Rugby World Cup 16 (Rosters/RP/Scores Thread)

[Mytannion]

cut-off now...

BYE for Colmark
Mytannion 23 - 13 Arizus
Allamunnic States 15 - 15 Civil Citizenry

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Mytannion            3  3  0  0  71  53  18    9
2.   Colmark              3  2  0  1  84  38  46    6
3.   Civil Citizenry      3  1  1  1  51  49   2    4
4.   Arizus               4  1  0  3  34  74 -38    3
5.   Allamunnic States    3  0  1  2  30  58 -28    1

BYE for Die Ost-Manner
Sorthern Northland 14 - 11 Cosumar
Silver Beach 21 - 13 Spitfyred1

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Die Ost-Manner       3  3  0  0  78  54  24    9
2.   Sorthern Northland   3  2  0  1  71  45  26    6
3.   Silver Beach         3  2  0  1  53  55  -2    6
4.   Cosumar              4  1  0  3  62  61   1    3
5.   Spitfyred1           3  0  0  3  27  76 -49    0

BYE for Soviet Massacre
Kelssek 34 - 34 Albertasby
Creio 22 - 25 Churchma

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           4  3  1  0  106 50  56   10
2.   Kelssek              3  2  1  0  90  61  29    7
3.   Churchma             3  1  0  2  55  76 -21    3
4.   Soviet Massacre      3  0  1  2  24  54 -30    1
5.   Creio                3  0  1  2  39  73 -34    1

BYE for Chicken Farms
Swartaz 29 - 17 Corpi
84733842 10 - 21 Khytenna

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Khytenna             3  3  0  0  61  23  38    9
2.   Swartaz              3  2  0  1  80  49  31    6
3.   84733842             3  1  1  1  42  43  -1    4
4.   Chicken Farms        3  0  2  1  58  85 -27    2
5.   Corpi                4  0  1  3  52  93 -41    1

BYE for Hemas
Kulverint 32 - 12 Treka
Calmerica 11 - 11 Stuffed Taxidermists

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            3  3  0  0  98  28  70    9
2.   Calmerica            3  1  2  0  38  25  13    5
3.   Treka                4  0  3  1  54  74 -20    3
4.   Stuffed Taxidermists 3  0  2  1  36  58 -22    2 
5.   Hemas                3  0  1  2  25  66 -41    1

BYE for Caleeb
Krytenia 14 - 17 Nova Cambria et PBI
Virabia 21 - 13 Meguroko

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Virabia              3  3  0  0  98  42  56    9
2.   Meguroko             3  2  0  1  42  47  -5    6
3.   Nova Cambria et PBI  4  1  1  2  59  80 -21    4
4.   Caleeb               3  0  2  1  40  65 -25    2
5.   Krytenia             3  0  1  2  37  42  -5    1

BYE for Voerdeland
Delaclava 14 - 14 Militaria1000
D Land & Isles 27 - 14 Saugeais

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Voerdeland           3  2  1  0  45  25  10    7
2.   Saugeais             3  2  0  1  63  41  22    6
3.   D Land & Isles       3  1  1  1  44  36   8    4
4.   Militaria1000        4  0  3  1  38  60 -22    3
5.   Delaclava            3  0  1  2  32  45 -13    1

BYE for Loonaterian
Seathen 24 - 14 Moromarr
Lycabron 10 - 29 Cotdelapoms

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          3  3  0  0  65  24  41    9
2.   Loonaterian          3  2  1  0  52  38  14    7
3.   Seathen              3  1  1  1  45  43   2    4
4.   Moromarr             4  1  0  3  45  79 -34    3
5.   Lycabron             3  0  0  3  51  74 -23    0

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
Lolwut

PORTSHAM - It wasn't supposed to be this way. Throughout the five games that Virabia have played (2 before the tables were wiped and three after), the tram has yet to suffer a loss. They also are amongst the highest scoring teams, and so far it's a mystery as to why they are doing so well. Sure, our three previous matches have been against other unranked teams but, wow. Our boys, all of whom have been in little more than some store bought generic athletic equipment have been trashing teams which are comprised of a slew of fully professional players.

This unexpectedly good performance has led the team to catch the eyes of a few people and as such, over the past few days, the attendance at Virabia's matches have been growing at a slow but steady clip. In their first game against Caleeb only 10 people were gathered around the field at Upton Park to witness Virabia's first match. Granted the weather was pretty bad that day but, over the course of the past few matches that number has slowly risen to a hundred people. The arrangements for them haven't changed however. To see the game is free, and the small wooden bleachers can only hold 20 people. The rest have to sit on the grass. Some of the more dedicated fans have even brought picnic blankets and their own food to make the outing even better. The donation jar has also been picking up some more change. Currently £100 has been donated. Hardly any but, the team will need all they can get if they want to finance their likely trip to Mytannion. That's right. As things stand now, Virabia looks to be heading to Mytannion for the knockout portion of this World Cup.

Even if they do make it, though, they'll likely be eliminated in the round of 16. Still, just the prospect of making it out of the group stage has gotten those on the team rather excited.

"It's real exciting. The chance that we'll be able to go on to the next round," said player-manager Paul McCartney in an interview after their last match, a 21-13 defeat of Meguroko, "Who knows, we could very well become the cinderella story of this tournament."

His words do have some grounding. Of the few ranked teams to compete in this cup, relatively few of them are in good position. As things stand right now, only four of the six ranked teams in this cup stand to make it out of the group stage. Granted those are the four stronger ones but, if our boys show that they can handle Krytenia (whom they play next) then theres nothing to say that they couldn't handle Swartaz and Kulverint. We'll have to see though. The group stage is far from over, and we could just be witnessing an explosive start followed by a disappointing ending. How that ending will go, we don't know. So, as always, we'll keep you posted!

[Khytenna]

ISLAND NEWS


Khytenna defeats seeded team to remain top!


84733842 10 - 21 Khytenna

Reporter David Day

Khytenna extended there stay at the top of group D last night, with a 3 try win over 84733842. they now stand 3 points ahead of Swartaz but remain unbeaten after 3 games.

Khytenna domminated from the word go, but they would of scored 5 tryies if it wasn't for the video ref and silly mistakes.

Khytenna's first try game within the first 10 minutes, a unstopable driving maul pushed its way 22 meters to the try line going pushing its way over for a fantasticaly work try by the forwards, the eventual try scorer was Dan Trent, Dawson scored the converstion which gave Khytenna the full 7 points.

Khytenna nearly had there second try 5 minutes later when Callahan had a break to the line, he went over the tryline after having the inside center and fullback tackling him, the ref wasn't happy with it, and went to the video ref for the decision, the reply showed that Callahan was brought down outside the tryline and there was double movment involved, the try was disallowed.

the second try did come however, thanks to Jean Authement, after a 8 phases of play in the center of the feild, Khytenna managed to drag enough players into the rucks, to create on over lap, Jaxon kicked the ball to corner, where Authement ran to catch it, the ball bounced back inside the pitch, and Authement caught the ball and scored, a great try by Authement. the try was Converted once again by Dawson and the score was 14-0.

84733842 was in need of points, and on the 39th minute, they took a penalty from 29 meters out to try to get some points, the kick was good, getting them 3 points on the board, but Khytenna was still the domminate team going into dressing room at half time.

Khytenna tryed to extend there lead in second half, they nearly got there third try from winger Wolf, he had a break on the Right wing and made a big run towards the tryline, the Full back managed to catch up with as he went over the tryline the full back went to tackle and managed to take his feet into touch before the try was scored, saving 84733842 from conceding more points.

the Third try was inevitable and came from Sub center Mick Zarraga, who came on for Decker. the Try came thanks to a offensive mistake and bigger defensive one. Khytenna was driving there way to the tryline, and was being stoped each drive, they lost the ball in a ruck but the scrum halfs kick to touch was poor, infact it went to Zarraga who forced his way past the supprised scrum-half, to get the 3rd try for Khytenna, the kick was good, and Khytenna found themselves 21-3 ahead and in full control of the game.

84733842 got a consolation try just before the final whistle, which game from a intercepted pass by the outside center, he ran unopposed to the tryline, try was converted giving 84733842 10 points, but Khytenna where the winners of the game, a fantastic preformace by them make sure that there unbeaten run remains entact.


84733842
Trys: ????????
Conversions: ?????????
Penalties: ?????????

Khytenna
Trys: Trent, Authement, Zarraga
Conversions: Dawson (3)
Penalties:

[Mytannion]

this is me cutting you lot off for the halfway stage of the groups.

BYE for Arizus
Mytannion 23 - 12 Allamunnic States
Civil Citizenry 5 - 45 Colmark

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Mytannion            4  4  0  0  94  65  29   12
2.   Colmark              4  3  0  1  129 43  86    9
3.   Civil Citizenry      4  1  1  2  56  94 -38    4
4.   Arizus               4  1  0  3  34  72 -38    3
5.   Allamunnic States    4  0  1  3  42  81 -39    1

BYE for Cosumar
Sorthern Northland 15 - 12 Silver Beach
Spitfyred1 12 - 12 Die Ost-Manner

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Die Ost-Manner       4  3  1  0  90  66  24   10
2.   Sorthern Northland   4  3  0  1  86  57  29    9
3.   Silver Beach         4  2  0  2  65  70  -5    6
4.   Cosumar              4  1  0  3  62  61   1    3
5.   Spitfyred1           4  0  1  3  39  88 -49    1

BYE for Albertasby
Kelssek 25 - 3 Creio
Churchma 12 - 7 Soviet Massacre

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           4  3  1  0  106 50  56   10
2.   Kelssek              4  3  1  0  115 64  51   10
3.   Churchma             4  2  0  2  67  83 -16    6
4.   Soviet Massacre      4  0  1  3  31  66 -35    1
5.   Creio                4  0  1  3  42  98 -56    1

BYE for Corpi
Swartaz 35 - 14 84733842
Khytenna 42 - 14 Chicken Farms

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Khytenna             4  4  0  0  103 37  66   12
2.   Swartaz              4  3  0  1  115 63  52    9
3.   84733842             4  1  1  2  56  78 -22    4
4.   Chicken Farms        4  0  2  2  72 127 -55    2
5.   Corpi                4  0  1  3  52  93 -41    1

BYE for Treka
Kulverint 24 - 11 Calmerica
Stuffed Taxidermists 10 - 10 Hemas

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            4  4  0  0  122 39  83   12 
2.   Calmerica            4  1  2  1  49  49   0    5
3.   Treka                4  0  3  1  54  74 -20    3
4.   Stuffed Taxidermists 4  0  3  1  46  68 -22    3
5.   Hemas                4  0  2  2  35  76 -41    2

BYE for Nova Cambria et PBI
Krytenia 12 - 36 Virabia
Meguroko 8 - 8 Caleeb

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Virabia              4  4  0  0  134 54  80   12
2.   Meguroko             4  2  1  1  50  55  -5    7
3.   Nova Cambria et PBI  4  1  1  2  59  80 -21    4
4.   Caleeb               4  0  3  1  48  73 -25    3
5.   Krytenia             4  0  1  3  49  78 -29    1

BYE for Militaria1000
Delaclava 13 - 3 D Land & Isles
Saugeais 12 - 12 Voerdeland

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Voerdeland           4  2  2  0  57  47  10    8
2.   Saugeais             4  2  1  1  75  53  22    7
3.   D Land & Isles       4  1  1  2  47  49  -2    4
4.   Delaclava            4  1  1  2  45  48  -3    4
5.   Militaria1000        4  0  3  1  38  60 -22    3

BYE for Moromarr
Seathen 41 - 7 Lycabron
Cotdelapoms 30 - 12 Loonaterian

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          4  4  0  0  95  36  59   12
2.   Seathen              4  2  1  1  86  50  36    7
3.   Loonaterian          4  2  1  1  64  68  -4    7
4.   Moromarr             4  1  0  3  45  79 -34    3
5.   Lycabron             4  0  0  4  58 115 -57    0

[Kulverint]

Kulverint get narrow win over Calmerica
Team now 7 points ahead of closest rivals

Team Kulverint today scored a rather less convincing victory than the previous three, but it has now put them in a very comfortable position. 7 points ahead of second place, Kulverint are really dominating their group at the halfway stage, as expected, although their rivals are not doing so well. The team began the tournament with a bye, and so started from middle in the group. Their first game was against a Hemas team coming back from 16-3 loss, and so obviously wanted to do well against the expected group toppers. Kulverint, however, had no such plans, and tries from Farransza and Kouralavska, coupled with several well placed Berdoas kicks left the game in Kulverint's hands, and Hemas could only score through penalties. The end result, 34-6, was a great delight to everyone in the squad. The next game was against Stuffed Taxidermists, a team we have in the Football World Cup qualifying stages as well. The team put on a show to remember, and they were truly unstoppable. Despite an early Stuffed Taxidermists try, Kulverint fought back with scores from Farransza and Missenta, coupled with Berdoas' ever present boot. The end result, 32-10 was another great one, and celebration was recorded all round. The team then moved on to Treka. A 32-12 win, without conceding a try, was the best the team could give, but really did show that we need to stop giving away easy penalties. Nonetheless, the team played well again, and 4 tries from Farransza was the icing on an ever sweetening cake. Today's game, at Calmerica, was a solid 24-11 result. 2 tries from Farransza early on got the game for Kulverint, and this was followed by a Berdoas try, a rarely seen event. This, plus a penalty, gave Kulverint a total points haul of 24. Calmerica, meanwhile, scored an unconverted try, and two penalties. This left the final total at 24-11.

---

Kulverint 24 - 11 Calmerica

Kulverint
Tries: Farransza (21, 37); Berdoas (46)
Conversions: Berdoas (21, 37, 46)
Drop Goals: 0
Penalties: Berdoas (72)

Calmerica
Tries: 1
Conversions: 0
Drop Goals: 0
Penalties: 2

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            4  4  0  0  122 39  83   12 
2.   Calmerica            4  1  2  1  49  49   0    5
3.   Treka                4  0  3  1  54  74 -20    3
4.   Stuffed Taxidermists 4  0  3  1  46  68 -22    3
5.   Hemas                4  0  2  2  35  76 -41    2

[Kelssek]

Coach: Blueleaves players playing "dishonest" rugby

JORDAN BURNS
Jan. 24, 2011

The Blueleaves' eccentric and colourful forwards coach Rolf Tenner has excoriated the team's performance following a run that, despite victories in every other match, saw a 34-34 draw against Albertasby, who lead Kelssek's World Cup group in Mytannion on points difference.

"The players are too fuckin' tight out there, they are playing lazy, dishonest, rugby. They're not being honest to themselves because this is not the level of ability they are capable of, and they are not being honest to their mums cause they told their mums they were coming out here to play rugby and instead they're playing a fuckin' shambles, is what. They're going to cop a beating when their dads find out, I'll tell ya that."

"Every inch matters. They're going into battle and they have to be prepared to put themselves on the line because this is a fuckin' war. It's a fuckin' mountain they're climbing and this is the apex, the peak, this is the very pinnacle and reaching it don't come easy. No, they've got to want every since inch more than the other guys do."

"If my kid played the way some of these lads played today he'd cop a right thrashing, I tell you."

Creative directors for the advertising firm contracted by Keefe's, who are the official porter ale of the national rugby team, are reportedly in the process of paraphrasing Tenner's words and taking them out of context for a beer commercial. Noua Cymru Child Protection Services did not respond to an interview request before the deadline.

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
Undefeated through the midway point

PORTSHAM - The small LCD timer placed at midfield still had 20 seconds left on it but, with their 24 point lead the match was by all means over. The cyan and red clad Krytenian team had already returned to the sidelines while a mismatched Virabi Team celebrated. For all of them, it was the biggest win of their lifetimes and a major stepping stone for them in the tournament. Through the first half of the tournament, the fiveens team has managed to beat everyone else in their group. Granted, they still have to make it through the second half of the double-roundrobin but, even if they don't exactly replicate the results of the earlier matches, the Virabi team is still in pretty good position.

They currently sit atop the table with 12 points. 5 more than their nearest competitor Meguroko. This large gap means that if Virabia only needs to win one or two more matches until they clinch a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. Also, considering how the rest of the group has played out, they will also likely clinch their group with in the next two or three days as well. A prospect that has gotten much of the team including Paul McCartney quite exited. "It's comforting to know that most of the required work to make it to the next round is already behind us," said Paul to a contingent of three reporters after Virabia's match today, "That doesn't mean that we will be resting on our laurels, though. We'd love to go through this group stage undefeated. It would make things much easier in the knock outs. I'd like it much better if our first match wasn't against Kelssek or Sorthern Northland."

He also indicated to us that the team still has every intention of keeping up their strike. In the only instance where it has mattered so far, Nova Cambria et PBI travelled to Virabia in order to play their match. However, it is unknown if other teams will be willing to give up their home-field advantage. Especially when doing so puts them at a risk to lose. The strike has attracted lots of negative press from foreign media who have claimed that it's all a stunt to get attention and to be able to play all their matches at home. This sentiment was displayed when a Krytenian fan asked Paul (as he was leaving the grounds) to, "Stop the fucking stunt". Paul lived up to his character and turned the other cheek but, Harrison Jones who was walking with McCartney did not have the same reaction. Like a panther, he lunged at the fan and if Paul weren't in the way, there would have been some good old fashioned post game fisticuffs.

When asked what he thought about this heckling, Paul said that he didn't think that the fan had understood the situation that the players were in. Harrison said the same, and apologised for what he said was befitting of his character.

Still, in the coming days we'll see how the strike holds up. Three of Virabia's four remaining matches are scheduled to be played out of the country and, if the rhetoric we're hearing proves true, they look to be three forfeits lined up. Then again, Nova Cambria et PBI did travel to Virabia so we can't say for sure exactly what will happen. So, until then. We'll keep you posted!

[Khytenna]

ISLAND NEWS


4 wins in 4 as Khytenna annihilate Chicken farms


Khytenna 42 - 14 Chicken Farms

Reporter David Day

Khytenna's fans had a fantastic day out, as they watched there team dominate Chicken Farms, scoring 6 impressive try's. this High Scoring victory made sure that Khytenna was unbeaten at the half way point.

Khytenna's first try back from the power and speed of the Backs, Chicken Farms defence couldn't keep up with them, it was Authument who broke own a defence with a simple Scissor pass by Green to Authument that broke a small whole in the defence, once the break was made, Jean was unstopible, getting yet another try for him self and Khytenna's first of the night, Dawson who has been brilliant with the kicks in the qualification converted the try, and Khytenna was ahead in the game.

it didn't take long for the Six islands to get there second, and it was all thanks to there back row, Khytenna had a scrum at the 22 meters line, where the Callahan decided to take the ball and run, when he went towards the two centers he was followed by the Flankers Ballard and Forrest, Callahan turned and the drive looked like it came straight of from the training ground, Khytenna pushed there way over with Forrest picking up the try for Khytenna, the try was again converted by Dawson.

the Khytenna tryies just kept on coming, this one came from Authument again, a box kick by Jaxon, was saw Authument come of the wing to run into the center, where he picked up the ball and made a rush to the line, he went over the line for a try, the Video ref was brought in to see is had grounded it, but all was confirmed and the try was given, with the try converted, Khytenna had now a 21-0l ead and was looking unstopable.

it wasn't all one traffic for Khytenna though, Chicken farms did get a try after 5 minutes of phases and recyling the ball, Second-row for Chicken farms went over for the try, which converted made the score 21-7.

the last try of the half was scored by Knapp, after Khytenna punished a mistake by Chicken farms, a Kick was ment to find touch after Khytenna last the ball in the ruck, but it was a poor kick and found Knapp instead who ran back into the attack and managed to side step his way past the defence and he went over for a fantastic try! the half ended 28-7, and Khytenna looked like they had already won the game.

The second half saw Khytenna get there 5th try, this time a was from the Fly-Half Dawson, after a scrum, Jaxon passed the ball to Dawson, it looked like Khytenna had an over lap that they where going to use, but Dawson made a dummy pass that left a huge gap in the middle of the feild, Dawson went underneath the post and scored a wonderfull try, Dawson converted his own try and the score was now 35-7, Chicken farms looked completely out of this game, and Khytenna looked to be loving it.

Khytenna's last try of the game came from Green, the ball was once again given to the back who where on fire this game, it went down Wolf who made a break for the line, the full back went to stop him, but Wolf lobed the ball back in the feild and was Caught by Green who went over for Khytenna's 5th try.

Chicken farms managed to get one last try, after there Center managed to squeexe his was past the Khytennan defense and ran the whole distance for a try under posts, but the game ended 42-14, Khytenna stay on top and once again remain unbeaten.


Khytenna
Trys: Authument (2), Forrest, Knapp, Dawson, Green
Conversions: Dawson (6)
Penalties:

Chicken Farms
Trys: ????????, ????????
Conversions: ?????????? (2)
Penalties:

[Mytannion]

Host Notice - I'm not going to be in to scorinate tonight, so you all get a break from RPing for a day. I'm going to the Blackpool vs. Manchester United game, thanks to my trusty Blackpool season ticket. So this gives you a half-term break and a day off from role-playing - I apologize.

[Loonaterian]

Cotdelapoms-30
Tries-3-Lund-7', 76', Racicot-53'
Conversions-3-DesAlliers-7', 53', 76'
Penalties-3-DesAlliers-67', 69', 79'
Grop goals-0

Loonaterian-12
Tries-0
Conversions-0
Penalties-4-Jimprik Natui-4', 24', 44', 64'
Drop goals-0

Loonaterian lost to Cotdelapoms yesterday. The defeat was not great, but it wasn't so bad. The first half started well for Loonaterian as they scored a penalty early on. 0-3. But then in the 7' minute, Cotdelapoms' Lund scored a try to make it 5-3. DesAlliers converted. 7-3. In the 24' minute, it became 7-6 because Natui scored a penalty. 7-6 was the score at half time.

In the 44' minute, Natui converted another penalty to make it 7-9. But in the 53' minute things took a turn for the worse when Racicot scored for Cotdelapoms. DesAlliers converted. 14-9. In the 64' minute, Natui scored a penalty for Loonaterian. 14-12. But it was about to get a whole lot worse when DesAlliers scored a penalty. 17-12. It then got even worse when DesAlliers scored another. 20-12. In the 76' minute, Lund scored a try for Cotdelapoms. DesAlliers converted. 27-12. But in the 79' minute, DesAlliers made it even worse. 30-12. This was the final score.

Group H

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          4  4  0  0  95  36  59   12
2.   Seathen              4  2  1  1  86  50  36    7
3.   Loonaterian          4  2  1  1  64  68  -4    7
4.   Moromarr             4  1  0  3  45  79 -34    3
5.   Lycabron             4  0  0  4  58 115 -57    0

[Swartaz]

Host Notice - I'm not going to be in to scorinate tonight, so you all get a break from RPing for a day. I'm going to the Blackpool vs. Manchester United game, thanks to my trusty Blackpool season ticket. So this gives you a half-term break and a day off from role-playing - I apologize.

OOC: You must be reeling now mate .

[Mytannion]

Host Notice - I'm not going to be in to scorinate tonight, so you all get a break from RPing for a day. I'm going to the Blackpool vs. Manchester United game, thanks to my trusty Blackpool season ticket. So this gives you a half-term break and a day off from role-playing - I apologize.

OOC: You must be reeling now mate .

Going to cut-off slightly early tonight.. Gee, what a fucking game. 2-0 at half-time, I honestly thought we had it in the bag. They score 3 in the last eighteen minutes of normal time. Cathcart's header was brilliant though, an absolute bullet.

BYE for Mytannion
Arizus 12 - 12 Civil Citizenry
Colmark 30 - 3 Allamunnic States

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Colmark              5  4  0  1  159 46 113   12
2.   Mytannion            4  4  0  0  94  65  29   12
3.   Civil Citizenry      5  1  2  2  68 106 -38    5
4.   Arizus               5  1  1  3  46  84 -38    4
5.   Allamunnic States    5  0  1  4  45 111 -66    1

BYE for Sorthern Northland
Cosumar 15 - 6 Spitfyred1
Die Ost-Manner 12 - 26 Silver Beach

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Die Ost-Manner       5  3  1  1  102 92  10   10   
2.   Sorthern Northland   4  3  0  1  86  57  29    9
3.   Silver Beach         5  3  0  2  91  82   9    9 
4.   Cosumar              5  2  0  3  77  67  10    6
5.   Spitfyred1           5  0  1  4  45 103 -58    1

BYE for Kelssek
Albertasby 34 - 21 Churchma
Soviet Massacre 25 - 25 Creio

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           5  4  1  0  140 71  69   13
2.   Kelssek              4  3  1  0  115 64  51   10
3.   Churchma             5  2  0  3  88 117 -29    6
4.   Soviet Massacre      5  0  2  3  56  91 -35    2
5.   Creio                5  0  2  3  67 123 -56    2

BYE for Swartaz
Corpi 16 - 43 Khytenna
Chicken Farms 12 - 12 84733842

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Khytenna             5  5  0  0  146 53  93   15
2.   Swartaz              4  3  0  1  115 63  52    9
3.   8473842              5  1  2  2  68  90 -22    5
4.   Chicken Farms        5  0  3  2  84 139 -55    3
5.   Corpi                5  0  1  4  68 136 -68    1

BYE for Kulverint
Treka 8 - 12 Stuffed Taxidermists
Hemas 37 - 14 Calmerica

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            4  4  0  0  122 39  83   12 
2.   Stuffed Taxidermists 5  1  3  1  58  76 -18    6
3.   Hemas                5  1  2  2  72  90 -18    5
4.   Calmerica            5  1  2  2  63  86 -23    5
5.   Treka                5  0  3  2  62  86 -24    3

BYE for Krytenia
Nova Cambria et PBI 16 - 5 Meguroko
Caleeb 13 - 15 Virabia

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Virabia              5  5  0  0  149 67  82   15
2.   Nova Cambria et PBI  5  2  1  2  75  85 -10    7
3.   Meguroko             5  2  1  2  55  71 -16    7
4.   Caleeb               5  0  3  1  48  73 -25    3
5.   Krytenia             4  0  1  3  49  78 -29    1

BYE for Delaclava
Militaria1000 10 - 10 Saugeais
Voerdeland 25 - 30 D Land & Isles

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Saugeais             5  2  2  1  85  63  22    8
2.   Voerdeland           5  2  2  1  82  77   5    8
3.   D Land & Isles       5  2  1  2  77  74   3    7
4.   Delaclava            4  1  1  2  45  48  -3    4
5.   Militaria1000        5  0  4  1  48  70 -22    4

BYE for Seathen
Moromarr 12 - 14 Cotdelapoms
Loonaterian 23 - 23 Lycabron

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          5  5  0  0  109 48  61   15
2.   Loonaterian          5  2  2  1  87  91  -4    8
3.   Seathen              4  2  1  1  86  50  36    7
4.   Moromarr             5  1  0  4  57  93 -36    3
5.   Lycabron             5  0  1  4  81 138 -57    1

[Khytenna]

ISLAND NEWS

unbeaten six islands win again against Corpi


Corpi 16 - 43 Khytenna

Reporter David Day

The Khytennan rugby team has been like unstoppable steamroller in the group stages, and last night managed to get themselves another win against Corpi who was outplayed the majority of the game.

Khytenna was the first to concede point though, 9 in fact, all thanks to Khytennna being court ofside on three occasions, Corpi must of thought they where in for a chance as they had a nine point lead against the unbeaten side.

but Khytenna got back into the game straight away and got 2 try's to take the lead, first with a try by Wolf, Jaxon saw the overlap and made a wide pass to Wolf, wolf scored in the corner for the try. the second came from Levi Forbes after his twin Lucas helped drive him over for the try, both tryies where converted and Khytenna had a 14-9 lead.

before the half ended, Khytenna managed to get two penatlties, one for an offside and the other for a scrum collapse, both where taken and scored by Dawson who accuracy has been deadly in current matches, he also managed to score a drop goal before the first half ended, making khytenna score 23-9

Corpi got the better of Khytenna in the beging of the second half as there fly half managed to score and convert a try after they played the advantage for a knock on by Jaxon, the score was now 23-16, but Khytenna didn't give them any leeway as Khytenna came back hard with a try, thanks to the pack pushing there way to the line, Jaxon made the prefect dumby pass and went under the posts for the try, Dawson Converted and also got scored a penalty 3 minutes later after another collapsed scrum.

Khytenna's 4th try came from subsistute Wentworth as he replaced Green who had a Deep Gash across his head, the try came when Jaxon made a kick across the ground that send Wentworth to chase after the ball, amazingly he managed to get to the ball before it went out in the dead zone, and before the full back could get there, he scored a fantastic try and it was converted. Dawson got the last point of the game with a penalty and Khytenna ended the game 43 to 16, another fantastic win by the Six islands who have more then done enough to qualify.

Corpi
Trys: ????????????,
Conversions: ????????????
Penalties: ??????????????? (3)

Khytenna
Trys: Wolf, Forbes, Jaxon, Wentworth
Conversions: Dawson (4)
Penalties: Dawson (4)
Drop Goals Dawson

[Colmark]

Colmark smashed Allamunnic States in their latest World Cup game. Allamunnic States opened the scoring with a drop goal but after that they showed almost no resistance as Colmark ran in 3 tries in the first half, Adam Harbaugh going straight through the middle from 10 metres out and Allan Harvis adding a brace before the interval. Things continued in a similar vein as James Stevenson waltzed through the paper-thin Allamunnic States defence as well as adding 2 penalties. After that the game petered out as Colmark brought on the replacements, and still Allamunnic States showed no attacking endeavour and deservedly lost by the margin that they did. Yet another professional victory, and the match against Mytannion may well decide the group.

[Mytannion]

snip, snip - cut-off.

BYE for Civil Citizenry
Colmark 23 - 21 Mytannion
Allamunnic States 19 - 8 Arizus

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Colmark              6  5  0  1  182 67  115  15
2.   Mytannion            5  4  0  1  115 88  27   12
3.   Civil Citizenry      5  1  2  2  68 106 -38    5
4.   Arizus               6  1  1  4  54 103 -49    4
5.   Allamunnic States    6  1  1  4  64 119 -55    4

BYE for Spitfyred1
Die Ost-Manner 19 - 48 Sorthern Northland
Cosumar 16 - 41 Silver Beach

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Sorthern Northland   5  4  0  1   134  76  58   12 
2.   Silver Beach         6  4  0  2   132  98  34   12
3.   Die Ost-Manner       6  3  1  2   121 140 -19   10
4.   Cosumar              6  2  0  4   93  108 -15    6
5.   Spitfyred1           5  0  1  4   45  103 -58    1

BYE for Churchma
Soviet Massacre 14 - 27 Kelssek
Creio 11 - 36 Albertasby

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           6  5  1  0   176  82  94   16
2.   Kelssek              5  4  1  0   142  78  64   13
3.   Churchma             5  2  0  3   88  117 -29    6
4.   Soviet Massacre      6  0  2  4   70  118 -48    2
5.   Creio                6  0  2  4   78  159 -81    2

BYE for Khytenna
Chicken Farms 23 - 18 Swartaz
84733842 52 - 21 Corpi

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Khytenna             5  5  0  0   146  53   93   15
2.   Swartaz              5  3  0  2   133  86   47    9
3.   84733842             6  2  2  2   120  111   9    8
4.   Chicken Farms        6  1  3  2   107  157 -50    6
5.   Corpi                6  0  1  5   89   188 -99    1

BYE for Stuffed Taxidermists
Hemas 23 - 23 Kulverint
Calmerica 18 - 18 Treka

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            5  4  1  0   145  62   83   13
2.   Hemas                6  1  3  2   95   113 -18    6
3.   Stuffed Taxidermists 5  1  3  1   58   76  -18    6
4.   Calmerica            6  1  3  2   81   104 -23    6
5.   Treka                6  0  4  2   80   104 -24    4

BYE for Meguroko
Caleeb 18 - 42 Krytenia
Virabia 6 - 24 Nova Cambria et PBI

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Virabia              6  5  0  1   155  91   64   15
2.   Nova Cambria et PBI  6  3  1  2   99   91    8   10
3.   Meguroko             5  2  1  2   55   71  -16    7
4.   Krytenia             5  1  1  3   91   96   -5    4
5.   Caleeb               6  0  3  2   66  115  -49    3

BYE for Saugeais
Voerdeland 27 - 15 Delaclava
D Land & Isles 17 - 17 Militaria1000

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Voerdeland           6  3  2  1   109  92   17   11
2.   Saugeais             5  2  2  1   85   63   22    8
3.   D Land & Isles       6  2  2  2   94   91    3    8
4.   Militaria1000        6  0  5  1   65   87  -22    5
5.   Delaclava            5  1  1  3   60   75  -15    4

BYE for Cotdelapoms
Loonaterian 16 - 16 Seathen
Lycabron 30 - 17 Moromarr

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          5  5  0  0   109  48   61   15
2.   Loonaterian          6  2  3  1   103  107  -4    9
3.   Seathen              5  2  2  1   102  66   36    8
4.   Lycabron             6  1  1  4   111  155 -44    4
5.   Moromarr             6  1  0  5   74   123 -49    3

[Kulverint]

Kulverint get surprising draw against Hemas
Still top by 7 points

Kulverint today got a surprising 23-23 draw away at a resurgent Hemas, clearly hell bent on vengeance for their earlier 32-10 defeat. Kulverint, however, did not look the side they had been, clearly struggling to come back from their Bye. They still remain undefeated, but this is the first time they have failed to win.

The first action in the game came with a surprise that delighted the capacity crown in Hemas, as an early break lead to a try, which was subsequently converted to give Hemas a 7-0 lead. Clearly angered by this, Kulverint into wave after wave of attacks, until Hemas had to crack, and the push through lead to a Lapparski try. 7-7. This was followed by a Farransza try, which, when converted by Berdoas, made the score 14-7. Hemas then got a beautiful drop goal, almost down the middle of the posts. 14-10. Half time.

After the break, the action became even more intense, as Kulverint had their first serious challenge of the whole tournament, and it was nerve racking. The team were awarded a penalty, and this was scored by Berdoas to make the score 17-10. Then Hemas began an almight attack, and broke through Uibeck, the defensive line's weak point. The try was scored and so was the conversion. It was now 17-17. Kulverint then began a wave of attacks, but just as the team looked to have overwhelmed Hemas' defence, Berdoas made perhaps the stupidest decision of his life. He scored the drop goal when a try was beckoning. 20-17. When Hemas were awarded a penalty this became 20-20 with just 10 minutes left. With 5 minutes to go, Hemas made a break on the left wing. Just as they looked to be clear, Farransza came charging in with a very high tackle. He was sin binned, which, with 5 minutes left, was effectively a sending off. Hemas scored the penalty, and it was now 23-20 with just 4 minutes left on the clock. Kulverint really began to panic now, and tried drop goal after drop goal. All failed. 80 minutes hit, last play. Kulverint were at the Hemasian 22 metre line. All they had to do was get it to Berdoas, and hope he got it right. Hemas knew this, too, so Berdoas fell back from the line. The ball came out of the ruck. Berdoas kicked.

For a moment it did not look like it was going in, it was drifting sideways, gradually further and further, could it be enough? Could Jeroen Berdoas have saved Kulverint? Yes. The kick went over, the game finished and Kulverint walked away with a lucky point. They must improve for the rest of the group stages.

---

Hemas 23 - 23 Kulverint

Kulverint
Tries: Lapparski (17); Farransza (23)
Conversions: Berdoas (17, 23)
Drop Goals: Berdoas (69, 81)
Penalties: Berdoas (21)

Hemas
Tries: 2 (8, 42)
Conversions: 2 (8, 42)
Drop Goals: 1 (70)
Penalties: 2 (32, 75)

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L.  PF.  PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            5  4  1  0   145  62   83   13
2.   Hemas                6  1  3  2   95   113 -18    6
3.   Stuffed Taxidermists 5  1  3  1   58   76  -18    6
4.   Calmerica            6  1  3  2   81   104 -23    6
5.   Treka                6  0  4  2   80   104 -24    4

[Virabia]

"No," said Louie over the phone, ""I don't think it's possible for us to pay for your flights to Mytannion and back."

Paul sighed. He had phoned Louie in the hoped that the team's recent success would have persuaded Louie into opening up the VRA's coffers and at very least pay for the teams flights to Mytannion (which at this point looked like they'd be needed). Plus, if their dealings with Nova Cambria et PBI and Caleeb have tought him anything it is that on the whole, teams are willing to make the journey to Portsham.

Disappointed that Louie wasn't willing to pay the rather trivial costs of transportation, Paul gave up the effort of convincing him to change his mind and after bidding goodnight and a fare well to Louie, he switched off his phone.

"Can you come to bed now", his girlfriend beckoned from the other room.

As any man knows to do, Paul listened to his wife with out question and made his way to the couple's rather large bedroom. There, he changed out of the clothes that he had been wearing since the match earlier and into a set of solid black pyjamas before he got in on the left side of the bed. Once he got under the covers he just turned and stared at his wife blankly, almost as if he was looking through her.

"Baby, what's wrong?", asked his girlfriend. While she did not hear Paul's most recent conversation with Louie, she could tell just by the look on his face that something was wrong.

"Nothing", Paul lied. He didn't want to have to put his girlfriend through another QQ fest about Louie's reluctance to pay. He had figured that by now, she must have been getting sick of it, and at some level he was too.

Reaching for her bra strap, his girlfriend put on a seductive smile and said, "Here, babe, I know what will cheer you up!"

Paul was tempted by her offer, he was never one to tun down an offer of sex but, tonight he was just not in the mood for it. Discouraged from his earlier conversation with Louie, the team's first loss to Nova Cambria et PBI and just plain tired from playing a match nearly every day for the past week and a half, Paul denied her request. Simply saying, "Not tonight."

His girlfriend sighed and briefly looked downwards. "Well can you at least tell me what's wrong?"

Paul thought about it for a few seconds and then said, "Yeah, I guess"

His girlfriend leaned in and said, "Well, what is it?"

"I hope I don't bore you with this," warned Paul, "but, once again, the authority has denied us access to funds that would pay for our travel. Even if it's just to Mytannion for the knockouts. I even said that the rest of the team and I would pay for all the expenses while we were in Mytannion. No success there either.

"So, you know as well as he does that once you guys make it there, he'll race to give you money," his girlfriend tried to comfort him, "then it will be he who is at your mercy and not the other way around. And you should trust me on this. I am a girl."

"You don't know Louie like I do. He has a reputation for being like this. Especially with us union folk. For whatever reason, he has this long-standing grudge with us," despite his girlfriends best efforts to remedy the situation, at least for the short term, those efforts were not met with success,

Never one to give up, though, his girlfriend continued trying, "Once you make it, there will be so much media buzz surrounding you guys, that it will be impossible for him to ignore you. The media storm will be enormous..."

His girlfriend was going to continue but, Paul cut her off, "What makes you think that? We've gone five and one so far, our plight has made not only the front page of the sports section but of the entire Star, Tribune and even El Naciónal and all they ever do is talk about football, cycling and curling, yet even they still covered us. However, that limelight was short lived, while we were the talk of the nation for a little while, most people have, unfortunately, moved on. Plus, even when we were getting all of that attention, no one ever went to our games. At our peak attendance, which was only a hundred, mind you, the majority of the audience was just friends and family of those us on the team. The other good majority there is the extended union community. But, it's not like we're expanding the sport. Oh, and the donation jar, on good days we've hardly made enough to pay for the rent lodging of a few of the team members who have to stay in a hotel." Paul paused and took a breath. He had no clue he was that long winded, "I mean, I really hate to be the bearer of bad news but, there doesn't look like there is any other news to tell."

Continuing from her earlier point, his girlfriend said, "You remember how much attention the football team got a few years back?"

Paul nodded and his wife continued, "All they did was offer free tickets and people ate them up. A year later, seemingly through the work of magic, not only was the team themselves remembered but, the sport had begun to take hold in the country. And now, not even ten years later, it's right up there amongst the most popular sports of the land."

Paul nodded at his girlfriends words then stopped suddenly, as if he were surprised by something, "Wait, since when have you been interested in sports. I thought that wasn't your kind of thing?"

"Some time around when I fell in love with a rugby player", said his wife who was finger caressing the stubble on his chin/

"Elisá, I really fucking love you", Paul said as a smile began to spread across his face.

"I know you do", said Elisá as she leaned in to kiss Paul. Paul acted likewise but, before he did he turned off the light.

(CUE SWEDISH TECHNO MUSIC)

UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ...

[Colmark]

Colmark edged a crucial tight match at the top of group 1 against Mytannion. The tournament hosts took an early lead, as their potent backs cut open the Colmarkian defence to take the lead 7-0. Colmark came back with two penalties from James Stevenson, before Mytannion scored again. Another Stevenson penalty made it 14-9 at half time. Mytannion came out the stronger of the two sides after the break, and with 25 minutes to go the score was 21-12. Colmark really kicked into gear, and a rolling maul went 20 metres before Adam Harbaugh dotted down in the corner. This galvanised the Colmarkians, and the loud crowd really got into the game.With 5 minutes to go, Stevenson kicked a 53 metre penalty to pull within 1 point. With time expired, Colmark pulled off a wonderful attack that will go down in history, as the ball went through 32 phases and Colmark advanced from inside their 22 to the opposition 22. The crowd were going crazy as Adam Harbaugh broke through the defence, and then the ball was recycled back to James Stevenson in the pocket. Time stood still in Fortnam as he rocked back and took the kick, which hit the post and went inside, prompting wild scenes at Confederation Park and a pitch invasion. Colmark now have the momentum in the group!

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

Sorthern rugby coach sympathises with Virabian plight

While Sorthern Northland have thus far been on form during qualification for the Rugby World Cup, a 48-19 victory over Die Ost-Manner their latest result, the story of the tournament so far has perhaps been that of the Virabian team.

Shorn of just about all support from their nation's sporting authorities and having to make do with equipment and facilities akin to a lowly amateur club Virabia have been able to lead the way in Group F having won five and lost just one of their six matches and as a result sitting atop of their group despite their problems.

Though struggling to attract fans at home, Virabia have picked up a limited following from further afield which looks set to be boosted following the announcement by a group of Sorthern rugby of their intention to attend Virabia's final qualifying match, at which they host Krytenia.

The founder of Union Fans United (UFU) and organiser of the trip to support Virabia told the Morning Star “We founded our group to give rugby union a strong united voice in this country against the dark forces looking to besmirch the sport and sadly it appears the same is happening in Virabia.”

“The performance of the Viraibian team in the face of adversity has been nothing short of fantastic and we feel the least we can do is go over there and offer our support to the cause of their team.”

The UFU's attempts to support Virabian rugby union have also drawn the support of Henry Keeney, the coach of Sorthern Northland's national team.

Taking a break from explaining conspiracy theories against the Sorthern Rugby League, Sorthern Northland Football Associaton, badgers, the organisers of the Rugby World Cup and a herd of elephants Keeney told reporters “I can only congratulate [Virabia coach] Paul McCartney on the job he's done in this tournament given the way the sporting authorities in his country seem to be trying to tie his hands behind his back.”

“Whilst we at least have a functioning governing body of our sport that is able to assist us, we are in something of a similar situation with higher authorities trying to suppress our sport in this country, as they are trying to do in Virabia so we certainly sympathise with them.”

“I'm also pleased to see that a number of Sorthern supporters will be attending a Virabian match. It is heartening to see such an act of solidarity and I'd like to say to Paul that if they require any assistance to pick the phone up and give me a call. I can't promise anything as we don't have much we can give ourselves, but anything we can do to assist them, however small, I'll be delighted to do.”

[Mytannion]

we haz cut-off? we can haz cut-off!

BYE for Allamunnic States
Mytannion 26 - 18 Civil Citizenry
Arizus 19 - 36 Colmark

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Colmark              7  6  0  1  218 86  132  18
2.   Mytannion            6  5  0  1  141 106  35  15
3.   Civil Citizenry      6  1  2  3  86  132 -46   5
4.   Allamunnic States    6  1  1  4  64  119 -55   4
5.   Arizus               7  1  1  5  73  139 -66   4

BYE for Silver Beach
Sorthern Northland 19 - 10 Spitfyred1
Cosumar 16 - 20 Die Ost-Manner

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Sorthern Northland   6  5  0  1  153 86   67  15
2.   Die Ost-Manner       7  4  1  2  141 156 -15  13
3.   Silver Beach         6  4  0  2  132 98   34  12
4.   Cosumar              7  2  0  5  109 128 -19   6
5.   Spitfyred1           6  0  1  5  55  122 -67   1

BYE for Creio
Kelssek 15 - 3 Churchma
Albertasby 9 - 3 Soviet Massacre

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           7  6  1  0  185 85  100  19
2.   Kelssek              6  5  1  0  157 81   76  16
3.   Churchma             6  2  0  4  91  132 -41   6
4.   Soviet Massacre      7  0  2  5  73  127 -54   2
5.   Creio                6  0  2  4  78  159 -81   2

BYE for 84733842
Swartaz 10 - 13 Khytenna
Corpi 18 - 32 Chicken Farms

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Khytenna             6  6  0  0  159 63    96   18
2.   Swartaz              6  3  0  3  143 99    44    9
3.   Chicken Farms        7  2  3  2  139 175  -36    9
4.   84733842             6  2  2  2  120 111    9    8
5.   Corpi                7  0  1  6  107 220 -113    1

BYE for Calmerica
Kulverint 44 - 36 Stuffed Taxidermists
Treka 8 - 7 Hemas

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Kulverint            6  5  1  0  189 98    91   16
2.   Treka                7  1  4  2  88  111  -23    7
3.   Hemas                7  1  3  3  102 121  -19    6
4.   Calmerica            6  1  3  2  81  104  -23    6
5.   Stuffed Taxidermists 6  1  3  2  94  120  -26    6

BYE for Virabia
Krytenia 16 - 15 Meguroko
Nova Cambria et PBI 11 - 11 Caleeb

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Virabia              6  5  0  1  155 91    64   15
2.   Nova Cambria et PBI  7  3  2  2  110 102    8   11
3.   Krytenia             6  2  1  3  107 111   -4    7
4.   Meguroko             6  2  1  3  70  87   -17    7
5.   Caleeb               7  0  4  2  77  126  -49    4

BYE for D Land & Isles
Delaclava 19 - 19 Saugeais
Militaria1000 13 - 6 Voerdeland

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Voerdeland           7  3  2  2  115 105  10    11
2.   Saugeais             6  2  3  1  104 82   22     9
3.   D Land & Isles       6  2  2  2  94  91    3     8
4.   Militaria1000        7  1  5  1  78  93  -15     8
5.   Delaclava            6  1  2  3  79  94  -15     5

BYE for Lycabron
Seathen 14 - 15 Cotdelapoms
Moromarr 8 - 8 Loonaterian

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          6  6  0  0  124 62   62    18
2.   Loonaterian          7  2  4  1  111 115  -4    10
3.   Seathen              6  2  2  2  116 81   35     8
4.   Lycabron             6  1  1  4  111 155 -44     4
5.   Moromarr             7  1  1  5  82  131 -49     4

[Kulverint]

Kulverint come back with vengeance
Knockout stage qualification now inevitable

Kulverint came back from the nerve racking and, frankly, disappointing draw against Hemas in the previous match of the RWC to record their highest scoring, and possibly the highest scoring game of the tournament. In total 80 points were scored in a highly charged game from both sides, in which Kulverint emerged the winner with 44 points to 36.

The game began with a surprise Stuffed Taxidermists goal, despite a clear forward pass that was missed by the referee, who refused to even check with the video ref. This meant that Stuffed Taxidermists scored a try in the posts, and with unusually light wind conditions for this time of year, Kulverint knew it could easily be scored. It was, and so 7-0 was the score 3 minutes in. Kulverint followed this up with a great attack, but a horrific tackle from the Stuffed Taxidermists winger left both players lucky to be uninjured, the Stuffed Taxidermists player in the Sin Bin, and Kulverint with 3 points from a penalty. Kulverint then began a surging attack once more, and when Farransza got the ball there was no stopping him. 10-7 was the score after the conversion. Stuffed Taxidermists provided a fightback, however, and soon scored and converted a try. 14-10. Kulverint hit back again just 7 minutes later, with Farransza scoring his second try. When converted the score was now 17-14 in Kulverint's favour, and when Berdoas scored a beautiful drop goal, this became 20-14. Kulverint then followed this up with another try, this time from Uibeck. When converted, again, by Berdoas' golden boot, the scored was 27-14 going into half time.

After the break, it was Stuffed Taxidermists turn to get a piece of the action once more, and striking with deadly accuracy through gaps in the line lead to their try. The conversion, at a very tight angle, was missed, Stuffed Taxidermists annoyed, but delighted all the same. Stuffed Taxidermists then produced an amazing grubber kick that went straight past Mika Jundara, who couldn't catch it in time. Stuffed Taxidermists got the ball and scored a second try, this one converted. Stuffed Taxidermists then pushed through with the entire weight of the pack to complete a stunning fightback. The try was scored and converted well, putting Stuffed Taxidermists in the lead for the first time since minute 12. When a drop goal was scored by Stuffed Taxidermists the game seemed over. 10 minutes remaining and Kulverint were 9 points down, surely nothing could save them this time? Well, something could. That something was Wilhelmus Farransza. When he pushed through 5 tackles, before going to ground and passing to Stefan Loppinia, it seemed that his work was done, but not in his mind, it wasn't. He quickly got up, and was there for the layoff when Loppinia was tackled, and he pushed through for a deserving try, which was converted by Jeroen Berdoas. Just. Farransza was there again just 4 minutes later, when he recieved a pass and broke through another 4 tackles to get to the tryline beneath the posts. It was now Kulverint's game to lose. It then fell to Jeroen Berdoas to complete the game, but rather than kick the ball into touch, he decided to end the game in style, and went for a drop goal which was scored perfectly between the posts. Kulverint had completed what was possibly the highest scoring game throughout the entire tournament so far, and they had come through to win it. Their next game will be against a Trekan team desperate to hang on to second place in their group, as the odds are against them to get to the knockout stages. Kulverint should win this, but as we have seen today, and against Hemas, nothing is ever certain in Rugby.

---

Kulverint 44 - 36 Stuffed Taxidermists

Kulverint: 44
Tries: Farransza (8, 19, 72, 76); Uibeck (37)
Conversions: Berdoas (8, 19, 37, 72, 76)
Drop Goals: Berdoas (21)
Penalties: Berdoas (5)

Stuffed Taxidermists: 36
Tries: 5 (3, 12, 48, 52, 64)
Conversions: 4 (3, 12, 52, 64)
Drop Goals: 1 (70)
Penalties: 0

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD.  Pts.
1.   Kulverint            6  5  1  0  189 98    91   16
2.   Treka                7  1  4  2  88  111  -23    7
3.   Hemas                7  1  3  3  102 121  -19    6
4.   Calmerica            6  1  3  2  81  104  -23    6
5.   Stuffed Taxidermists 6  1  3  2  94  120  -26    6

[Colmark]

Colmark have qualified for the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup, beating Arizus in a bad tempered game.
Colmark ran in 5 superb tries, as the forwards for once took a back step to a dominant performance from the backline. James Stevenson orchestrated them superbly, as their pace, power and precision proved too much for an Arizus side desperate to play a forwards game. Colmark opened the scoring with a penalty, before Allan Harvis scored in the corner, and Luke Claridge added a second after picking the gap and hitting it with speed. Arizus stayed in touch through the first half as their brutal forward pack took part in an intriging battle of the dark arts up front, with neither side able to produce dominance or regular quick ball, and regular fights and blood injuries. Half-time score 17-16
However, the second half saw Colmark step it up a notch, as Arizus' pack was weakened by spells in the sin bin for both of their second rows, and fatigue from a brutal contest. This left space outside for Sam Oliver to run in from the half way line, and after that there was no looking back as Colmark added two more superb tries, one more for Oliver and another for Rockan.
The final score did not reflect the intensity of the game, and there is certainly no love lost between the sides, with 4 yellow cards being brandished during the game, and plenty of blood spilled. However, Colmark can now look past Arizus, who are knocked out, to their final group match, which can be taken as preparation for the knockout stages.

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
We're in!

PORTSHAM - That's right. Through some work of witchcraft, wizardry and probably lots and lots of hacks, Virabia has some how qualified for the knockout stages of this cup. A big accomplishment for the team, who, at the beginning of the tournament, were expected to struggle to even get a singular win. This, of course, was not the case. Through the two incarnations of the cup (before the Great Reset) we went undefeated for seven straight games. Not bad for a team that was little more than a loose group of fully ameteur players. This feat becomes even more impressive when you remember the amount of hardship the team has faced.

Naturally, some of the opponents (both domestic and foreign) to the fiveens team have complained that if Virabia had to play it's games on the road then they wouldn't have done so well. One notable opponent is Barry Hawking, a former columnist for the Star who now works for the sports blog; Spartan Daily. He has used his blog, which is normally about the sports in his native Brantaland, as a platform to attack the rugby team. Among the numerous comments that he has made are "gems" like, "[The team] should man up and not come crying to Virabia" and "Paul knows he's just trying to seek attention anyway they can". He also got rather fired up about Mekembe Oorutumbo's decision to leave. On the day that we broke the news, he posted a long rant on how Mekembe leaving the team made him a pussy. He then used this as a platform to launch a further attack on the team saying how Mekembe's actions are in a way representative of the team. This, of course has made even some of the other opponents to the rugby team distance themselves from him.

One of those distancing themselves from Hawking is Johann Kust, one of my fellow rugby writers here at the star. Considering that we are two of the three union writers left at this paper, we often have conversations during our many lulls of working. One of these conversations was on the subject of Hawking and he said something that really resonated with me. He said that, "[Hawking] is just trying to exploit some of the people that agree with him. Sure, I think that the team is in the wrong to make everyone travel to Virabia but, at the end of the day, no one cares. It's union. What may be the talk of the country, or at least the sports nuts in this country now most likely, in six months, or maybe a year it will all be forgotten."

As for the teams response to Hawking and his rhetoric, there hasn't been much of one. However, after their most recent loss with Nova Cambria et PBI, one journalist did get around to asking Harrison Jones what he thought of this whole situation. Not one to pick a fight (rather odd considering the typical stereo type of a rugby player), Harrison simply said, "I don't want to give him attention. That's all he wants."

If only I were so wise.

[Mytannion]

cutting you all off for the penultimate match day.

Q denotes a team has qualified for the knockout rounds.
E denotes a team has been eliminated from the tournament.

There may seem to be some random eliminations in the middle of the group, but these teams cannot mathematically qualify for the next round.

BYE for Colmark
Arizus 13 - 14 Mytannion
Civil Citizenry 26 - 19 Allamunnic States

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Colmark              7  6  0  1  218 86  132  18 Q
2.   Mytannion            7  6  0  1  155 119  36  18 Q
3.   Civil Citizenry      7  2  2  3  112 151 -39   8 E
4.   Allamunnic States    7  1  1  5  83  145 -62   4 E
5.   Arizus               8  1  1  5  86  153 -67   4 E

BYE for Die Ost-Manner
Cosumar 17 - 5 Sorthern Northland
Spitfyred1 39 - 10 Silver Beach

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA. PD. Pts.
1.   Sorthern Northland   7  5  0  2  158 103  55  15   
2.   Die Ost-Manner       7  4  1  2  141 156 -15  13
3.   Silver Beach         7  4  0  3  142 147   5  12
4.   Cosumar              8  3  0  5  126 133  -7   9 E
5.   Spitfyred1           7  1  1  5  94  132 -38   4 E

BYE for Soviet Massacre
Albertasby 20 - 18 Kelssek
Churchma 40 - 6 Creio

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Albertasby           8  7  1  0  205 103  102  22 Q
2.   Kelssek              7  5  1  1  175 101   74  16 Q
3.   Churchma             7  3  0  4  131 138   -7   9 E
4.   Soviet Massacre      7  0  2  5  73  127  -54   2 E
5.   Creio                7  0  2  5  84  199 -115   2 E

BYE for Chicken Farms
Corpi 18 - 26 Swartaz
Khytenna 8 - 12 84733842

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Khytenna             7  6  0  1  167 75    92  18 Q
2.   Swartaz              7  4  0  3  169 117   52  12
3.   84733842             7  3  2  2  132 119   13  11
4.   Chicken Farms        7  2  3  2  139 175  -36   9
5.   Corpi                8  0  1  7  125 246 -121   1 E

BYE for Hemas
Treka 14 - 16 Kulverint
Stuffed Taxidermists 19 - 19 Calmerica

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Kulverint            7  6  1  0  205 112   93  19 Q
2.   Calmerica            7  1  4  2  100 123  -23   7
3.   Treka                8  1  4  3  102 127  -25   7 E
4.   Stuffed Taxidermists 7  1  4  2  113 139  -26   7
5.   Hemas                7  1  3  3  102 121  -19   6

BYE for Caleeb
Nova Cambria et PBI 10 - 10 Krytenia
Meguroko 36 - 42 Virabia

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Virabia              7  6  0  1  197 127   70  18 Q
2.   Nova Cambria et PBI  8  3  3  2  120 112    8  12 Q
3.   Krytenia             7  2  2  3  117 121   -4   8 E
4.   Meguroko             7  2  1  4  106 129  -23   7 E
5.   Caleeb               7  0  4  3  77  126  -49   4 E

BYE for Voerdeland
Militaria1000 23 - 23 Delaclava
Saugeais 16 - 10 D Land & Isles

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Saugeais             7  3  3  1  120 92    28  12 Q
2.   Voerdeland           7  3  2  2  115 105   10  11 
3.   Militaria1000        8  1  6  1  101 116  -15   9 E
4.   D Land & Isles       7  2  2  3  104 107   -3   8
5.   Delaclava            7  1  3  3  102 117  -15   6 E

BYE for Loonaterian
Moromarr 10 - 10 Seathen
Cotdelapoms 13 - 16 Lycabron

Pos. Team.              Pld. W. D. L. PF. PA.  PD. Pts.
1.   Cotdelapoms          7  6  0  1  137 78    59  18 Q
2.   Loonaterian          7  2  4  1  111 115   -4  10 
3.   Seathen              7  2  3  2  126 91    35   9
4.   Lycabron             7  2  1  4  127 168  -41   7
5.   Moromarr             8  1  2  5  92  141  -49   5 E

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
Virabia through; Sorthern Northland Sympathetic to the teams plight

PORTSHAM - Earlier today, the Virabi team won once again thus securing their place not only in the knockout rounds but, also as the top team in their group. No small task when as we iterated in the morning edition of this paper, Virabia was foretasted to finish last place. This gotten the team quite ecstatic but, you could tell from their play today that they did not let it get to their heads. "When one becomes complacent, one becomes vulnerable" is the old mantra, and has been the essence of the Virabi teams strategy throughout the world cup. For ten games now, the team has remained humble and, even when they didn't necessarily have to win today, they still played like their very lives were in the balance. It is this type of play that is the most successful for all teams. Mistakes await for those who don't.

The other big news surrounding the Virabi team is an announcement by a group of Sorthern Fiveens' fans called the 'Union Fans United'. They are a group of committed rugby fans in Sorthern Northland who are fighting tooth and nail to save the sport in their country. In many ways, the plight of union in Sorthern Northland is much the same as it is in Virabia (except here it's much worse). Thus when they heard of the struggles of the Virabi team they grew sympathetic to their cause. So much that the founder of the UFU has organised a trip of Sorthern Rugby fans to come to Portsham to watch the Virabi team fight against Krytenia in their final match. Even the coach of the Sorthern team, Henry Keeney, expressed his sympathies to the Virabi team and also commended Paul on the job he's done both playing for and managing the team when "[the VRA] is trying to tie his hands behind his back."

This sudden outpouring of support has not gone unnoticed on the Virabi side of things. When he was told of the news after the game, Paul smiled and exclaimed, so that even I, who stood on the opposite end of the field could hear, "Excellent!". He later expanded on this during a rather brief post-game interview, "It comforts me knowing that we're not alone in this. I know that we do have some support here but, it's not much. It's just real nice to know that those abroad are aware of what were having to go through."

It's not just Paul and the team who are delighted by this, the 'Friends of Fiveens' (FoF), a small Portsham based group, who is similar in mission to UFU also expressed some joy. For many of you who don't know, the Friends of Fiveens' are a small group dedicated to the preservation of union on the island. So far, they have been a fairly weak fighting force for the sport but, that doesn't stop them from trying. The founder of the FoF, Randy Patton said that he was delighted that the, "situation of the sport in this country, has begun to open eyes". He also said that he thought that perhaps we are witnessing the beginning of something much similar to what happened with football a few years back.

While this is certainly a possibility, the exact conditions aren't the same. Football has somewhat of a history in Virabia and even though the national team got no attention in their campaign for World Cup 50 and during the first season of the v.league (where there were only 8 teams but even then two folded) there was hardly attendance for teams other than the Capitols, the sport had a dedicated and somewhat fairly sized underground following. All but the youngest of players playing the sport today, are veterens of many of the intracity leagues and, as some will note, many of the original rosters for the new teams added in the first year of the state championships, were either the best teams of the park leagues (an example would be Negroe Pride FC) or an all-star club of all the best players (especially common in the cities with only one team).

This sort of underground following is something that Union doesn't have. Outside of Ita and some isolated patches in Tompkins and Anglorcia, the sport is almost entirely unplayed and even in those places it's exists only in amateur leagues. It has almost no following outside a dedicated few, and while this is similar to how football was in Virabia, that few is almost entirely comprised of union players and their families. This is something that we have seen and reported on at all of Virabia's matches so far.

Basically, without going too much into it, despite it being a desire of a select few, which I am a part of, fiveens' just isn't poised to become a major sport within Virabia. While that could certainly change with time, I just don't foresee that happening. For years, now, the opposite has been happening. Only forty years ago, union was rated the ninth most popular sport in the country. It was region specific to the northern states but, there it enjoyed a niche status. Much like the one that League now enjoys. However, since then, we have seen the inexplicable decline in popularity of both league (which was the fourth most popular team sport) and union. Since then, the it's been all but downhill. Thus, it was up to the VRA to save it. They saved league but, it was at the expense of union. The fallen sport.

___________

"Shh, I'm on the phone" said Paul in a hushed tone, his hand over the microphone.

"Ok" said Elisá in perking up and down. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to get Paul off the phone she trotted into the common room in her tip toes.

For a second, Paul zoned out, his eyes zoned in on, well lets just say that he's a man. His habits are rather predictable. However, he quickly snapped out of his mesmorisation and refocused on his phone conversation, "I'm thinking you could show up around eight. Before then, I'll just be waking up. Nothing exciting."

"Ok", said the voice over the phone, "How long would I stay until?"

"How long do you normally stay?," asked Paul,, "I'd hate for you not to have enough."

"Well, you are only my second time," said the voice on the phone, "but, I did stay until around 21:00 with Mark Wallace. I don't know if that will work for you."

"Might be a tad late. I do have to fly to Mytannion the next morning", said Paul.

"You found someone to bank roll your trip?" asked the voice on the phone.

"Nope", said Paul with a hint of disappointment in his voice, "anyway, I think 20:00 would be good. Gives you twelve hours. Definitely enough for a 'day in the life'."

"Sounds good with me," replied the man.

"Ok," said Paul, "Just don't be too late. We have to be at the airport by 9:30 to greet the visiting Sortherners. Told them I'd be there, and I'd think they'd appreciate it if I weren't late."

"Ok," said the voice, "Buh-bye". The phone clicked off so, Paul slipped his mobile back into his front-left pocket.

Sensing that Paul had gotten off the phone, Elisá trotted back to where Paul was. "Who was it?", she asked.

"Some journalist for the Tribune. He has a column where he follows people around for a day. I'm going to be featured in his next one. Hope you like being followed!", said Paul in a happy tone.

"Oh Boy!"