Excerpt from the SSS: Sartosa Grog-Swillers @ Scrummy Mummies

8th Match:

Grog-Swillers Bear The Heat At Dead-Beat Stadium

Written by Armando Blackquill

Avast mateys! It's time for another match report, as after a relatively successful couple of matches, managing their first win followed by a draw, the Grog-Swillers now face the mighty Scrummy Mummies, a Tomb Kings team hailing from the hot and dusty region of Khemri. The ironically named Dead-Beat Stadium is to host the bout, and it's clear that with at least a little bit of momentum on their side, the Grog-Swillers will give their all in an attempt to win the match. It is clear, however, that a draw in this situation will not be enough, as the end of the season is approaching fast and if the Grog-Swillers don't manage to win the game, their hopes for the playoffs are going to be dashed. 

In order to achieve this goal, the Grog-Swillers have been going on a training regiment, with several of the Ogres learning how to use their brute strength to swipe aside anyone marking them. Also, Coach Coachem has bought the services of the famous Puggy Baconbreath, a hefty halfling that is clearly going to make it harder for the Scrummy Mummies to get at the Grog-Swiller's ball carrier.

Scrummy Mummies: Analysis

Scrummy Mummies are based in Khemri, playing at Dead-Beat Stadium, a bowl that is usually hot and dusty at the best of times. They are a pretty standard Tomb Kings team, and will likely cause some issues with the Grog-Swillers as they will be able to match them strength-for-strength, with their Tomb Guardians being just as strong as any Ogre on the Grog-Swiller's team. Two of their Tomb Guardians have been outfitted with spiked gloves for extra-punishing tackles, while their Blitz-Ras have been trained to get even the most  squirrelly of enemies. Overall, this match is likely to be a grinding one, with both sides trying to out-smash their opponent in order to get an early edge.

In terms of the DBL, the Scrummy Mummies have a mixed record, with two wins and two losses, so it is clear that they will aim for a win here in order to keep their playoff dreams alive. Their losses were against Gnaw-Wich Skitty and Bad Moonz, with wins against Papa Pow and Rock the CAS-Box, all teams that have faced the Grog-Swillers before.

Match Analysis

Fortunately the weather was perfect at Dead-Beat Stadium, and it would continue to remain so for the rest of the match. As mentioned before, the only change in the lineup for the Grog-Swillers was the inclusion of Puggy Baconbreath, along with some extra assisstant coaches that were found in the stands (and that were willing to come on the sidelines).

First Half

And the kick is off!

Scrummy Mummies won the toss and elected to receive in the first half: it was clear that they wanted to clear the field in the first half and win the war of attrition that would no doubt start as soon as the whistle was blown. The mummies set about their silent, grim business, knocking back a couple of the Ogres but not managing to deal any lasting damage. The Throw-Ras in the back were unable, however, to pick up the ball, and although a couple of Gnoblars were knocked out or injured as they attempted to go over the line the scrimmage, one was kicked beautifully, landing near the ball and almost picking it up, but was unable to hold him with the Throw-Ra next to him, and the ball slipped out of his hands. The little Gnoblar was knocked out by one of the Blitz-Ras for his trouble, and the Scrummy Mummies finally picked up the ball and proceeded down to their right outfield, beating back the Ogres, who were unable to dent the strong line of Mummies in front of them. Some more Gnoblars were launched (and injured) in an attempt to break the cage, but there was little stopping the Scrummy Mummies and eventually they managed to break through and score, although one of the Tomb Guardians was knocked out during the first half and remained knocked out for the reminder of the match, his ancient spell unable to roust him from his slumber. 

The Grog-Swillers set up to attempt a quick score with the little time they had left, but the Scrummy Mummies saw it coming and set up their defence to counter it, and alas the Grog-Swillers were unable to clear them from Bootem, the runt punter, and the end of the half was called.

Second Half

Puggy does not manage to stick the landing!

It was clear that Coach Coachem was not going to be happy with a tie game in this instance: after all, the end of the season was nigh and a tie would doom the chances of the Grog-Swillers just as much as a loss. As the whistle sounded and the kick sailed up in the air, Puggy was able to pick up the ball and move to the line of slaughter: the Grog-Swillers had a bad start with many of them looking dazed and confused, but they could at least protect the half-ling. As the Mummies attempted to penetrate the defensive barrier, Puggy was sent in the air, booted up the field by Bootem, ball and all, but unfortunately the veteran player was unable to stick the landing, sending the ball scattering, which was quickly picked up by one of the Throw-Ras: it had been a risky play, but it had been the only chance that the Grog-Swillers could win. A repeat of the first half now happened, with the Tomb Guardians managing to protect their players and the Ogres struggling to break the cage and blitz the ball carrier. 

The Mummies were able to bring down Chugem, who was badly hurt but hopefully available for the next match, while Bootem crunched down on Renudamba, who received a more serious injury. The Scrummy Mummies advanced up the field once again and the Ogres were unable to stop them: however, Gougem continued his pursuit of the ball carrier, and was able to mark him well enough to prevent the score from going 2-0.

Post-Match Analysis

It was clear that the Grog-Swillers had opportunities during this game, and if they had managed to score in the first half, the entire momentum of the game would have shifted dramatically in their favour: likewise, if Puggy had managed to hold on to the ball and a quick score had been performed, there was a possibility that they could have snatched the ball and scored twice in the second half. Still, it is disappointing to see that our boys are essentially out of the running for the playoffs, and honestly the fault for this needs to be laid on the shoulders of Coach Coachem.