“Lustrian Challenge:

A really amazing game. We had 2 good plays - and that was enough to carry our team. The matchup was a poor one for us. 2 ogres were block/tackle...so we knew we were going to get hurt. But it was the block/pass/sure hands ogre that really frightened us. Without stripball being able to work, a -2d block only has a 11% chance of working to drop such a monster...and with so much guard, it is hard to even generate -2d blocks. That aside, we needed some good luck to win, and we got just enough.

We choose to kickoff first and it was a good call, as the ogres did not have any flankers - everyone except their sure handed ogre crowded the LOS and when we got the blitz, we were able to leap and run around the sides to grab the ball. We managed to score to take a 1-0 lead. Stopping the ogres was nearly impossible as both of our catchers started turns (T3 and T6) by rolling double 1s in dodge attempts - one of them seriously injured by the failed dodge. We set up the defense and forced the ogres to make several rolls on T8, but they made them - handing off to a goblin who scampered in to score the TD.

We were not done however, as we carefully had saved a RR all half so that we could attempt a 1 turn TD. It was set up, but then the Ogres got perfect defense. We had to do a -2d block, push or pow...if the Ogre coach picked POW, then no chance to one turn...but picked the Push...and so then we had a 2d block - just needing a push and then 2d block needing push or pow and we had the ball in striking distance. Sadly, the first 2d block failed - and RR failed, so half ended 1-1.

In the second half, we started with the ball, but at this point were short several players - however, we figured we needed to score fairly quickly then play desperate defense...yet again, double 1s and the ball was loose. The ogres played well - partially freeing up the ball, and making the 5+ pickup to snatch it away. Game looked over at that point...only a few elves and the ogres could cage up and wait out the half. -2d block after -2d block was attempted...RRs poured away in desperate attempt to jar free the ball...our best player was badly hurt on a foul by the goblin dp - leaving only 5 elves on the field...however, on T14, out of RRs, another desperate blitz paid off with a double POW and the ball was free...the stunned ogres watched helplessly as Alric Longbow picked up the ball and tossed it upfield to the racing Dale Foulwind...the score made it 2-1 and a deep kick prevented any TTM chances by the Ogres.

A good game that was well played, there was not much we could do, but we stayed close and aggressive until we got our break and then as elves can do - we made the most of it.

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Handicaps were Buzzing and Extra Training.
Hard to really say who had the better dice/luck this game. We clearly had lower dice overall - with lots of double 1s. In addition, our only CAS that we inflicted was on T1 and lost due to game crashing for McMagnus. This was a huge break for the Ogres as the goblin was their only dp - fouling out my best player and scoring their only TD. On the other hand, we had a blitz to start the game...the only time we had 11 players on the field, so we could take full advantage and that gave us the 1-0 lead to start with. In addition to the blitz, we had only 1 -2d block that worked all game (resulting in knockdown), but the ball bounced well for us there. In addition, the ogres did not do as much damage as expected. A lot of KOs (who mostly returned) allowed us to have enough players to take advantage of the good dice late. Overall, it was a close and fun game. Thanks!”