“"Eww! Rats!" That's not what you'll hear these ladies say.

A dead on even TV match up:speed and agility versus strength and sass. This one had all of the marking of a good game. I knew the major factor to stopping these rats would be making them make rolls. They only had two rerolls, and they they were a more agile time, all rolls must be ones at some point. So, with the plan set in out minds, here is how the match played out.

We kicked off to the skaven team, and as a 'thank you' on of their fans threw a rock at Karen, one of our blitzers. The rats came rushing in, so we marked the gutter runner deep in our side of the pitch and set up a net to contain any more rats from making it downfield. The skaven thrower decided to dash through a hole that their blitzer had opened up, and throw the ball to that doubly-covered gutter runner, who easily caught the pass, dodged away, and ran in the touchdown. This was the end of their second turn. If these girls didn't start playing some D, this game would be over quickly.

Play 10 on 11, we adopted a more aggressive stance, knocking down some rats as the ball came to rest perfectly in our endzone. After setting up for a play, Maureen collected the ball and made an easy pass attempt. "Attempt", because she ended up throwing the ball backwards, and almost off of the pitch. The rats crept forward, ever so slightly, waiting to see what these girls would do. What we would "do" is drop the ball again. Although this time, Maureen completed the pass, and it was Julie who dropped it. Nice ball handling, Julie. The rats wasted no time this time. They knocked Amanda out, and set up for an easy touchdown with two of their gutter runners. But as one of the gutter runners went to collect the ball before passing it to his whiskered friend, the strangest thing happened: The rat dropped the ball. Unfortunately, it was still too close to the main body of the skaven team, and far too close to our endzone. It was time to make something really happen. Julie toppled the gutter runner with a mean block, as Maureen collect the ball and passed it off to Michelle, waiting at midfield. Michelle and the rest of the girls made their way further downfield, leveling some more rats in the process. But the skaven team fought back, surrounding the pack of wild women. This started a complex several turn brawl, complete with multi-pushes and knock outs, and a lot of lucky block dice for myself, all before Michelle could take two more steps and cross the goal line. The chances of a one turn touchdown were dashed by a good/bad kick to just past the line of scrimmage, but on the other side of the field from the gutter runners, and by the ladies rolling 'Perfect Defense." So, to end the half, Becky Slater decided to break the jaw of one of their gutter runners, lessening their threat to us for the rest of the match. Amber followed suite, and knocked another runner out. End of first half, game tied at 1.

Second half, the ball coming to us, playing 10 on 8. Things were looking positive. That's when Maureen fumbled the pick-up. The rats knew what to do, but due to being out numbered, they had no way of swarming the loose ball. Maureen recovered her fumble and handed the ball off to Becky Slater, who progressed downfield, flanked by Karen and Amber. Meanwhile, back at center field, the rest of the team was making an attempt to contain the skavens, as Michelle followed up her touchdown with a crippling block against the skaven blitzer. After a few more blocks, Becky S. ran in for the go ahead touchdown. But, leading 2-1, kicking off to a skaven team with five turns to tie up the game is not where you want to be. We needed a new plan, and quickly.

We still out numbered the skavens 10 to 8, but they had the ball and two of their three gutter runners were in scoring position should the ball make it into their hands. But, the one thing the skaven thrower did not realize was that while he was in position to make a crucial pass the next turn, he had ventured far enough to be on the receiving end of a blitz from Amber, removing him for the rest of the match. Amber collected the fumble she had caused on her way towards the endzone, as we smashed a few more rats. There was a freak accidental death of a gutter runner due to a block thrown by the line(wo)man journey(wo)man, but the skaven apothecary thankfully prevented the fatality. A linerat attempted the hero blitz to stop Amber, but cam up with a lone skull, just as Amber scored the third touchdown, putting a tie all but out of reach.

Back to full strength, playing against seven rats, the crowd took out their frustrations over loosing by storming the field. Fortunately, they ended up injuring more of their skaven bretherin than the girls. As the rats made there last press forward, the girls stopped them cold. But, as the ball lay there awaiting a chance at a fourth touchdown for the ladies, something happened: the skaven team found their stride. A covered pick-up, followed by a heavily covered reception, three dodge rolls, and two GFI's, the gutter runner was at the goal line. We raced forward with a blitz, but all we could get was a push towards the crowd(should have selected "Both Down"), as Margaret killed herself tripping over her own feet trying to get a hand on that rat. 11th hour Apothecary saved the day there, but could not prevent the final dodge and touchdown. Game over, 3-2, us. Strangely enough, Amanda was voted match MVP, in spite of the fact that she spent most of the match asleep in the dugout. Go figure.

This game was great, though a little violent. Sorry about that, these girls get so worked up sometimes. Coach Pentalarc can truly demonstrate how dangerous a skaven team may be, even when greatly outnumbered. Great job, and I look forward to meeting your team again.”