“After their uninspiring debut, I spent a lot of time with the HLF, going over tactics and strategy. I had seen what these guys are capable of in a fight and I believe that they can transfer these skills to the pitch. Even though the first match wasn't a spectacular success, it did show me the incredible heart these guys have and I didn't want to give up on them.
Second match was against a Slann team, the 'Leaping Toads' coached by adamcieslicki and I was not sure this would be a good match for us. I had to bring in somebody else to stand in for Cazy Dave, who had suffered an injury by troll in the first match. I wanted somebody with a bit of experience on the pitch and I found Paul Hardspike in a local tavern. He had played for a smaller team a while back and that team had gone bust. So he was cheap experienced and available. The HLF are fighters and I was not sure they were ready to take on an agility team, especially considering their first performance. The team that took to the pitch today however, was a completely different from the team we saw last time. Early on, the Slann made a devious feint to draw the boys out of position before using their speed and agility to break down the other flank. The boys neatly pulled back from the other flank to cover the advance and grind it to a halt. They supported each-other flawlessly, knocking their target down and moving to assist their team-mates. Forming protective cages around the ball. Midway into the first half, they had completely shut down the Slann's agility game, forcing the frogs to come at them and play the HLF way. The Slann team were not prepared for what they faced. They thought to play bash against a blood bowl team and found themselves in the middle of a riot! This was the team I had imagined from the start, they took the game and made it theirs. The Slann had no answer for the violence they faced and the touchdown was inevitable, scored by the last minute substitute Paul Hardspike.
It was my first time seeing Slann in action and I have to say, to their credit, they never gave up. Some amazing dodges, leaps and brave tackles into crowds of HLF players failed to produce anything of note. The Slann never let up even as their numbers grew thinner and thinner. There was nobody around to prevent the team captain from scoring the second and putting the game beyond the reach of the Slann.
They bravely fought on until the full-time whistle went and left the pitch having lost but proving their courage and valour.
The HLF respect courage above all else so I would like to extend my thanks to adamcieslicki. The results did you no credit but this game will live on in the hearts and minds of the fans for years to come.”