“United were quietly confident coming into this game, after their convincing win over the Sinners last week. The fans too, though far from quiet (chanting the Carlton song for the entire first half) seemed equally confident. "Perhaps", thought Mr. Swan as he led his men onto the field, "we are all a bit too confident..."

The toss was won by the Dwarves, who elected to receive in the first. United kicked the ball and flooded around the wings of their slower opponents, soon flocking to the ball carrier deep in his own defensive half in what seems to be fast becoming a trademark move. Things were looking good and the crowd were loving it.
United had stretched themselves thin in their effort to reach the ball however, and a long pass gave the dwarven Blitzer, Bofur, and opportunity to run for the zone. Bofur's stumpy little legs were not able to carry him clear of danger and he was soon set upon by 3 United players, tackled right on the line. Surrounded by opponents and with no help at hand, the formidable Bofur was forced to back himself. Pushing the humans aside, he dodged amidst their pack and somehow plucked the ball from amongst them. Touchdown! The dwarves had taken the lead.

Undaunted by this early setback, the Carlton players set to work at using their speed to its best advantage, blitzing their way in a loose pack down the wing. Meeting with fierce resistance, they were forced into a scrap with the dwarves, but eventually won through with the ever reliable Duke Snakefield nimbly Blitzing his way to the ball before dodging away and scoring, levelling the game once more.

Something of the United magic seemed missing in the game though. Something seemed lacking in their game... The teams remained level as they headed for the rooms at half time.

The players returned after the interval and the second half began. The Anvils looked to have been drinking quite heavily in the break and several of them decided to empty their bladders on their 'turf' before the game got underway. This horrible display was too much for the United fans who, as one body, streamed onto the field to teach these dirty creatures some manners.

Taking full advantage of the ensuing chaos, Carlton made their move and soldiered their way down the weakened dwarf flank. Fierce resistance was again met though, and they were once more drawn into a standup fight with the Anvils. The, at times, extremely fierce and tense battle lasted most of the remaining half, with play switching from one team to the other and back again a number of times, no side gaining any great advantage over the other.

The dwarf Runner, Dwalin, instigated a turn in fortunes with an awesomely aggressive block on the ball carrier, ending the recipient's game and snatching the ball from his cringing hands. Though summarily taken down himself, Dwalin did force Joe Hurler, who now had possession, very close to the sideline and when he, in turn, was taken down, the ball was knocked into the crowd, then to be thrown the width of the field to the opposite wing. United were left horribly exposed by this transfer of play and, though putting up valiant opposition, were not able to stop Adelaide from scoring the winner.

The game ended, 2-1. The Anvils move to second on the ladder and United are left to lick their many wounds.

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Thanks for the game Renni. You deserved that win. Glad to see the Dwarves up at the top where they belong!”