It is unfortunate, IMHO, that the early rounds weren't arranged in the way I suggested. I believe that the management/control team were worried about a team defaulting and messing up an all-play-all.Mick Norris wrote:So, is the conclusion that the Irish players are better than their ratings would suggest?
Look forward to hearing Neil's impressions of his first experience of Div 3 N
Ashfield-Breadsall 1 had a very easy victory on Saturday and should have won 6-0; a couple of fingerslips meant we conceded two draws. The team was weaker on Sunday but our top three boards held Gonzaga who won Boards 4-6. I think that result gives hope to other teams that the Irish champions are not invincible. The Manx team looks exceptionally strong at the top (1 GM & 2 IMs) but will need to bring in their stronger Boards 4-6.
A-B 2 achieved a good draw on Saturday; we will draw a veil over our performance on Sunday. My own hugely disappointing first half of the season continued - no wins (and hardly any draws) in eight games.
The venue was fine, easily reached up the M1 from our base in Nottingham/Derby.