Fishbowl II: Deathbowl Report

Yes, Blood Bowl fans, it is that time of season again and another Deathbowl is here and gone. This year saw the 3 new teams sparring with an ABBA veteran team. The four opponents were the Dome Mountain Desperadoes, Hamilton Heights Rat Pack, the Osgoode Kings and Da Rock Skwadd. Fan attendance was hearty but not outstanding at 158,000. Some attribute it to the lack of Skaven who did not show up due do a lack of hope that there team would even survive the games outcome.

The day was perfect for Blood Bowl and the side bets were fast and plentiful. The Orcs were seen talking to bookies from the firm of Green Boyz Betting Corp. but firm reps would not comment on the Orcs betting habits. The Chaos were less concerned with betting when it appeared that some of the Skaven and Dwarves had crossed the Chaos. The Chaos were ripping mad and it appeared that this would be a Grudge Match for them.

The teams took their scrimmage lines. The DMD (1st in order) took a strong left-hand side formation in position to tackle the HHRP. The HHRP (2nd in order) took a line formation with wingers. The HHRP put their mummy power on DRS side in order to contend with the green machines wall. DRS (3rd in order) took their classic Da Green Wall formation. Lastly, the OK (4th in order) took a fairly standard line formation with a couple players playing deeper on the flanks.

The start pistol fired and the match was on. The DMD moved in to begin their work on punching the skaven line full of holes. They began early and were delighted each time they knocked a rat down for a fellow chaos player would quickly fill the gap by fouling the fell rat. Quickly rats began leaving the pitch for the safety of the knocked out bench.

The HHRP never wasted time as soon as they got their chance they sprinted for the ball. The first to get their hands on the pigskin they were in a vulnerable position in the middle of the pitch. Next the Orcs would have their go but to the other teams bewilderment Da Green Wall only took one step forward. Gulag the Skull Cracka had something up his sleeve and his control of the team was impressive as the Orcs never even advanced into combat with any of the nearby rats.

Next the OK, stunned by the play from DRS marched into formation to receive the Rat Packs runners. They would use their entire might to stop the slippery rats from advancing that ball. The DMD again moved into position to punish the rats and the wounding continued. More rats left the pitch and more fouls were thrown per turn than most fans had seen in an entire game. This time the rats could not hold back and their gutter runner in possession of the ball felt the power of stardom upon him and made a run for the dwarves end zone. Attempting to Razzle Dazzle the crowd, he failed and his slip-up would cost the rats the game.

With a Skaven push blundered, DRS marched forward and committed only 3 players to beating on the rats and their mummy. Next the OK moved a squad into position to do battle with the DMD and keep the rest of their team in the ready to take on the remaining rats and the orcs. Next turn, the hitting from the DMD continued. The rats blundered a hit and lost their turn quickly. The Orcs took the opportunity to lightening bolt the rats to loosen up the ball. With success the ball bounced but into the hands of another rat. This was the play the Orcs needed though and they quickly stepped over the prone rats or laid them prone to take the ball. With the ball in the grip of Valrag the Orcs formed their loose cage.Now the OK took it upon themselves to smash the DMD and stop the DRS. A tall order for a short bunch! This tactic spread their forces thin on the battle field.

With an attack from the OK to contend with the DMD loosened up pressure on the remaining rats and had to swing around to fight the dwarves. The rats would again see slip-ups slow them down as they fumbled hits. The Orcs continued their cage and moved slowly not to overextend their forces. The OK would make good on their attempt to slow the Orcs and surprised the Orcs when they knocked out the mighty Da Eliminator. With their forces spread thin and scattered around the battlefield the Dwarves would provide little resistance for the rest of the game to the Orc blitzers. With the DMD locked in battle with the few remaining rats and the OK, DRS made for the goal line. A small squad broke the OK line and moved a small number of Orcs into the DMD end zone.

At the end, the HHRP were hard to find on the field with 2 rats still standing and 2 prone from hits which they never got up from with the continued fouling from the DMD. The DMD continued to foul for points and pushed an OK player into the coaching staff of the DMD. The game ended when DRS#16 ran up to receive a hand-off from DRS#3 and run the ball in for the game winning touch down.

Results:

Ratings: DMD 198, HHRP 178, OK 309, DRS 386

Casulties Inflicted: DMD #27, #20; DRS #15, #4

Injuries Suffered: Rats mostly ;)

Touchdowns: DRS #16

MVP: DMD #41, HHRP #7, OK #6, DRS #4

Cards: DMD Grduge Match, HHRP Razzle Dazzle, OK Sorry Sir, DRS Side Bet

Gate: DMD $70K, HHRP $50K, OK $20K +$20K (Sorry Sir), DRS $20K +$50K (Deathbowl Winner) +$60K (Side Bet)