“UI X Qualifier: Alabaster Lantern - Round 1

Another major, another major game of dour dice for Coach Chainsaw. Double the blocks, half the damage until a T16 foul. The rats were winning the bash battle because their av7 was nigh impenetrable whereas the orcs were looking a bit soft with their av9. It made little sense.

It was precipitated by a pitch invasion, a smart steal by Rafa (about the only smart thing he needed to do in the game) and then a 6 dice fail to drop the rat - with tackle and juggernaut that's a 1 in 64 fail right there. With the lead, Rafa played much more conservatively for the remainder of the half and cleverly kept the wizard back.

2nd half started just as badly with a 1,1 foul - the story of our match! However, the 'Saws gained a little traction with knock outs and failed dodge casualties and tried to pressure the ball. There was a chance, an opening for Aztec to try to dodge in! Rather than leave the pitch open to more stall, 1 go for it to cover the marker and snaked... Nuffle just wasn't interested.

A deep kick left the equalizer attempt in jeopardy. I had to drop Aztec back to catch a pass. The opening block of my T15 turn... double skulls. No rerolls, I was pushed into the least risky play to just get in range to score - Aztec running alone into the space Rafa had lured him into. The wizard flexed his wand and that was it.

That was a really poor game from my perspective. You don't expect to win the bash game but to endure such key moments going against us on top of losing the bash game made for a pretty frustrating experience. I doubt Rafa felt he had to do too much thinking to win that.”