In a week where the casualty rate could conceivably been much higher, the Gods certainly smiled on the Exiles in our grudge match against the visiting McClechland Mjolnir.

I was confident going into the game that I would win. Not really cockiness, more an awareness of what happens when two AV 7 teams meet and one team has a big guy plus 3 mighty blow pieces. However it took well into the second half for that to happen (2 deaths and a SI in the space of two turns).

Running up to that, I think we were well matched – we both entered whole-heartedly into a sideline shoving match in the first half which put around 7 players off the pitch and I actually think my opponent came out of that situation better tactically. I certainly set myself up for a catastro-turn which fortunately didn’t materialize due to some average block dice and uncharacteristically soft-booted fans. Both my Berzerkers went into the crowd and both returned unscathed. That’s home team advantage for you! I was certainly counting my lucky stars to enter the half a score ahead. Here’s my full report from www.ordobowl.com

Week 6, time for the match that the whole population of the north of the Old World has been waiting for. A clash of Norse teams fit for the sagas. The McClechland Mjolnir visited the Albion Exiles for a beer and blood soaked encounter.

With two such teams both with equal disregard for their own well being – as evidenced by a lack of protective clothing and a healthy amount of frenzy – the outcome was always going to be messy.

The visitors elected to kick in the first half, handing the ball to the Exiles and inviting their line of heavy hitters to deal maximum damage. However a disappointing lack of casualties characterised the early exchanges as the home team forged a path up the right hand flank of the pitch. Predictably with 9 frenzied players on the pitch, there was a fair amount of crowd pushing and the teams were soon both reduced, although not fatally. The Mjolnir were able to stall the drive and even pop the ball clear but ultimately couldn’t capitalize and the Exiles star runner Hlornolfr the Crow was able to finally sprint clear to score in turn 7, too late for the Mjolnir to answer before half time.

The Exiles home-brewed speciality, Blitzed IPA, is a potent draught and was able to restore all of the half’s knocked out players from both teams. Coach Fitz authorized his brewer to deliver a keg to the opposing dugout at half time in recognition of their fullsome contribution to a tense period of play.

The teams lined up a full strenght for the second half, but again the offensive team were unable to capitalize. Star Mjolnir Berzerker Dengar broke free but couldn’t complete the job before being unceremoniously clothes-lined by the ever-present Hlornolfr the Crow.

However, about the middle of the half, what had been a tight game took a turn for the murderous as the home team’s mighty blow advantage spectacularly paid off – two of the visiting players were killed in as many turns, and a third picked up a niggle. This left the path open for the Albion Exiles to move the ball up the field having recovered it and Berzerker Rolfehl Hammer-Gut scored in the final turn of the game, wrapping up a convincing result for the home side.

The post match was somewhat frustrating. Having accumulated a dozen star player points from 2 TDs and 3 Cas, no one skilled up. On the plus side my other Ulfwerener picked up the MVP roll, so he just needs to hurt someone to get his first skill. Winnings were another 60K and I duly emptied my bank balance to bring the roster up to 12 players. That means it’s soon going to be Dirty Player Lineman O’Clock and I can finally start fouling. No journeymen next week is disturbing, but I’m in a great position going into the final 2 game weeks. Sadly whatever happens it doesn’t look like I will be able to participate in the post-season tourney as my weekend schedule sucks. Unless I can convince savion to work it out over the course of a few week evenings…..

Remember folks, behind every big moot sandwich there’s a tasty elf!