“I decided to look for a softer opponent for the HLF's debut match, despite objections from the players and I am glad that i did. Luckily, I found a goblin team, perfect for a warm-up match ;)
I could immediately see that this was the right call to make as the HLF took to the field. They forgot all about my strategy and tactics sessions, forgot the formations we discussed and waded into the small green creatures like the mob that they once were. To be honest, I wouldn't have minded if they actually had some effect but the more agile goblins were dancing around the drunken lads as if it were a game. The highlight of the first half was seeing Oldschool Adam taking on a troll and several Goblins by himself and doing quite well at it to. After picking a fight with the biggest guy on the pitch, he then started on the toughest guy, the fearsome fanatic. As the goblin was carried off the pitch, I couldn't help but smile. That attitude will doubtless get him killed soon, but for now, I think I have found my team captain.
The goblins continued to dance around the HLF, making them look ridiculous. I was really beginning to regret this whole venture when Ryan the Snow Troll suddenly has a brainwave... If you cant knock them down, grab them and throw them from the pitch! Genius! The fist half was almost over when Little Terry White broke free from a scuffle holding the ball. I felt the passion rising as my team's first touchdown was in sight... right up until he tripped at the endzone :( The half-time whistle blows and I rush to the changing rooms to try and salvage this situation.
The heat exhaustion proved to be too much for the team who are used to colder climates and I could not wake them up for the second half. Things looked really bleak as a couple of goblins made for my endzone with the ball but Alan and Terry, following the example set by Ryan sent them both flying into the crowd. Simon made his first real contribution to the match by picking up the ball and scoring the first ever touchdown for the HLF! Unfortunately, we didn't have enough players left to prevent the Gobbos from equalizing late into the second half. Final result a draw, but considering it was the first game, the heat and an overzealous ref who sent 2 players off for accidently standing on the goblins, a draw is a good enough result. At least I can see the areas we need to improve, hopefully we can do better next match.
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