KoPite MuGaz 3-0 Scarbringer Savages

Weather: Nice

Gate: 32k

The opening week evening showdown at Puddle Dock was too unpredictable to call. Savages coach The Beejmeister is well known for calling un-expected plays while newcomer Hyde_Monster had no track record at all for pundits to examine. As it turned out, it was the rookie coach who sent the home fans into delirium with the second biggest win on opening week. Some rival coaches have labelled the Mugaz the weakest team on paper in the Western conference but they stormed to an emphatic victory to kick-off their season.

Receiving the initial kick-off, the Mugaz were fairly timid in their approach. Perhaps they were a little nervous at competing on the major stage. The early going saw action primarily from their two key players, Mumraaaah, the Mummy and Arda the Dark Elf Thrower. Mumraaaah opened up the bloodshed by opening up Lineman Casius Slay leaving the Human badly hurt with the first block of the game. Arda for his part took up possession of the ball and calmly handed it off for Aaaarne "The Launcher" his Norse team-mate to take control of the play. With the Mugaz pushing forwards down the left flank, the Savages elected to bring cover round to halt their progress. Dark Elf Blitzer Sirius made the first effort on the ball-carrier but fell just short and was helped on his way by Lineman Luciferase who punted the Elf into the home support. Perhaps put off by this turn of events, the Savages threw less and less blocks as the half went on

The containment tactic slowed the Mugaz a little but the defence was becoming out-maneouvered down the flank despite the superior speed of the away side. A partial flying wedge down the flank allowed Aaaarne to slip past the Savages lines and head off towards the end zone. Not even a freak sudden deluge of rain could slow the Norseman as the teams found themselves frequently out of blocking range. Both sides resorted to fouling but to little effect. The violence level throughout the game was not as devastating as can be the case but with an efficiency of movement and careful placement of protection, a Mugaz TD could not be prevented by the Savages when Aaaarne walked in un-opposed with less than a quarter of the half remaining. The first Mugaz score was greeted with jubiliation from the stands and the home bench as well as a sense of resignation from the Savages who looked a little rusty and were unable to cope with the unique offensive tactics of the new coach.

With little time left in the half, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for the Savages to equalise and they passed up the opportunity with a fumble from "Fur" Tooth the Skaven Thrower. Regrouping at half-time, word came through that Sirius, the Blitzer who had been run into the crowd was fighting for his life under medical observation. Fortunately, the Savages had hired an apothecary to give the Dark Elf a genuine chance at survival.

Perhaps battling for their hurt comrade, the Savages began the second half more aggressively but they had problems putting Mugaz players down and so could not assert authority over the defensive line. Fur Tooth collected the kick-off with Skink Stinky taking over. Unfortunately, the Lizardman ran into a hefty blitz from Aaaarne who showed his versatility by providing defensive cover to go with his earlier score. A crucial turnover switched the Mugaz from defense to attack when Arda picked up the bobbling ball, dodged free and made for the Savages end zone. The Savages were a little unlucky in that their most effective series of blocks came just as the play began to move in the other direction. Stinky was unable to attone for his mistake as Arda struck for home. As with many turnovers, the Savages found their players out of position when the ball changed direction. Only High Elf Mithditius was in defensive cover but he slipped and was unable to recover before Arda ran in a well deserved second for the Mugaz.

Arda's score came just over half way into the second half meaning the Savages would now struggle to get anything from the game and some heads went down visibly amongst the away team who looked set to end their first game empty handed. There was an air of game over among the Savages players when Fur Tooth took possession of the next kick off and headed once again for a pocket. Once again, the blocking was not effective enough, allowing the Mugaz another bite and nother forced fumble. This time, it was Aaaarne who profited, running in his second of the game and the Mugaz third. With very little time left in the game, neither coach sent on a side for the subsequent kick-off ending the game at 3-0.

The Savages were not too downhearted after the match considering the workout a bonus and platform for the rest of the season. It was in truth a great result for the Mugaz causing some raised eyebrows at the margin of victory. It is unusual for a rookie coach to win convincingly in their opening game. Some fresh ideas such as the slanted wedge attack will definately throw defences but the team was not tested defensively so a wait and see approach on potential success for the Mugaz is prudent though the strength of their total rushing yards is impressive.

Injuries: None

Key Stats

Team	CAS	Rush	Blocks	Downs
Mugaz	2	44	29	18
Savages	0	14	30	14

MVPS: Arabitol, Casius Slay

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