“An excellent match in the first round of the Orca Cola Cup Series Antipodal Regional Shield tourney.

This was an exceptionally tough game. I received to start but faced a Perfect Defense anchored by SF Fleshies and a ST4 Guarding beast of a zombie. I was able to deal with the defense through some improvisation and some luck. I busted through in turn 2 but an early failed roll left no RR to use to get a full cage downfield. I did my best to shield most of the necros figuring I could scoop up the ball and recover quickly from the hit I couldn t prevent on the ballcarrier. I got lucky and luca s 2D block (with RR) could only muster a push and I was able to walk into the end zone.

On defense I pressured the ball as best I could and slowly gave ground. With some dodges and other elf chicanery I managed a ball pop but could not gather up the ball as some undead fans tossed the ball into a pack of necros.

Luca scooped up the ball and scampered toward the endline. I needed one 2+ dodge to get an assist for a 2D block on the ball carrying ghoul (with block) but rolled the 1... justice for the pushes that helped my drive. 1-1 game at halftime.

Luckily for me I managed to KO both Wights (including 1 crowd surf) and they couldn t be bothered to return for the second half. Those extra zombies on the field helped a lot in the second period.

I kicked and immediately started a high pressure defense. The Climax had a ton of AG2 and MA4 on the field and I was able to make my way to the ball (with some risky dodging thru TZs) and pop the ball.

We both clambored for the ball for several turns but in the long run the AG4 of the elves paid off and gave me a lot more flexibility. Finally on turn 6 a loose ball bounced to Renalda, my AG3 catcher, and the Catch skill paid off. OnTurn 7 a couple of 3+ dodges and I was in for the winning TD (validating my decision not sack Renalda who aged on both of his first two advances... ouch).

In any case, a very tight and intense match. Good game, lucawf!
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