“In the opening round of the Orcland Wooden Shield, Mortarian's Guards face off against the tough but under strength Olde York Giants, former champions of this very tournament. Seeing only four dwarves, plans were made to eliminate unusually high population of hobgoblins first. However, as usual, no plan survives contact with the enemy.

Receiving the kickoff, the rotter Tyrant, supported by a few beastmen, tied up the troll and most of the dwarves. Meanwhile, the abnormally strong Chenthal charged the bull centaurs. The beast Satharial was supposed to follow as support, but apparently one of the hobgoblins lobbed a shiny toy to the hulking brute. This left him completely distracted and immobile for almost the entire first quarter of the game. By the time he had started moving, Polluxis (carrying the ball) was trapped on the sidelines and in grave danger as the Giants were blocking with much greater effectiveness than the Guards. However after making some key blocks (stunning several players in quick succession) Polluxis broke free. It was at this time that one of the key elements of the game would first reveal themselves: the Guards' sticky hands. Several attempts were made by the Giants to escape the melee and either charge the ball carrier or force him to score, yet almost every try was foiled. Even overpowering Satharial's tentacles, the Giants could not get away. It was through the application of brute force that finally cleared the way for the Giants to force the Guards to score.

A last ditch pass attempt by the Giants to a bull centaur in the end zone as time expired in the first half soon followed. The hobgoblin Happy, after weaving through the enemy, made a desperation toss, but lost control of his throw, ending the half.

The second half started with a quick battle over the line of scrimmage. The Giants' superior blocking showing through, but the Guards refused to surrender much territory. Happy (carrying the ball) started to make his way toward the sideline as an opening appeared when the Guards' Felrath was KO'd. However Tyrant and Satharial proved to be very stubborn, tying up several players, and depriving Happy of support. As the Guards closed in, Happy tried to escape, yet fell as so many did to the sticky hands of the beastmen. Following a struggle for the ball, Ixiel came up with it, and fled, leaving the melee behind to score.

In the remaining minutes the Giants made a last drive to have the bull centaur Brute2 run the ball in, only to be pushed back by the beastmen safeties. Hemmed in, with no where left to go, The Giants could only settle for knocking down as many Guards as possible.

A great match and well played! I do believe that my opponent only made one successful dodge all game (using a reroll) which made things very tough for him as I ran circles around his slower players.”