Peggy Bayer 2023 - Round 2 Scotland vs Northern Ireland

Last night I stayed up late (for me) watching Scotland against the EBU Juniors in the U25 event. They make every board exciting and I really enjoyed Michael Byrne's live commentary.

On the first board Scotland made 3NT redoubled with a couple of overtricks then gave it back with a massive penalty on 5♣, "on a part-score hand" someone in the audience said. "Not in this match," said Michael, "both tables are at the five level." A few 6NT= later and Scotland won the match, to leave them top of the U25 table after two matches played and two wins. Just like the Six Nations though they have many tough matches to come.

Here is a hand Scotland gained on:

After North (Adam Tobias) made the dubious decision to open South (John Russell) was never stopping so Scotland U25 had no trouble getting to slam. As Michael Byrne, said "At some point in this auction South is just going to punt 6NT". Everything went nicely for 12 tricks

Today in the U21 event my team are playing Northern Ireland first, then England. I presume my team will be well rested as so far I've been up for breakfast on my own for an hour.

Update: we were expected to beat Northern Ireland, and indeed after four boards were about 20 IMPs ahead. But then it went even, and I was starting to worry. Luckily, we gained big on the last board for a good win overall:

After a 1NT opening from North, and a Stayman auction Kevin arrived in 3NT. He got a friendly low Spade lead. Later West lead a low Diamond and Kevin gussed Hearts right for three tricks there, and an impressive 11 tricks overall. 3NT went down elsewhere, including crucially when Al and Jamie were defending. Well played guys.

In the other match this morning England were run surprisingly close against Ireland (also clinching it on the last board), so after two rounds Scotland are narrowly ahead. Next our big challenge - the precocious England Juniors!