“A big one to start the season!
The Lizzies faced up against SWL stalwarts the Stallions, feeling no small measure of trepidation.
An inauspicious start for the Stallions saw Demiev struck by a rock thrown from a fan obviously eager to get the festivities started!
Some early fouls from both sides were quickly shut down by the ref, who was uncommonly sharp eyed, and not afraid to send players off either.
With the Lizzies playing more conservatively than usual (perhaps a measure of their respect for the opposing team and coach), the Stallions attempt some ballplay, only to have Blockin fail a crucial catch. Despite skinks rushing to cover the ball, Nuriev showed his class, providing the vital pick up and pass. Some cagey maneuvering and a typical display of Stallion defense, the Lizzies were left with only a skink to mark the ballcarrier, who was easily brushed aside for the TD.

In the second half, more slow and steady play by the Lizzies, helped along by a failed pickup and an early casualty on k'Au, provided opportunity for the Stallions to put pressure on the ball. Sticking to the plan, the saurai box in the norsemen, and while rookie blitzer Ormogov bounced off the Shark and sent himself to the injury box, o'Lotl scurried over the line for the TD, settling the match at 1-1.

Twahnlows:

3pts - #7 Boris Nuriev: for (as ever) playing cool under pressure and setting up the TD

2 pts - #3 Stan Iliev: using his blistering speed to pressure the Lizzies into scoring earlier than intended

1 pts - #6 Dimitri Valcov: for working hard as a blocker, and using his blodge to advantage.

Thanks for the match harvest - slow and steady it may have been, but I look forward to meeting your lads on the field once again!
”