Essex came away empty handed from their double header against Surrey at Cheam on 7 December 2024.
The Essex U2050 team lost narrowly 8½-7½ in a closely fought match. Scores were level with a handful of games still in play, Surrey edging the verdict on the run-in. Essex’ four wins came from Edgar Wilson, Robert Stern, Peter Jaszkiwskyj and Neville Twitchell.
This leaves the U2050 team in an unaccustomed position, bottom of the table, having lost all three of their first-cycle fixtures, despite holding a rating advantage in all three matches. The Essex fight back begins with the return fixture against Surrey, at Wanstead on 25 January.
It would be unkind to remark that Essex U1650 have also lost all their matches, this being their first fixture of the season. Here, Surrey won by a three point margin at 9½-6½. Five Essex winners: Grace Wilde, Puzant Merdinian Jr, Ken Jardine, Byon Meyer and David Smith.
The U1650 section is a five team section, playing a single round. While this was Essex’ first fixture, Herts have already played three and Surrey, Middx and Kent two each, so all still to play for. Next up for Essex, at Home v Herts on 25 January.
Previous matches
U2050: 5 Oct – Essex 6½-9½ Kent; 16 Nov – Middx 8½-7½ Essex;
U1850: 12 Oct – Essex 9-7 Surrey; 26 Oct – Middx 8-8 Essex; 30 Nov – Kent 11½-4½ Essex;
U1450: 12 Oct – Essex 10-2 Surrey; 26 Oct – Middx 6-6 Essex; 30 Nov – Kent 6½-5½ Essex.
Links: Essex U2050 | Essex U1850 | Essex U1650 | Essex U1450 | SCCU on ECF LMS