Manglerz Raid the North!

After a long and arduous journey North, the Manglerz finally arrived at the Startibartfast's Specialist's home stadium.

Both teams lined up to the frantic chants of 50,000 fans, with the Specialist's winning the coin toss and opting to receive - a sound tactical move, which allowed them to defend with a full squad, against a mob of hungry Orcs.

Coach Squigthrower immediately called a Time-Out, delaying the specialist's drive and declining them precious time with which to score. The Manglerz mounted a persistent offensive, knocking out the Specialist's Yeti only minutes into the game.

Despite losing a key player, the Specialists developed their offense well, using their coverage to screen a run down the left side of the pitch. The Manglerz' responded by deploying their Blitzer, Big 'Un, and Thrower deep into their half, to cover any breakthroughs.

With the flank blocked, the Specialist's Valkyrie made a sound choice to swing right and attempt to rush through the newly opened gap. The Manglerz' again responded by rushing a lineman forward, tagging the ball carrier, and injuring the team's second Valkyrie, sending her to the Casualty dugout with a negligible wound, which saw her sit out the rest of the game. To the relief of the fans, a comment from the Specialist's medical staff confirmed she will be ready to play at their next fixture.

With their options quickly narrowing, the Specialists opted for a gutsy stretch-play, with the Valkyrie cocking her arm back to deliver a long pass into the outstretched arms of a Berserker, nearing the Manglerz' end zone. A well-placed swat from the Manglerz' lineman, however, saw the ball sail several feet away, only to be scooped up by the team's Thrower, Tol Squiglobba.

Smelling an opportunity for a late touchdown, the Manglerz' infamous Blitzer, Mozrog Suneater (#5), made a desperate run to the end zone, only to slip on the scorched turf, dashing the Manglerz' hopes of a 1-0 lead before the half-time whistle.

Scorching Heat (which in these parts is considered to be anything over 5 degrees) proved to be a hindrance as it caused two players from each team to pass out from exhaustion, leaving the Specialists with 6 players to open their second half and defend from the receiving Orcs.

The teams faced off in scorching Northern heat

The Manglerz opted for what they do best and steadily shifted their formation, relentlessly punching their way up the pitch. Seeing a vulnerable Valkyrie on the flank, the team's Blitzerz and Lineman succumbed to the temptation of a brutal block, rushing the player and leaving an open gap, allowing the Valkyrie to harmlessly slip through, and harass the Manglerz' ball carrier.

This maneuver cost the Manglerz dearly as Tol was quickly sacked by a Norse Lineman, keen for an opportunity to do some damage. The hit must have left the Manglerz' Thrower dazed as he failed to pick up the ball several times, before successfully stumbling his way up the pitch.

The Manglerz attempted to set up a stall but, sensibly, seeing the risk, the team's thrower ran the ball in, solidifying a 1-0 lead.

Having received the kick, with only minutes to spare the Specialists mounted a brutal offensive, opening up a gap down the right flank and threatening an equalizer should a risky pass come off. Their hopes were dashed, however, after one of their players went down with his opponent, leaving the team mere yards short of the Manglerz end zone.

In a last-ditch effort the team's yeti threw a brutal block which saw the Manglerz' new signing, Blitzer #4 (Morgrim Spinekrusha), taken out of the debut game with a serious concussion, with rumors circulating that he will not be able to recover in time for the team's next game against Halflings from The Bar Berryians.

In a post-game conference, the Specialist's coach confirmed a lineman injured in the game, Njord Raiderson has retired due to the lasting effects of a head injury caused by one of the Manglerz' Blitzers. The team has confirmed they secured a replacement.

Coach Squigthrower confirmed the team signed a contract with an upcoming Goblin star known simply as "Grot", hoping to expand the team's scope of play.

Content with their performance, the Manglerz circus once again loaded up in their carriages to travel southwards for their next fixture against the Bar Berryians!

Join us in the next pitch-side report from the sixth season of the Humberside Blood Bowl League!