“SWL Season XX - Premier League - Round 1

The girls trained hard for this match against the predators. After the last match, which turned into quite a debacle, leaving us with one player dead, and another 3 missing for the next match, the girls were keen to prove their strength.

The predators apothecary was used to get the reluctant Ursus Spelaeus to take to the pitch. While everyone was distracted, the sneaky orcs (not mine!) slipped in a rogue coin so they could win the toss (well, that's my excuse anyway). Taking to the pitch, we settled in for a long defensive drive.

A deep kick gave us opportunity to push forward, slowing the predators drive significantly. A couple of nice hits on both sides saw dwindling numbers on the pitch, and while the predators were able to slowly move up the pitch, they ran out of re-rolls a little too early. Seeing an opportunity, we crowded in, forcing some risky moves. Although they didn't result in a turnover, they did give us a nice blitz on the ball carrier. In the dying seconds, Lynx rufus found himself barely in range, and was forced to dodge his way to the end-zone. Showing her experience, Loony Tossa took his legs out from under him, and the half ended scoreless.

With 6 orcs in the KO box, the predators were praying to get enough back to field a full team. As it was, they got 4/6 back, leaving the teams even in numbers 10 a side for the second half. Having taken some of their key players off the pitch, we were in fine shape (far better than our last match against them that's for sure).

In no rush, and with little pressure, the girls secured the ball, and started their drive up the pitch. Taking opportunities to surf two players on their way, the girls certainly had the numerical advantage later in the half. It became obvious that the predators plan was to foul out our kicker, and pray for a successful Gobbo TTM. Despite his efforts, though, the best Thylacinus Cynocephalus could manage was a stun. As a result, we ended up being able to make a fairly easy touchdown in turn 16, and still had our kicker on the pitch to prevent the TTM.

Final score: 1-0

------------------- Twahnlow Votes -------------------
3 pts - #12 Lynx rufus
A critical player in the predators lineup. Lynx did a fine job of carrying the ball up the field in the first half. Let down a little by the blitzers ability to clear a path for him, he had to go for glory in the final turn, and was a little bit unlucky not to make it.

2 pts - #4 Ursus Spelaeus
Having a black orc with guard was crucial in the predators offence. Without him, they may well have been left with a much weaker cage, which may well have resulted in a turnover. I was well and truly glad when he finally left the pitch.

1 pt - Sarcophilus Harrisii
A handy casualty early in the match gave the predators numerical advantage for a short time ... unfortunately for them, it seemed most of his team had left their armour home. On a worse note, he did manage to get himself in the second half, opening the way for us to stall it out. Sarcophilus was one of our prime targets for the match, but it took us a long time to get a decent shot at him.”