“As seems to be the way with my matches against the big Chaos teams, it just didn't happen and my plan fell apart quickly. The valuable money spent on giving Tanilev illegal drugs (a decision that coach Harvestmouse didn't make easily or without guilt) paid off, but alas not well enough.

I really needed good dodging for this match, and I didn't get it. However there were glimpses of sunlight through the dark clouds. The early dismal of the big hitter William Pettingell (caught between the eyes with a Tanilev spike) and the chaos's attempt to pin down the nimble Nuriev prooving troublesome let the depleted and worn down Stallions get to half time 0-0.

Unfortunately for the second few of the kos could be mustered, the chaos hit machine really did hit hard, and things looked bleak. Then an opportunity appeared. An outrageously difficult blitz but this was no ordinary blitzer, Nuriev Dodge and dived and drove for the ball carrier, and downed him with force, before artifully turning and catching the ball. Looking up Tanilev was free. The chaos of course moved in hitting Nuriev, at first he stood but a 2nd hit downed him and the ball..........was caught by the team thrower Torminlev. He dodged free and threw the ball towards the waiting blitzer who could have broken free. However it wasn't to be, close but the cigar belonged to chaos.

My turn 7 lost the reroll early, I risked all by dodging my remaining players out rather than just standing them up (I win was needed) and one fell. Theo Kelly, skilly broke free anyway, and would have even with one dice and rolled over the line for a hard fought win.

Well done OB, good luck with your title aspirations.

Twahnlows:

3pts #10 Theo kelly - Very cool with no rerolls to spare and did what was needed to secure the game win and the ball at the end of the first.
2pts #14 Richard Randall - The nominated killer of the day. With William unconscious he stepped forward to do the damage.
1pt #13 Donal Hibberd - controlled the centre pretty well, and chose him over Symons due to Symons slip towards the end of the first.

*POST MATCH*

It was all Harvestmouse could do not to drop to his knees, but he had a job to do.

He rushed onto the pitch as fast as he could, it was critical he got there quick, he owed them that. Neilsson was still standing over the downed Chaos Warrior shouting in his face and Boris was on the floor..........he had to get to him before those those......monsters did.

Mouse's eyes connected with Tanilev, his muscles visably straining with drugs administered to him before the game, Tanilev understood imediately, swiftly scooped up his fallen captain, and headed towards the Stallions dugout, Nuriev was lifeless on his shoulder. Behind him the ogre picked up the unconscious freebooter, Neilsson was pulled from his taunting and the team headed towards the lockerroom.

Harvestmouse was last to get back, and was met at the door by head coach Samul Thorstenitz, the ex catcher star. "How is he?" Asked Mouse. "He's awake and fine" replied Thorstenitz.
"And and Stan, how is he?"
"You'll need to speak to the Doc about Stan, I'm I'm not sure........"

Mouse hurried past and headed to the table in the other room. They were all there, Stan being treated by the Doc, Vaniel and Boris, standing. Harvestmouse felt a the weight ease from his shoulders, they were all there and all alive. "How is he Doc?" "Not great Mouse, not great, but he'll be fine in a few weeks" The Doctor grinned "Illiev is a tough one".
"Can I have sometime with them? We have to talk".
"5 minutes mouse, I'll start on Klimov".

The doctor closed the door as he left, and it was just the 5 of them again, Harvestmouse, Boris Nuriev, Vaniel Tanilev, headcoach Samul Thorstenitz and the barely conscious Stan Iliev. Just like old times, but this time was different.

The 5 of them had been through a lot together. Harvestmouse was the first to speak "It's time".
"Aye" agreed Tanilev "We came so close".
Harvestmouse put a hand on Illiev's shoulder "you can retire this time Stan, it's over now". Stan looked away, he couldn't bare to look like the weak one.
"WHY?"
They all looked round, for the first time ever, Boris had lost his composure.
"Why does it have to finish here?" He reiterated.
"We agreed Boris" Mouse said placatingly, "We agreed when Valiminski died we'd give it one more go, our best shot, then call it a day. I owed you guys that, now I owe you your lives, and I plan to see that promise through".
"This isn't over, we can still win it." Said a determined Nuriev through gritted teeth.
Harvestmouse spread his hands "It's finished, its' out of my control, we agreed, I've accepted a new contract in the North, it's over Boris."
Tears started to fill in the captain's eyes "I can't give this up Harvestmouse, please PLEASE give us one more chance, just one more! Thats all I ask". He looked at the others one by one "What do the rest of you say?"
"I'll stay with the team whatever" Stated Thorstenitz quickly.
"I'd be willing to give it another season" Said Tanilev hopefully "I never wanted to retire".
"I don't want to retire either" came a weak voice from the table "I'm back in for another season".

Harvestmouse couldn't believe his ears, what were they thinking! They'd earnt a king's ransom between them and could retire with good health. Why on earth would they want this!

Boris's usual confidence and smile were returning. "Well mouse, the balls in your court, why would give up this chance? What do you say?"

Harvestmouse was stunned "I.........I"

As one they turned their heads to the door, the doctor had returned "5 minutes are up, I need to treat Stan".
”