Rugby League World Cup VI: Everything Thread

[Kulverint]

Kulverint suffer heavy defeat to Newmanistan!

Kulverint lose. This not good.

[Logria]

RP cutoff. Scores shortly.

[Logria]

MATCHDAY THREE

Group A
Somewhereistonia 12-14 Lunassa
The Weegies 8-8 San Giorgia a Cremano

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Lunassa			3	2	1	0	36	22	14	5  Q
2	Somewhereistonia	3	1	1	1	92	34	58	3  Q
3	San Giorgio a Cremano	3	0	3	0	30	30	0	3  Q
4	The Weegies		3	0	1	2	16	88	-72	1

Group B
The Yorozuya 19-8 Iglesian Archipelago
Swartaz 12-29 Virabia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	The Yorozuya		3	3	0	0	80	22	58	6  Q
2	Virabia			3	2	0	1	55	58	-3	4  Q
3	Iglesian Archipelago	3	1	0	2	45	43	2	2  Q
4	Swartaz			3	0	0	3	24	81	-57	0

Group C
Peisandros 44-8 Iles Arctiques
The Fanboyists 6-8 Vedacia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Peisandros		3	3	0	0	163	30	133	6  Q
2	Iles Arctiques		3	1	0	2	32	65	-33	2  Q
3	Vedacia			3	1	0	2	38	77	-39	2
4	The Fanboyists		3	1	0	2	19	80	-61	2

Group D
Newmanistan 27-6 Taeshan
Kulverint 1-14 Desperado

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Newmanistan		3	2	0	1	93	32	61	4  Q
2	Desperado		3	2	0	1	46	42	4	4  Q
3	Taeshan			3	1	0	2	37	63	-26	2
4	Kulverint		3	1	0	2	31	60	-29	2

Group E
Sorthern Northland 87-0 Euroslavia
Oberour Ar Moro 0-4 Shilohrod

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Shilohrod		3	3	0	0	36	26	10	6  Q
2	Sorthern Northland	3	2	0	1	173	24	149	4  Q
3	Euroslavia		3	1	0	2	24	109	-85	2
4	Oberour Ar Moro		3	0	0	3	14	88	-74	0

Group F
West Zirconia 18-22 Lithatrius
Delaclava 6-24 Kalasparata

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Kalasparata		3	3	0	0	52	13	39	6  Q
2	Lithatrius		3	2	0	1	37	24	13	4  Q
3	West Zirconia		3	1	0	2	62	62	0	2
4	Delaclava		3	0	0	3	24	76	-52	0

Group G
Logria 25-10 Jesselton
Shivat 2-20 Sarzonia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Logria			3	3	0	0	96	48	48	6  Q
2	Sarzonia		3	2	0	1	56	41	15	4  Q
3	Jesselton		3	1	0	2	32	51	-19	2
4	Shivat			3	0	0	3	30	74	-44	0

Third Placed Teams

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
G1	San Giorgio a Cremano	3	0	3	0	30	30	0	3  Q
G2	Iglesian Archipelago	3	1	0	2	45	43	2	2  Q
G6	West Zirconia		3	1	0	2	62	62	0	2
G7	Jesselton		3	1	0	2	32	51	-19	2
G4	Taeshan			3	1	0	2	37	63	-26	2
G3	Vedacia			3	1	0	2	38	77	-39	2
G5	Euroslavia		3	1	0	2	24	109	-85	2

SECOND ROUND DRAW
1 - Lunassa v Iglesian Archipelago - Aldos Park, Broadferry
2 - The Yorozuya v Iles Arctiques - Whedon Road, Filby
3 - Peisandros v Desperado - Central Stadium, Springfield
4 - Newmanistan v Sorthern Northland - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
5 - Shilohrod v Lithatrius - Riverside Park, Shelcastle
6 - Kalasparata v Virabia - Speake Road, Helling
7 - Logria v San Giorgio a Cremano - Royal Stadium, Palliston
8 - Somewhereistonia v Sarzonia - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

[The Fanboyists]

Rugby Team -- Wait, we have one? -- Is eliminated

Well, it was good while it lasted...


Ok, that's a total lie. No it wasn't.

After winning their first game, the Rolling Blues (see, the name's cursed!) went on to lose both of their next two games, a blowout (70+ points? Really?!) and then barely the next one to be elminated in the first round of the Rugby League World Cup.

Maybe this will convince the Sports Ministry to stop trying to compete in sports we don't even actually have teams for.

Maybe not. What the hell.

[Peisandros]

Unknowns qualify easily - real test starts now.

The unknown team from Peisandros has marched through it's group unbeaten, earning a place in the second round where they will face the impressive Desperado, second place getters in group D and fresh off a good win over Kulverint. It will be a much harder assignment than Iles Arctiques, Vedacia and The Fanboyists proved to be, with Peisandros racking up an impressive points differential of 133 over the three games. Their last two games have been especially impressive, with just 14 combined points against and a staggering 114 points for. Alas Peisandros will be hoping that the tries keep coming and if they do, Desperado will be needing something special to keep in touch.

While this particular World Cup has been somewhat dull to date, there is hope that now we're in the knock-out stage things could get interesting. Underground Sandrian fans will especially be looking at the the progress of their two closest rivals - Sorthern Northland and Somewhereistonia - during the knockout rounds. Sorthern Northland is of particular interest, as after a shock first match-day loss, they have gone absolutely berserk, finishing with the most points for and best points differential, even after scoring only eight points in their first game! They have a very interesting game in the second round, coming up against Group D winners Newmanistan, which could prove to be one of the games of the round. As for Somewhereistonia, they too have a difficult game. While Sarzonia are not known as rugby league heavyweights, across the board the Stars are fierce competitors and should not be taken likely. Their form was perhaps not the greatest during group play, but they ought to give Somewhereistonia at the very least a good fight.

The last, well, interesting game in the second round, is the match between Iles Arctiques and The Yorozuya, where we can now confirm that the Peisandros team has been in contact with their group C buddy Iles Arctiques and offered them all they have to know about their opponents. This comes after tensions have continued to rise between Peisandros and The Yorozuya over the last few cups. While Peisandros have always been the better team on (and probably off) the field, some of the talk out of Yorozuya has been less than satisfactory in past years and that has remained in the Sandrian player's minds. While the details of the communications between Iles Arctiques and Peisandros can not be confirmed, it's believed the coach, captain and entire forward pack spent time with the minnows the day after their match-day three clash. It will be fascinating to see whether the Sandrian input is any help or whether it will only give The Yorozuya more inspiration.

ooc: incase people don't know, in Peisandros rugby league is "banned", so there is no official squad. #7 is my captain and kicker, with #10 the co-captain.

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

Rugby league stars dedicate victories to swan attack victims

Following their shock opening 12-8 defeat at the hands of the previously unheard of Shilohrod, Sorthern Northland's rugby league team returned to winning ways with a 78-12 win over Oberour Ar Moro and a record breaking 87-0 victory over Euroslavia to secure qualification to the second round.

The victories however were marred by the tragic news of Léopold Desrosiers, the three year old son of second-rower Benjamin Desrosiers, being hospitalised following a vicious and completely unprovoked attack by a mute swan. The toddler is understood to have been enjoying a picnic with his mother after spending an enjoyable morning playing on the swings of a central Springfield play-park when the aggressive waterfowl swooped down from the skies giving the child bruises as well as nicking his jam sandwich.

Whilst the child is understood to be quickly recovering from his frightful experience it has spurned his fathers team-mates into showing no mercy with prop Charlie McNally declaring, “We let the swans have their way by loosing our first game but them attacking Benjamin's kid told us that we have to stand up to them and not lose again which is what they want. It'd be letting the water faring birdy terrorists win if we didn't fight back somehow, and we've fought back on the pitch in style and those wins are for Léo and the fans who were attacked after the opening match.”

McNally however did concede that he was glad to be playing the second-round clash against Newmanistan at Scarlets Park in Eccleston as he'd heard that there are “less swans there”.

[Logria]

BREAKING NEWS

Sorthern Northland prop Charlie McNally was arrested this morning on charges of "causing severe injury or death of a lesser cygnine". The mute swan is the national animal of Logria, however swan protection laws in the country also cover other breeds of swan, including the whooper swan.

Thirty-three year old McNally's first conversion attempt in the match against against Shilohrod hit a whooper, resulting in the bird's neck being broken, killing the bird instantly. The prop, who plays in his home nation for St Brendan, has been taken in for questioning by the County Holmecaster Constabulary, and is helping them with their enquiries.

Neighbouring Julerose Constabulary, meanwhile, denied Sorthern claims that players and touring fans alike had been attacked by swans. Chief Constable, Adrian Lancaster, stated:

"Logrian swans are known for their docility relative to foreign cygnines. If any attacks had occured, we are sure they would not have been without provocation. We advise all visitors to Logria not to antagonise the waterfowl, and swans can have quite a nasty peck to them if aggravated."

[Sarzonia]

Coach: Jeff Liston

Starting XIII
1. Fullback: Joel Lewis
2. Right Wing: Marco Spinelia
3. Right Center: Craig Randall
4. Left Center: Levi Goldman
5. Left Wing: Randy Thompson
6. Stand-off: Cole Crawford
7. Scrum-half: Vince Tatum
8. Prop: Ethan Davies
9. Hooker: Edwin Norton
10. Prop: Colin Endicott
11. Second Row: Bertha Wilcox
12. Second Row: Jonah Lambert
13. Loose Forward: Kyle Simpson

Bench:
14. Fullback: Trevor Halsey
15. Right Wing: Matt Byrd
16. Right Center: Jon Simon (serves as backup left center when Goldman sits)
17. Left Center: Mateo Gonzales (starts matches on the Sabbath because Goldman is Orthodox Jewish)
18. Left Wing: Tim Dent
19. Stand-off: Darcey Walker
20. Scrum-half: Drew Collins
21. Prop: Mike Andrews
22. Hooker: Stefan Paulik
23. Prop: Joey Logan
24. Second Row: Paul Stacey
25. Second Row: Dominick Olson
26. Loose Forward: Chris Williams

Choose My Goal/Try Scorers: Yes
Godmod Events: No
Injure My Players: No.
Put my players in Sin bin: Yes
Send my players off: Yes
Other: TG your idea for approval first.

[Sarzonia]

Joey Logan didn't know what to make of his team's fortune.

Sarzonia won two of the three matches they've played in Logria thus far, losing only to the host nation in the opening match of the sixth Rugby League World Cup.

Now the team fully expected to face a first-place side to begin the knockout rounds. That is, until the announcement came from a Logrian event staff person.

"You are to face Somewhereistonia in the Round of 16 at Runsfield Road in Winsdean," the official said to the team as it gathered in the dressing room after the match. "Good luck, lads."

"But wait a minute," Logan said. "Aren't they a second place side like we are?"

"They are," the official said. "But if you look at the group draw, the second place side in Group G is to face the second place Group A side. It's right here."

"Lemme see that," Logan said, snatching the paper with the group draw out of the Logrian official's hand. Sure enough, there it was.

"Wow," was all he could say as he handed the paper back to the Logrian official, who tipped his hat and left. Then, his countenance betrayed grim determination. Sure, Somewhereistonia's 1-1-1 record and three points was worse than Sarzonia's 2-0-1 with four points, but Somewhereistonia had more tradition than Sarzonia did.

"They probably played in a group of death," coach Jeff Liston said. "Meanwhile, our match against Shivat doesn't really prepare us for a team the likes of them." Shivat finished 0-0-3, and although they weren't the worst side in terms of point differential and goal scoring or conceding, they still didn't measure up to the teams that survived into the Round of 16.

"We may be able to spring an upset," Logan said. "But we'll have to work our arses off to do it."

[Newmanistan]

Hammond: We’re here, the big stage. What a win against Taeshan!

Salvi: We always beat Taeshan! Why should our great sport be any different?

Goverski: Reports from Newmanistan say viewership of the Taeshan match was just 7% off the ratings of the semifinal match of two Cups ago. That’s saying something, it looks like we have captured the interest of the Empire a little bit.

Hunt: Are you auditioning for a position with the Secristan Department of Sports?

Goverski: (laughs) Hell no! But furthermore, we even had a 1.9 market share in Pocono City! That is absolutely unheard of in the capital city.

Hunt: That is pretty cool though, I think it was the luster of a match with Taeshan given our international rivalry with them. We have to put that behind us now, because as happy as we are to be in the playoffs, our reward is Sorthern Northland.

Salvi: The Northerners have won their last two games by the scores 87-0 and 78-12. That’s right folks, 165-12. We have our hands full.

Goverski: Those scores just mean their due for a bad game, we’re playing well and our poised to pounce. While they were having a picnic against Oberour Ar Moro and Euroslavia, we had a couple of must win games to get here.

Hammond: You know what I don’t understand though? How does Euroslavia handle losing 87-0 and not DEAT the opponent off the map. That’s pretty insulting?

Salvi: Man that better not be us, but it won’t be. We’re in pretty good form, and the Northerners have that distraction if you’ve been following it.

Hunt: They still obsessed with swans? That was so Di Bradini seven.

Goverski: Apparently, Todd. Anyway clearly the way we beat a team averaging 82 points per game in their last two is to play extra physical, bang em up and hurt up. That’s certainly within us.

Salvi: My favorite way to play!

Hammond: Hell yes!

Hunt: I agree with you, but we have to be smart at the same time. A win over Sorthern Northland would be huge for the future of Newmanistan rugby, while it will send the Northerns home wanting to watch swan porn.

Salvi: Swan? Porn?

Hunt: I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised, given their obsession with it.

Goverski: Fitting, this whole time its been about proving cyan is anything but soft. Now in our biggest game, we need to be extra tough. I love it.

Hammond: Let’s go get ‘em!

[Logria]

SECOND ROUND
1 - Lunassa 6-24 Iglesian Archipelago - Aldos Park, Broadferry
2 - The Yorozuya 48-12 Iles Arctiques - Whedon Road, Filby
3 - Peisandros 66-0 Desperado - Central Stadium, Springfield
4 - Newmanistan 8-18 Sorthern Northland - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
5 - Shilohrod 20-24 Lithatrius - Riverside Park, Shelcastle
6 - Kalasparata 16-28 Virabia - Speake Road, Helling
7 - Logria 12-10 San Giorgio a Cremano - Royal Stadium, Palliston
8 - Somewhereistonia 34-16 Sarzonia - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
9 - Iglesian Archipelago v Sorthern Northland - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
10 - Somewhereistonia v Peisandros - Speake Road, Helling
11 - Logria v Virabia - Whedon Road, Filby
12 - The Yorozuya v Lithatrius - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

SRL anger at McNally arrest as Newmanistan prove themselves not to be cyan softies

Sorthern Rugby League officials last night launched a scathing criticism of Rugby League World Cup hosts Logria following the arrest of prop Charlie McNally.

SRL spokesman Arden Ventnor issued a statement on behalf of the SRL claiming, “We call upon the Logrian authorities to release Charlie McNally. Whilst the incident in which the swan came about its demise is unfortunate there was nothing Charlie could do to stop the swan from consciously flying into the flightpath of the rugby ball he had just kicked. It is our view that this is a further case of systematic anatidae controlled warfare against Sorthern Northland by the otherwise estimable Logrian hosts. There is no place for this sort of thing in rugby league”.

Despite the crucial player being forced to miss the second round clash with Newmanistan the Sorthern team were still able to overcome the determined Rockets setting up a quarter-final against the Iglesian Archipelago. A man-of-the-match performance from young winger Oliver Doherty proved to be the difference as the Oosehill winger was able to score two tries, as well as three conversions. Speaking after the final whistle he told reporters, “It was a tough game, as it always is against Newmanistan, they're a team we have a huge amount of respect for, but now we have to move on and look towards making it to the semi-final.”

The undoubted tie of the quarter-final will be the match between Somewhereistonia and Peisandros, the winners of which will play the winners of the Iglesian Archipelago match meaning only one of the three tournament favourites will be able to make it to the final in Palliston.

[Logria]

MCNALLY BAILED

Sorthern Northland prop Charlie McNally was released by Logrian authorities yesterday on bail, pending a court case to take place after the conclusion of the World Cup. McNally's passport, however, has been retained until the case is completed.

If found guilty, McNally could face anything from a L/25,000 fine to a ninety-day jail sentence.

[Logria]

QUARTER-FINALS
9 - Iglesian Archipelago 20-27 Sorthern Northland - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
10 - Somewhereistonia 7-2 Peisandros - Speake Road, Helling
11 - Logria 7-20 Virabia - Whedon Road, Filby
12 - The Yorozuya 13-10 Lithatrius - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

SEMI-FINAL DRAW
13 - Sorthern Northland v Somewhereistonia - Aldos Park, Broadferry
14 - Virabia v The Yorozuya - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
OMF-G Virabia in Semis

A week ago, if you said that Virabia would make it this far in the Rugby League World Cup, you'd have been dismissed as a nut job. A first time nation, that's still evaluating their interest in continuing to have a national team in this sport surely cant find them selves in the semis. Well, both of the above statements are now as of today lies. Virabia made it to the semis, and Virabia is going to continue a Rugby League team. So what was todays game like:

Well, it started out as Logria's game. Early on Logria was able to score. Scoring a 15 minute try (converted) and a 20th minute field goal. All this was much to the pleasure of Logria's home town fans. The fans being touted as a major obstacle for Virabia to overcome, and at halftime it surely looked like Logria with the aid of their loyal fans would hold the advantage through the end of the game.

The teams would go into half time, and it was there that, Logria's mojo was squashed. When going into the locker room their star left centre slipped in a puddle and was sent crashing toward the ground. The injury sustained was minor, (small concussion) but it was enough to keep him out for the rest of the game.

Still with out his presence Logria managed to hold guard against a strong, and relentless Virabian attack. Every time they got the ball, they kept pushing the ball ever so deeper, weakening Logrias defenses for an attack. The attack would come in the form of 3 back-to-back unanswered and converted trys. Each of the three were ran in by Koby See, who has developed greatly during this tournament (see tomorrows article on him for more). That coupled with two drops put Virabia over the top and toward a 20-7 victory and a semi-final berth against The Yorozuya (see tomorrows preview of that match (and the other semifinal)).

Reguardless of tomorrow's result, it's been a great tournament, one Virabia hopes to partake in more, and one day host. Logria has been a welcoming nation, and each player said they wouldn't have given up a second of it for the world.

((OOC: I woulda RP'ed more but school work (plus Olympic RPs) have really constrained my time, so don't think im not dedicated))

[Logria]

OOC NOTE: Due to reasons beyond my control, scorination is around 20 hours late. Final will be scorinated at approx 1500 UTC tomorrow (15 Feb).

SEMI-FINALS
13 - Sorthern Northland 25-16 Somewhereistonia - Aldos Park, Broadferry
14 - Virabia 14-2 The Yorozuya - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF
Somewhereistonia v The Yorozuya - Central Stadium, Springfield

SIXTH RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL
Sorthern Northland v Virabia - Royal Stadium, Palliston

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

McNally set to miss World Cup final following second arrest

Sorthern Northland forward Charlie McNally looks set to miss the Rugby League World Cup final against Virabia having been arrested in the early hours of the morning on a charge of drink driving. The prop was pulled over by police whilst driving on the main Broadferry to Filby road in a forklift truck thought to have been taken from a building site close to Aldos Park in Broadferry, reportedly shouting “¡MÁS TEQUILLA!” repeatedly.

The arrest looks set to be a bitter end to the thirty-three year old's international career, particularly as McNally was already on bail pending trail following an arrest earlier in the tournament on charges of 'causing severe injury or death of a lesser cygnine'. Sorthern Rugby League officials have thus far made no comment on the incident whilst officials at his club, St. Brendan have stated that “It is a matter for the Sorthern Northland team.”

They did go on to add however that they wanted to “praise the manner in which he and his team-mates made Somewhereistonia look average at best” during Sorthern Northland's 25-16 semi-final victory over the soon-to-be former World Cup holders.

McNally through his lawyer issued a brief statement on missing the final, simply stating “arsecakes”.

OOC: Basic idea nicked in sizeable parts from this.

[Logria]

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF
Somewhereistonia 8-20 The Yorozuya - Central Stadium, Springfield

SIXTH RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL
Sorthern Northland 19-24 Virabia - Royal Stadium, Palliston

Congratulations, VIRABIA!

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
RLWC Finals

We Won, nuff said.

(More fleshed out rp later)

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

Rugby league team suffer final disappointment again

Appearing in the Rugby League World Cup final for the fifth consecutive time Sorthern Northland will have walked on to the Royal Stadium's pitch confident overcoming newcomers Virabia and becoming the nation to be rugby league double world champions. The feeling felt by Sortherner's at the full time whistle though was one that is becoming all too familiar after losing for the fourth time in the final.

One player not there to experience those feelings was prop Charlie McNally, arrested hours after the semi-final victory over Somewhereistonia for driving a forklift truck whilst drunk. His replacement Martin Métisse is by no means not a good player, but McNally's boots are big ones to fill. Coming in his place is nerve-racking enough as it is without your first pass being intercepted and leading to an opposition try which is exactly what happened to Métisse. Jasper Mahomet was the grateful recipient off Métisse's pass and he wasted no time to proceed ball in hand to the try-line full haste to trouble the scoreboard operators into awarding the first points of the match to the underdogs.

With the favourites in shock, and Virabia relishing in the chances of causing a giant-killing Sorthern Northland would spend the entire match chasing the game, with the closest they got to leading the scoring being a period where with the score at 20-19 they were only a point behind. That period was late on in the game, and just about the only part of it in which the Sortherners had the better of play. Even then though, following a kick on the fifth tackle by Jiménez was Nathan Sargent able to gather the ball and break down the right wing to score the try that sealed the trophy for Virabia, and the runners-up medals for Sorthern coach Cathal Ó Dubhshláine and his team.

For three tournaments now, Ó Dubhshláine has been in charge. In each of those he's reached the final. Twice, he's lost. It's something that clearly he isn't happy with.

“It's gutting. Every time it hurts more than the last time. Our record in the final is shocking and it's getting to the stage where people might start wondering whether it's just not meant to be. Out of five finals I feel we should've been able to at least win two of them, and this one was a great chance to do that. Our aim was to get to the final, but to get there and not win it, we'll go home hugely disappointed.”

“That's not to take anything away from Virabia though. They came out and got an early try and had us under pressure from then on. Their performance was one of champions. In a way it's maybe better for the sport as a whole for them to have won. We're still yet to have a team win back to back titles. It had looked in recent tournaments that us, Peisandros and Somewhereistonia would have a monopoly on the tournament but Virabia have come and blown that out the water. They've achieved big things in a remarkably short amount of time.”

[Common Senses]

How do I join!!!

[Saugeais]

Your name is not how you act apparently. Why would you bump a year old thread? Plus, we haven't started the next World Cup (which is up to 17 by the way). So be on the look out for that.

[Virabia]

Your name is not how you act apparently. Why would you bump a year old thread? Plus, we haven't started the next World Cup (which is up to 17 by the way). So be on the look out for that.

No actually, the next one will be RLWC VIII (that is if we ever do another one)