“The newly retired Saladin led his team of warhorses into their first game of the Hardupp Cup brimming with conficence - after all, they had just picked up a hot young throwing prospect in Alexander, something the Hounds have never had before. Sure, they were missing two linemen for the game, and their most experienced player retired, but they could still field a full side. Plus, they were playing a bunch of women. How hard could that possibly be?

After two casualties and two KOs in the first quarter, they had their answer. Before the first half was out, they had managed to regroup and take advantage of Amazon miscues, but being able to field eight or fewer players for most of the game made the final result never in serious doubt.

Montgomery was mockingly given the team MVP for quickly claiming an injury and running to the dugout, staying put for almost the entire game, and the hot young prospect has found that a crushed hand will do nothing for his future.

All told, the Hounds were lucky to get out of this one only down by a single point, and Saladin will have to sharpen his troops if they are to advance to the second round. To do that, he'll have to remind them that there are no teams to take lightly in this brutal sport.

Next up, a team of halflings - Did someone just laugh?”