“Round 6 found Carlton United recovering nicely from what had been a shocking start to the season. Nestled securely at the bottom of the eight, 2 wins from 5 matches was still a record that needed some improvement and feelings in the United camp were that this match was one that had to be won...

It had been raining solidly over the days leading up to the match and there looked to be no end in sight, with dirty clouds stretching from one horizon to the other. Mr. Swan had prepared his boys as best he could for what was looking to be a very wet and slippery game, one which would not favour the United style of play. The only saving grace was that the Elven grace too would be suffering under the conditions.

Kick off. United had won the toss and elected to recieve. The rain was pelting down unmercifully and many of the stands were disappointingly empty but those hard and loyal few who had made the trip filled the air with enthusiastic screams as the whistle was blown.

The ball sailed wide into United's right wing and it is here that their first attack was mounted. Rookie thrower, Dave Vigil, scooped up the slippery bladder and cooly tossed it to Nigglefish who proceeded to race down the flank, supported by the graceful Lau. Run down and forced to the sidelines by a couple of elven backmen, Chucky appeared to be in trouble. The field was well spread, most players being locked down in individual matchups and Chucky was on his own. His two opponents quickly became three as the nimble Elf Lineman, Salonasail, dashed over and knocked the slight Catcher into the stands (one of the many empty sections, thankfully, with no injury resulting). The ball scattered, also, amongst the empty seats and, picked up by an otherwise unoccupied Hotdog Boy, was thrown to the opposite flank; a flank that was heavily occupied by Elves. A quick dash, a pass, and a catch and the Elven Catcher Michael was over the line. 1-0 Guards.

Defiantly optimistic, despite the early signs, United once again set up to receive. Star Blitzer and Team Captain, Duke Snakefield, decided to take charge and quickly stormed the Elven lines, breaking through and making a dash into space. Confused by his unorthodox play though, Vigil was caught in two minds as he attempted a handoff to Nigglefish and ended by having the ball slip from between hid fingers. The crowd groaned in dismay. It was looking as though the rain would prove too much for the young Human side.

The Elves surged forward, sensing the that confusion was working it's insidious way through their opponents ranks, Michael leaping upon the slick ball just to have it slide out from under him. The Carltons boys getting men back to resume control, Edward Birk leading the pack with a KO blow to would be hero Michael. The ball was saturated and nobody could lays clean hands upon it but it eventually ended up once more with Vigil.

A few boots had slipped into prone Elves during the scuffle, unbenownst to the Ref but quite beknownst to some of their comrades who, incensed by these actions, decided to lay a few wet boots around themselves. Not well trained in such action, the hapless Fominail was quickly spotted about his work and summarily sent off. The Elf numbers were starting to dwindle and United could begin to imagine a silver lining in those dark clouds...

Vigil raced forward, throwing it with newfound confidence to the waiting hands of the United captain. Dodging away from his sole opponent, he exploded across the line in a shower of mud. Halfway through the first half, and the scores were tied.

Royal were eager to get things back on track as they received for the first time. Leaping into the United line with great fervour, they came undone once more by the weather as Dragon Warrior Rothandal failed to grab hold of the ball, watching it spin through his fingers and into those of, once again, Dave 'Rhythm' Vigil. The rookie thrower was making quite an impact.

Scuffles developed along the lines, seeing another Elf knocked cold as, at another point, Gordon Lau blitzed his way clear. Vigil stepped forward to attempt a pass, though it would be a long one, but stumbled at the last, the ball ending in the hands of Chucky in the backline. Sensing that Lau was the danger man, the Elves rushed back but, as it turned out, did not send sufficient numbers to control the mighty 'Flash'. Elbowing the foolish Elves aside he waited for the handoff from Chucky who, running to join him, slipped and deposited the slimey ball at the feet of the fray. Too late for any score, the was only remaining time to KO the United Captain before the whistle was blown. Half time. Scores level.

The Elves began their assault as the second half started with the flavour of the day; a fumbled throw to one of their catchers left the ball sitting on the grass. A huge packed formed in the centre. Lion Warrior Michael ended up with the ball and raced away, eager to add to his tally. Too eager by far for Edward Birk, who ran him down, delivering it into the hands of 'Skullface' Gibson, Carlton's Star Thrower.

Elves were once again starting to fall before United fists as the ball was passed to Gordon. He struggled forward, supported by his fellows, at one stage losing the ball in a frantic tussle but regaining it and soldiering on. His trademark Agility was little use in these conditions. Grim determination would prevail in the end. 2-1 Carlton.

With little time remaining to equalise, Guard were just as quick to leap into the attack as they had been in the first half. Forming a united front, they surged forward as their Thrower ran back to collect the ball. Their eagerness would be their undoing though, as Lau and Birk blitzed the stranded Elf. Guard were overcommited and few could get back to assist. Carlton numbers built quickly around the ball and it was little effort for Lau to see his second across the line.

Carlton would win 3-1 in the rain. Now if they could just string another win together, they'd be in a strong position from which to assualt the league leaders...

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Great game Iolo. Hope you remember it. Sorry it took me so long to write up a Report for it though... made up for it with a lengthy tale!”