“The atmosphere was electric as Regional newcomers, the Red Star Strikers, stepped onto the park for their first game as part of the SWL. The pre-season had been unkind to the Strikers, nicknamed the "Big Red Machine" by their fans, losing 2 players to death and another 3 to injury during their Trial of Blood. Many regarded it as an achievement for this team to even be on the park.

The Strikers donned their red armour, emblazoned with the Hammer and Sickle, to take on one of last season's Reginal teams, the Amazonian Parthenian Sisterhood. Though outmatched on paper, Ho Chi Minh sought to even the odds by smuggling some knuckledusters onto the pitch.

The Strikers won the toss and received, with Klaus Fuchs running the ball. The Communists received a boost early when Karl Marx managed to Badly Hurt Ktesippe, giving them a temporary numbers advantage. Protected by his teammates, Klaus Fuchs was able to maintain possesion despite a late scare and ran in the touchdown just before the half. Meanwhile, his teammates had gotten on top physically, reducing the numbers of the opposition to nine at the beginning of the second half. The Strikers were unscathed, despite an ugly incident after some Sisterhood fans had 'persuaded' the referee to look the other way whilst Thraso put the boot in to Marx.

The Sisterhood received in the second half, with the thrower Toxaris happy to hold the ball back in her own half whilst her teammates jostled for position. A mistake by Deng Xiaoping allowed Athar to make a run, though it was eventually Xena who got onto the end of a good pass. Lavrenti Beria managed to smash Xena and pick up the loose ball, and the Strikers fans though they were home. A nice blitz by Athena, however, kncoked the ball into the hands of Alkidike and the Sisterhood ahd a shot to tie. Beria again rose to the challenge, saving the match with a nice hit. Fuchs picked the ball up and the Strikers were safe, even managing to attempt a passing touchdown, though the icing on the cake was too much to ask for. In the end the Strikers managed to grind out the 1-0 victory, despite the Sisterhood creating some dangerous chances in the second half. Beria was the hero, denying the Sisterhood on two occasions.

Twahnlow Votes
3 - Alkidike

The Blitzer was the most dangerous of the Sisterhood Blitzers, and rose to the challenge in the second half as Aedon was unconscious.

2 - Aete

This Blizter was important for the Sisterhood, as he provided valuable assistance when blocking and had the Strikers looking over their shoulders. He was targeted at the start of the game but responded with a good effort.

1 - Athena

A trio of Blitzers to round out the votes. Athena was good all day and constantly looked to create chances.
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