“Once again, the Ratz came into the match with only a 9 man squad. Given 13 healthy players on the Leafvale squad, many had counted the Ratz out before the game even started. But pre-game overconfidence led to a breakdown in fundamental ball handling by the Wanderers, early in the match. Lineman Umdir Gilroch had trouble fielding the ball, and then quickly dropped it shortly after gaining possession. He re-recovered, only to be knocked down by Gutter Runner Gangrechank. The ball was soon recovered by Lineman Solon Terra, but he was tripped up by the combined efforts of Gutter Runner Trashyard and Storm Vermin Scuppers. Trashyard recovered and ran the ball in to put the Ratz up 1-0.

The Wanderer’s second offensive attempt began much like the first, with Gilroch again bobbling the ball. He did recover, and managed to advance the ball to Lineman Erfaron Volta, who ran mid-way into Ratz territory. A mini-cage of Wanderers soon formed around him. But the cage was soon swarmed by Ratz and could not advance as the clock closed on the first half.

On the opening drive of the second half, Scuppers blitzed a hole in the defensive line, and all three Gutter Runners poured through. Thrower Blackwater recovered the ball and connected with Gangrechank, who dodged passed Catcher Tinnuroch Bronard and put the Ratz up 2-0.

As the teams prepared for the next kickoff, a curious event occurred. Elated at their good fortune thus far, the Ratz faithful stormed the field. The Wanderer fans, presumable too stunned in disbelief, did not appreciably join in the melee. By the time the crowd was back under control, five Wanderers lay prone, and not a single Rat had been scathed. And yet, this event shook the Wanderers’ loose of their cockiness. They began to hit their stride, and no longer committed rookie mistakes. Linemen Colben Legrist recoverd the ball and flicked it back Lineman Thiad Amarthel. He then advanced it to Wardancer Pephannas Avia. The Ratz tried to mount a defense, but were unable to tackle the dodgy Wanderers as Avia then advanced the ball to Bronard, who ran it in to put Leafvale on the board at 2-1.

The Wanderers blitzed on the ensuing kickoff, but Bronard slipped up trying to get under the high kick. Again, the Ratz opened a hole in the defensive line (this time courtesy Storm Vermin Bilgewaste) and the trio of Gutter Runners ran through as Blackwater got set to pass. However, the outcome would be dramatically different than in the opening drive of the half. The Wanderers were able to put pressure on Blackwater, who ended up throwing an interception. The ball was picked by Lineman Balrant Gollor. When asked after the match, Blackwater said, “Avia-Dance-Dance-Boy-Thing got in me grill and me think got piece-o-ball. Ball go off, not hit Gongy [Linerat Gongfermor].” Gollor advanced the ball to Catcher Hinor Thiad who ran in to tie the game at 2-2.

The interception followed by the tie must have really rattled Blackwater. Again Bilgewaste opened a whole in the Wanderer line, and again, the Gutter Runners moved into scoring position. But Blackwater dropped the ball while attempting the pass. The ball was recovered by Thiad. He would be knocked down, but Bronard recovered the fumble, dodged away from Lineman Cesspit and ran in for the win as the final seconds ticked away. Final score Leafvale Wanderers 3 – Wreckage Ratz 2.

It should also be noted that no casualties were inflicted during the entire course of play.
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