place on Saturday 5th September on <a href="http://chess.com">chess.com</a>. The match is open to all ECF members or supporters see link for more details. <a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/online-north-v-south-challenge-2020/">https://www.englishchess.org.uk/online-north-v-south-challenge-2020/</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the tradition of the first two encounters it is hoped that match will be contested over a minimum of 100 boards if possible more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you are interested in playing what will be an historic events register at <a href="https://www.chess.com/club/ecf-south">https://www.chess.com/club/ecf-south</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anthony Fulton</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The South Team Captain</p>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-1093445296656902442020-08-04T23:22:00.008-07:002020-08-06T10:34:57.227-07:00ECF Online Counties Championship - Group Stage Summary<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F7vo8fptEZ1cw5R_AL4qHfJNXYzFbmfwJHyxQYhpg7k_i7l1BadwdztLrD2LZzGjrSS1i5akW508tQAGR3SFEWhWa9riOnt5ZYUCl7Z-cAt0IXxlumAM84mYN3fB716zHeyoxVQH_cg/s323/awesome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F7vo8fptEZ1cw5R_AL4qHfJNXYzFbmfwJHyxQYhpg7k_i7l1BadwdztLrD2LZzGjrSS1i5akW508tQAGR3SFEWhWa9riOnt5ZYUCl7Z-cAt0IXxlumAM84mYN3fB716zHeyoxVQH_cg/s0/awesome.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="arial">The Group Stage of the ECF's new venture is complete and it can be safe to say Mx had the best of it. Due to COVID-19 the National Stage was suspended so the ECF devised an online version by way of compensation. The Competition is to be run in sections Open and u1825 with the top two in each proceeding to a KO phase. If there were sufficient entrants each section would be split into divisions which would thereby create a number of KO sections - 4 for the Open: Open, Major Open, Challengers and Minor; 2 for the u1825: u1825 Championship and u1825 Challengers - as the top four finishers could progress to a National Stage thereby increasing the number of counties/individuals continue to play in the competition. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="arial">Mx were supportive of the new venture as from the off they had decided to participate. Many counties were able to field teams in Open and u1825 but Mx were the only county who could enter 2 teams in the Open. The numbers of Mx players wanting to participate coupled with an inability of other counties to field large teams meant that it was only right that Mx had two teams in Open. Had sufficient interest been expressed by those u150 Mx would have entered two teams in the u1825 also! All told 22 counties enter teams in the Open with 9 able to enter a team in u1825 also. When all things considered Mx are the sole county to have 3 teams participating in the online counties championships with two in the top section! Mx may not exist in a political sense but they certainly do in a sporting one chess included!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="arial">See <a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/60070/ofixtures">here</a> for full details of the competition however a quick summary of how each Mx team performed in the group stage is given <a href="https://www.chess.com/news/view/ecf-online-counties-championship-group-stage-summary">here</a>.</font></div></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-5246450799313362812020-07-30T00:22:00.006-07:002020-07-31T00:50:58.614-07:00ECF Online Competition - National 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs24cDrnIYgv14AfMUJSVgABigu6DJqrkNsAMuq-s0DBmqwISk7IcZ5xe5NsUTo7cfa3YGGO93KukiY10ByTp-yI1Tf5uXkzbuQNQRJ97eWXobAw2UAtDeilQdZW93H13sX0WlKVkIJG4/s120/South.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs24cDrnIYgv14AfMUJSVgABigu6DJqrkNsAMuq-s0DBmqwISk7IcZ5xe5NsUTo7cfa3YGGO93KukiY10ByTp-yI1Tf5uXkzbuQNQRJ97eWXobAw2UAtDeilQdZW93H13sX0WlKVkIJG4/s0/South.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the suspension of OTB chess the ECF has suspended the National Stage of the Counties Championship. This is somewhat disappointing for Middlesex as they have 4 teams waiting to participate as they had successfully negotiated the SCCU competition - Open (SCCU Champions), u180 (Runner-up), u160 (SCCU Champions) and u120 (3rd). Each were expecting to go on to achieve great things in the National Stage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In light of the suspension the ECF devised a new venture the Online Counties Competition in which Middlesex have entered and are doing well. However, despite the competition's success it was noticed that a group of players were poorly catered for the u100. In order to redress the balance a new section has been devised that will run in conjunction with the knock-out stage from 8th August to 22nd August, The <a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-National-100-overview-2.pdf" rel="nofollow">National 100</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In short there are 4 Regional u100 teams who will participate in an All-Play-All format to determine the winner. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For further information read the <a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/online-english-counties-championships-2020/">National 100 on the ECF Online page</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For those interested in competition they should register<a href="https://www.chess.com/club/the-south"> here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alternatively contact one of the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The South Team Captain - <a href="mailto:fulton790@aol.com">Anthony Fulton</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The South Team Vice Captain - <a href="mailto:angelaeyton@aol.com">Angela Eyton</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-33866662869651511812020-07-29T10:44:00.001-07:002020-07-29T10:44:17.938-07:00Middlesex League Suspended<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Middlesex League was suspended with immediate effect in March. The League Secretary circulated a message via ECF LMS to advise of the suspension. The requirements of social distancing and the concerns about viral transmission means that it is unknown when OTB play will resume. An announcement will be made shortly about whether the league season will resume or be terminated and the implications of either decision.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The past few weeks has seen a relaxation of social lockdown and clubs may be thinking of resuming OTB play. If so in accordance with the steer from the <a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/chess-clubs-and-covid-19/">ECF</a> the MCCA would ask clubs to ensure they consider the implications of doing so and at least use the following in order to conduct a risk assessment in to determine whether it is right to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.englishchess.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/OTB-Chess-Risk-Assessment-v4.pdf">ECF Risk Assessment Checklist</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally although OTB play has been suspended this has not prevented Middlesex from playing competitively. They are currently participating in the ECF's new venture the Online Counties Championships. See how the respective teams are doing:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/60305/efixtures">MxA</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/60380/efixtures">MxB</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://ecflms.org.uk/lms/node/60383/efixtures">Mxu1825</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.chess.com/club/ecf-middlesex/news">Match reports</a></div>
Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-2852959782089395862020-07-29T06:43:00.001-07:002020-07-29T06:55:53.312-07:00Middlesex County Chess Association AGM 9th July 2018 Minutes<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Present: Peter
Grant-Ross (PGR)/Kings Head Chess Club; Anthony Fulton (AF) General
Secretary/Open & u180 Match Captain/Willesden & Brent Chess Club; Adam
Raoof (AR) Treasurer; Colin Mackenzie League Secretary/League Grader; Manohran
Dilukshan (MD) u120 Match Captain; Evan Beachley u140 Match Captain; Angela Eyton
(AE) Junior/MCCA SCCU&ECF Representative; John Walton (JW) Athenaeum Chess
Club/Auditor; Nevil Chan (NC) Harrow Chess Club; Michael Bennett (MB) Hendon
Chess Club; Andrew Costelloe (AC) Muswell Hill Chess Club; Surjit Dhemrait (SD)
Harrow Chess Club<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Apologies
for absence – Keith Jones u160 Captain; Hackney Chess Club<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">President
Address – N/A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Award of
trophies <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Middlesex
League D1 – Hendon 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Middlesex
League D2 – Hendon 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Middlesex
League D3 – Hammersmith 2 (No trophy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU
Stevenson Trophy – AF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU Montague
Jones Trophy – AF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU
Amboyna – issued to AF on behalf of Keith Jones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU Harry
Wolverton Trophy – DM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Martin
Blaine Best Performance Cup – Steven Coles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Martin
Blaine 1<sup>st</sup> Team Captain Trophy - AF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Minutes of
2017 approved subject to matters arising<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Matter
arising - None<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Officer’s
Report<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">General
Secretary – AF reported that he had been kept busy due to reviewing
Constitution and League Rules and identifying a number of issues that had to be
addressed to ensure MCCA more organised. AF added that 2018 was a phenomenally
successful year for county teams which eclipsed the 1967 success – see match
captains reports and that it was heartening to see a large turnout for the AGM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Treasurer
– AR reports accounts delayed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Action
Point – AF to circulate once accounts received<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Auditor – n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">League
Secretary – report circulated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">County
Grader – report n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Match
Captains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Open – AF
report distributed prior to meeting no questions raised<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U180 – AF
report distributed prior to meeting no questions raised<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U160 – KJ report
distributed prior to meeting no questions raised<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U140 – EB
informed team finished 4<sup>th</sup> and are still a work in progress; an
opportunity arose to play in National Stage but declined as team comprised of
u120 and did not wish to affect their prospects<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U120 – DM
reported that u120 retained SCCU title and progressed to National Stage final
where lost to Warwickshire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>vi.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U100 DM
reports u100 withdrawn drew to difficulty raising squad therefore team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Individual
– n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Team – n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Correspondence
– n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Junior –
AE1 reported that despite their being money available to promote junior
activity it was poor for 2017-18. Her concern was the help available to her to
run events especially for older juniors as although there are strong juniors in
the county this does not translate to either a junior team or the county teams.
More proactivity required by Association<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Winter’s
trophy – n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ralph
Barnett – n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU
Representative – AE1 reported 2 main issues for Club’s to be aware of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is
action to try and increase participation from counties within SCCU catchment
area, e.g. Berkshire, Buckinghamshire etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">GDPR – see
Constitution<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ECF
Representative – AE1 nothing significant to report<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Constitution
– AF reminded Council there are some areas of the Constitution that have been
neglected e.g. collecting details of club members, fining clubs who fail to
furnish such details. AF also reminded that if clubs wanted to change
Constitution then 2/3<sup>rd</sup>s majority required. AF added that since
introduction of GDPR (May 2018) Association and Clubs will need to ensure GDPR
compliant, he encouraged clubs to review GDPR regulations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">League
Rule Changes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Time
Control – After discussion it was agreed to include an incremental time control
option due to the increase in the use of digital clocks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Electronic
Devices – It was agreed that League rules to be amended to include clause about
electronic devices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Action
Point – AF to ensure League rules updated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">League
Management Software – ECF had introduced new software to manage competitions
namely County Championship. Software free to use for Clubs so MCCA should
consider introducing for 2018-19. This is an issue MCCA had been considering so
opportune that ECF have provided solution rather than the bespoke options that
had been explored to date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Action
Point – CM to follow up<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Election
of Officers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">President
– PGR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Deputy
President - vacant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">General
Secretary – AF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Treasurer
- AR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Auditor –
JW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">League
Secretary – Colin Mackenzie (CM)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">County
Grader – CM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Match
Captains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Open – AF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U180 – AF <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U160 – KJ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U140 –
Evan Beachley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>v.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U120 – DM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -108.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>vi.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">U100 - DM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Individual
– vacant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Team – n/a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Correspondence
– vacant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Junior –
AE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Winter’s
trophy – vacant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ralph
Barnett – vacant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">SCCU Representative
– AE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">p.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ECF
Representative – AE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">q.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Non-Executive
(max. 4) Surjit Dhemrait<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Action
Point – AF to contact clubs who have no presence on MCCA Executive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A.O.B. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
question of whether League rules should be amended to explicitly reference disability
was raised. No further action taken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">County
venue – AF informed that current venue Willesden Working Mens Club is being
refurbished consequently the next cycle will determine whether will be
necessary to find a new venue. Update to be given in 2019 AGM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Date of
2018 AGM provisionally fixed for 8<sup>th</sup> July 2018 – 1<sup>st</sup>
Monday after Finals Day probably 6<sup>th</sup> July 2019 – 1<sup>st</sup>
Saturday in July)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Date of
Fixture Meeting provisionally fixed for 17<sup>th</sup> September 2018 venue
tbc<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Action
Point – AF to contact clubs to confirm current details of executive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Meeting held at Carpenters Arms Marble Arch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Meeting start 7:03pm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Meeting ended 8:45pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US">Matters Arising from 2018 AGM<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">MCCA Accounts – circulated to
clubs on 30<sup>th</sup> July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">League rules updated <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">LMS Software implemented – see
League Secretary report<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Outstanding actions – some
clubs still do not reply to email, namely Hammersmith and West London,
alternative steps to be taken to ensure response from all member clubs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">County venue – it has become
evident that Willesden Working Mens Club will no longer be suitable for
matches, Essex u180 complained about the noise levels. Consequently,
alternative venue being sourced. The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>impact will be that MCCA finances will be affected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anthony Fultonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14386473307116584357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7806619620974474669.post-58395981436329189642018-08-21T04:20:00.003-07:002021-10-31T12:44:59.308-07:00Fixtures Meeting is on Monday 17th of September at The Plough<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dear all,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fixtures Meeting is on Monday 17th of September at The Plough, 27 Museum St, London WC1A 1LH (venue to be confirmed).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PLEASE ENSURE YOUR LEAGUE SUBS ARE PAID BEFORE OR AT THIS MEETING</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TRANSFER FUNDS DIRECTLY TO - Middlesex County Chess Association | Acct Number: 0072 6567 | Sort Code: 12-11-03 - if you pay by this method please email adamraoof@gmail.com to let me know how much you have paid, the date, and which club you have paid for!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please ensure that your club is represented at this meeting.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The composition of the divisions is as follows (to be confirmed at the start of the fixtures meeting) – note Hammersmith are entering a further two teams in division 3 which means that there is an extra promotion to division 2 (Muswell Hill 2):</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Division 1: Athenaeum</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hackney</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hammersmith</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hendon 1</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hendon 2</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kings head 1</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Muswell Hill 1</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Division 2: Albany</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ealing 1</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Harrow 1</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hammersmith 2</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hendon 3</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hendon 4</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Metropolitan</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Muswell Hill 2</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Division 3: Ealing 2</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hammersmith 3</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hammersmith 4</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Harrow 2</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hendon 5</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kings Head 2</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">West London</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Willesden</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Regards</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Colin Mackenzie</span></div></div>Adam Raoofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07463126739488034901noreply@blogger.com