“BLOODER MATCH #1

My first taste of the Southern Wastes League. It is a different beast.

Objectives

1. The main objective- SPP on positional pieces. Priority is Mummy and Wight, secondary is Ghoul as they score more naturally.
2. Protect said positional pieces where possible. Do not let them die! This is just warm up.

Goals

1. 3db with the Mummys, aggressive blitzing with the Wights.
2. Score with Ghouls, hand off to Wights if possible.

Plan

1. Secure ball safely on offence, advance up the field to score on T8, maximising blocks along the way.
2. Sound defensive drive, minimising applied pressure to reduce risks to positional pieces.

Match Report

The Canetoads chose to receive, keen to make some blocks. The humans applied pressure, and we were forced to block our way out to advance up the field.

Our team was pulled apart by the cunning humans, however we managed to keep enough pieces to protect the ball.

In turn 7 we base our cage with mummy, ready to force the final turn 8 push to the end zone. However… this leaves a -2db (requiring success), 1db (requiring push), and 1db (requiring POW or POW/SKULL) to sack our ball carrier. A 15% chance with re-rolls, and it comes off!

This is a warning… the coaches of the SWL are cunning.

On defence, we are sound, however the catchers are able to penetrate our backfield. We mark them, but the thrower is free and can attempt the 3++ pass for a 4++ catch for a 3++ dodge to score. However…

A zombie deflection. I have never seen one of these before, and it allows us to counter score on defence with a Wight. Great success, but another warning shot.

Learnings

1. STABILISE

On the offensive drive, there were moments where we made blocks without the ball being secure. Fail state would leave ball open for blitzing. Must assess risk profile a little better, as double skulls into double skulls would ruin the drive.

2. DEFENSIVE

Turn 5 of the 2nd half, our defensive drive, we leave space open to the south. This is where we should have been directing our blitz. Instead, the space is open for catcher to dodge out of marking, and into our backfield.

Before then, we use a nice blend of column and flat line formation, however we do not show any aggression towards the ball. This will come with more ghouls (speed and skills) as the team develops.

Small mistake- we push catcher into more open space, allowing for the 42% play to score. Instead, the 13% deflection happens. Lucky.

Summary

SPP generated on one Mummy, one Wight, and one Ghoul. BUT… zombies hog the MVP and a casualty (and deflection..)

We have learned to tighten up our play, and respect the ingenuity and vision of the SWL coaches. ”