“GLT qualifier finals:

Pregame: We suffered from virus (lost ST 4 block lineman) and doom and gloom (only 2 RRs for first half). However, undead lost stripball/tackle/pro wight to niggle as well.

First half(undead receive): The first turn decided the half really - a KO by the undead on a block, then a weak foul, but they recovered and protected the ball. On our turn, our first move was to do a 2d block - double skull...waste RR...double skull...KO. To add insult to injury here, the KO would fail every KO roll for the rest of the game including overtime. With only 1 RR and already down on players, we decided not to foul back and instead just started to dodge away, figuring to save the last RR for a shot at the ball or for a 1 turn attempt. Very little of interest for most of the half then as we refused to give up many (if any blocks) - just the blitz each turn. We did fail a dodge on turn 6 for another KO.

-Key moment of first half: On turn 7, we took our shot, a 2+ dodge to be free, then a 5+ dodge into the cage and a 1d block with stripball (essentially 3+ roll) all worked to perfection and the ball was loose and we did not even need to use our RR...we made another block and now the ball popped free - not in a single tackle zone! All that was needed was a 2+ dodge (with dodge RR), then 2+ pickup (with team RR still), then 2+ handoff to catcher (with catch RR), and we were assured of the T8 score and the 1-0 lead. Instead, it was snakes on the dodge...and back to the undead. After a few blocks that KO'ed our dragon warrier and BH'ed our ST 4 catcher (used apoth), they only needed a 2+ pickup, 2+ throw, 3+ catch to score with a team RR in reserve...but they failed pickup, used RR, then failed throw. Certainly both sides had chances at very high probability scores - but both teams choked in the clutch.

End of first half: 0-0

Second half: KO Rolls were very bad (0 for 4 for us). The undead of course had not suffered any KOs or CAS in the first half. The second half started bad as their non-MB wight took out our ST 4 catcher again (niggle this time). We did manage our first KO of an undead player, but it was on a foul and our player was ejected as well (the ghoul would quickly return).

Key moment #1 of second half: Sorely pressed, we had backed up and were hoping to spread out the undead and run/pass around them. However, their AG 5 ghoul took a shot and was rewarded. A dodge away from diving tackle (3+), then two more dodges and 2 gfis to get a 1d block (without tackle) against our dodger...it worked for a POW and the ghoul grabbed the ball. The ghoul was unsupported however, and we had 4 dice by our tackler on him...but all pushes and the ghoul then dodged away for the score.

Turn 4 of second half: 1-0 favoring undead

Second half continues: KO rolls were better this time (2 for 4), but we were in trouble for sure at this point. We had to try an iffy shot at a TD on turn 6, the rain made it harder (2+, 2+, 3+ with no RR left due to earlier failed dodge) - not the best odds and indeed we failed. However, we were saved when the AG 5 ghoul snaked his dodge - else the ball would be marked or worse. With the failed dodge we had a big opening and a few rolls (the nerve wrenching was the 3+ with catch RR due to the weather) were made and we scored. 1 of 3 KOs returned for the T8 kickoff, and the undead fail to do a 1 turner partially due to pitch invasion - although in the rain...not easy...and the undead do KO two more elves on the last turn of regulation.

End of regulation: 1-1

Overtime begins (elves receive): Even though we were receiving the ball - KO rolls again were harsh (0 for 4 again), so it was 7 vs 11 as the only player even put off the pitch for the undead had already returned. However, here is where the luck truly turned. In rapid succession, we got some breaks - turn 1, we KOed a skeleton on the LOS, turn 2, we BHed a tackle blodger ghoul, and turn 3 was the turning point as we KOed the AG 5 monster ghoul. With those three off the pitch, suddenly the undead were left with only a ST 4 wight and an unskilled ghoul that has MA of greater than 4. Even with few numbers, our remaining elves dodged and ran around until we could score - it was not a sure thing - but we got the last turn score for the win.

Final score: 2-1

Overall, both sides had a great ball-stealing play. We made the 5+ dodge and rolls in the first half to knock the ball loose; while the AG 5 ghoul make the 5+ block and various dodges to knock the ball loose in the second half. Both sides had a lot of snakes - many at really critical times. Our snaked dodge on T7 of first half prevented us from getting a 1-0 lead. The snaked dodge by the undead on T15 prevented them from (most likely) winning 1-0. While the undead were certainly not getting as many armor breaks as maybe expected, the 3 for 19 on our KO rolls made it seems like they were getting a lot and we played short handed for most of the game.

Thanks for the game!”