Extract from the “Log of Sports in Some Village”
written by Mordecai, responsible of memory in the days of King Zedekiah
It was during those days, that we were invited by the Neu Engolleens to join the Alpen Valley Rugby Union. A marvellous event, I dear to say, which allowed us to take our first steps on the international field in the unique game of rugby, which combines physical strength with sportsmanship and tactical wit. Apart from that, I was offered something named a typewriter to make this report. First, they wanted me to work with a big box with a glass screen, but I kindly refused. Witchcraft, all fine, but that went beyond. Only the Creature’s servants probably uses such tools. However, I present you the first typed newslog, with as subject The Wanderers. Our team, the Some Village Wanderers, had found their home in the majestic Panoli Anchors Bank Stadium. It would be the start of an adventure, unseen before.
Matchday 1Bussoleno Panthers 21 – 24 Some Village Wanderers
Was it a reward for our youth? We were asked to face the Panthers in this first game, a side known as rather modest, if not to say weak. Our rugby-players had been practicing for a few weeks now, but hadn’t grabbed hold of all the tactical nuts and bolts of the game yet. However, we managed to grab hold of the ball often enough. It was Ananias, the royal son, who marked our first try, which was easily converted by Iob. Our drop-goal oriented tactics were apparently unseen, as both flanker Nicodemus and Aser marked a score. 7-13 at half-time, we made the difference with a penalty by Iob and a conversed score by Jairus. The Panthers still came close, but fullback Prochoros saved the day by stopping a final attack. In the turmoil, eightman Obed made the winning drop goal.
Matchday 2Some Village Wanderers 18 – 22 Ciavno Alpenhawks
When we entered the Panoli stadium for the first time in competition, the stands weren’t filled at all. A few Villagers had come to see the spectacle, some locals who disliked the Dockers for one reason or another had chosen our side, but most spectators merely looked upon it as an oddity, a strange spectacle. They assumed in advance that, despite our performance against Bussoleno, that we would be a bird for the cat. However, the Alpenhawks had brought enough people to create a lively atmosphere, which matched a team with their history and background. The match itself was dominated by Ciavno, going 3-14 at half-time with a penalty by Iob. During the second half, we avoided humiliation with tries by Jairus and replacement Iepthae. Another penalty by Iob resulted in a close score, but a deserved victory for Ciavno. A loss, but our performance got us a round of applause by the sympathetic Alpenhawks.
Matchday 3Dronero Periglios 7–34 Some Village Wanderers
After their surprising play-off ticket last year, the Dronero Periglios were motivated to set straight the home disaster against the Ospreys. However, our Wanderers had one of those glorious days, which would set the margins of this season. Our drop goal-tactics were once again encouraged by team coach Erastos and we played with a lot of space behind the ball in attack for this goal. In the first half already, this resulted in goals by Iob (twice), Avner and fullback Prochoros. Added to this astonishing results, tries were pinned down by Ananias and Jairus, a fine game by both wingers. 0-26 at half time allowed us to test some substitution players, who weren’t all that great, but Iepthae forced another penalty and youngster Ozihel made an impressive try. The local press remarks talent in this boy.
Matchday 4Some Village Wanderers 27 – 28 Embrun Saisers
What is to blame? The pressure of the giant Anchors Bank Stadium? The way we were drawn with strong teams to compete against in our home games? The answer will remain locked near the question mark, but we do are glad that we can look back at an exciting game. Our fine start had drawn a few more fans to the stadium and this inspired our lads to a good start against the unbeaten Saisers. No luck however for winger Jubal, who dropped the ball at a crucial moment. Only in the last minutes we pulled back with a penalty from the foot of Iob and a try by Ananias, but still it was 10 – 17. Another try forced by Daniilu brought us back in the game and a surprise drop goal by Nicodemus and a second try of the game by Ananias created hopes for a victory, but the Saisers took the points back to Embrun with a penalty in the final minute. Harsh lessons learned, today.
Matchday 5Goertenthal Geese 19 – 26 Some Village Wanderers
Our fellow expansion team hasn’t enjoyed their endeavours in the Alpen Valley Rugby Union so far. Still looking for their first points to grab, the atmosphere was tense in the cosy home of the Geese. They did get off with the best start however, seeing how they managed to lead at half time: 14 – 7. They had our shots covered and only Jairus got past their backs once. In the last twenty minutes, the Geese broke down. Twelve points in the lead, Simeon made use of a surprising mistake in their defence and few minutes later, Jubal made the equalizing try. The Geese failed to reach their regular level and this left opportunities open for us. It was replacement Ozihel who forced our way to the three points with a try, our third away victory in a row was a fact.
Matchday 6Some Village Wanderers 40 – 0 Grasse Gainers
Many important people were invited to this third home game for the Some Village Wanderers. Amongst them were Franz Toft and Aaron Gaspard, who received their Ezar Medal out of the hands of King Zedekiah and team captain Prochoros. A glorious moment for both Neu Engollon and Some Village, indeed. The game itself was much less spectacular, although such depend on the eye with which you would view the game. Grasse clearly hadn’t presented their finest team for this game, according to some out of protest against the inclusion of our squad. More correctly, we point to the amount of injuries our opponent had to deal with which explain the lack of accuracy in their passing. The Wanderers took great advantage of this and made no less than five tries, by Aaron, Ananias (twice), Aser and Ozihel. A few penalty kicks by Iob resulted in the harsh scoreline.
Matchday 7Ludenthal Wolves 10 – 38 Some Village Wanderers
With the Ludenthal Wolves, we were set up with remarkably stronger opponents for the following games. Ranked third so far, the runners-up of the previous season were more than eager to head up in the league. However, the fatigue from their demanding Seasogs schedule must have caused their value to be less than usual. The first half was an interesting piece of rugby, with one try (Ananias) and one drop goal (Zaccheus, who replaced the slightly injured Jubal) for each side. Afterwards, the Wolves seemed too tired to deal with our active wingers and had to accept three additional tries, from Ananias, Prochoros and Jairus, two penalties from Iob and a drop goal from Daniilu. A heavy defeat for the Wolves and turmoil in the Engollian press. Taking down this powerhouse was an accomplishment which not only ranked us third but also captured the hearts of many fans.
Matchday 8Some Village Wanderers 47 – 3 Menton Crushers
Those fans had found their way to the Anchors Bank stadium and no less than eight thousand people witnessed how the Menton Crushers got crushed themselves. We could point to a diversity of reasons for this thrashing, but above all we must point to the performance of Iob. Scoring six penalties and three conversions out of ten opportunities is “another job well done by Iob”, as a supporter’s banner read. His outstanding day also allowed tries by teammates and it was Ananias who showed of his strong legs twice. Ozihel and Nicodemus placed the ball in the scoring zone once each when the spirit of the Crushers was already broken. A celebration was organized later that evening on order to thank the fans, which included a barbecue with original Villagers fish recipes and Krieg Krolsch beer.
Matchday 9Monaco Racers 27 – 15 Some Village Wanderers
So far, we had been able to make use of the underestimation from opposing teams, but the Monaco Racers had clearly made their homework. They never allowed us to play our favourite game: pulling the ball back behind in order to launch a quick try attempt or a drop kick towards the goal. Their pressure on the ball discouraged our team and halfway, they were in the lead with 12 – 3, as only a penalty had been our faith. Many Villagers had come and visit the venue, not too far away from the dock where we lodged, but that didn’t inspire us enough. The second half was close, but at no moment the gap could be closed. Ananias and Tzidki, who made his first try for the team on his very own birthday, managed to avoid a disaster with their try.
Matchday 10Some Village Wanderers 25 – 14 NEDM Troopers
Being up against the army boys, traditionally one of the weaker sides of the AVRU, caused some remarkable scenes across the stadium. Several members of the fleet who protects our ship and nation had gathered to witness the escapades of their fellow non-land lubbers. It only took a few minutes before this word became a shout throughout the stadium and a new nickname “The Lubbers” was born. The game itself wasn’t much of a clash. NEDM attempted a similar tactic as Monaco in the previous game, but they failed to bring the same capacity on the pitch. Quick passing by Iob and the centres created holes in the Troopers’ defence and before half-time, we had marked three tries by Ozihel (who seemed to have taken the spot from Jairus on the pitch), Iepthae (who replaced Ananias, stuck at home with a cold) and Daniilu. The second half didn’t add much to the game, only two penalties to Iob’s scoreline. Besides this victory, this match day was marked with our visit in the local maritime museum. Especially Daniilu and his wife Rahab, responsible for the navigation in our ship, have enjoyed this educational visit.
Matchday 11Nice Coolers 3 – 41 Some Village Wanderers
For the second week in a row, we played against a team from the bottom of the league and we showed that this level was fitting us as a glove. Back at full force, with Ananias on the left wing and youngster Ozihel on the right one, the Coolers never managed to get themselves in the game. Focussing too much on our wingers, they left gaps for our forwards which made Zaboulon and Abdias join the ranks of try-scorers Ananias and Ozihel. A few drop goals, by Iob (twice), Nicodemus, Aser and Manasseh lead the way to a horrendous defeat for the Coolers. Fingers were pointed to their coach, who decided to leave his position to his assistant for the remainder of the season. A slight shadow was thrown on the victory due to its aftermath. Three of our youngers players, Isaak, Zaboulon and Aser, got in row in one of the shady pubs near the docks with a few Dockers’ hooligans. An injury caused Aser to miss out on the following game. The Dockers’ management however distanced itself of the event and clearly emphasized their sportsmanship by sending their physiotherapist over to the Some Village as soon as they heard about the injury.
Matchday 12Some Village Wanderers 23 – 20 Panoli Dockers
We’re already talking about the remainder of the season, indeed, as we were halfway at this point. Much to everyone’s surprise, the Wanderers were already undisputed for a play-off ticket according to the press and some even declared them an outsider for the finals but coach Erastos attempted to limit the aspirations. “The cup is still half empty, let us not forget that.” The Dockers game would however mean a turning point in the history of the Wanderers. The home team, one of the main challengers of league leader Burgunden Brawlers and quadruple Seasogs contender, saw this match as an additional home game but the crowd was not one hundred procent behind them. The fresh gameplay of the Wanderers and their heartfelt enthusiasm had created a solid fan base and the atmosphere was tense. Certainly when a 0 – 10 score line got wiped away in the last half hour. A try by Jairus and a drop goal leaving Jubals left foot set the pace and a penalty by Iob managed to put us in front. Iob scored another drop goal, but then the Dockers came back into it and seemed to have forced an up-and-over manoeuvre. However, with three more minutes on the clock, Ozihel escaped his direct opponent, dodged two tackles and made a clever pass to Jubal before being brought down. Jubal made the point and ensured the three points for the Wanderers, creating a moment of silence. After this split second, it seemed as if a bomb had exploded at the Anchors Bank Stadium. Cheers and boo’s attempted to overwhelm each other as we witnessed the start of what seems a thrilling derby.
Matchday 13Saluzzo Sailers 3 – 41 Some Village Wanderers
Still walking on clouds after the glorious Dockers’ game, the Wanderers went for a simple walkover against the Saluzzo Saviors. The Saviors, having a variable season, never made a fist while our Wanderers seemed to have practiced a new set of attacking strategies. Once again, the role of Iob in this team was hailed in the press, but some attention was drawn also on Obed, the eightman and silent force behind the squad. He crowned his own game with a try and a drop goal, two fine moments in a game which shall only be remembered with smiles on the faces of those who were there in red and blue paint.
Matchday 14Some Village Wanderers 9 – 21 San Remo Ospreys
Knowing that the Burgunden Brawlers were having a fall back after their tremendous start of the season, this would possibly be the game which brought the Wanderers into first position. Did this cause too much pressure on our young men? Or were the Ospreys simply the better side today? It seems more sensible to suppose the second option as their fullback LaMavelli gave away an excellent demonstration of top class rugby. Three tries, each and every one of them a display of the capacities of this Seasogs-quality team sealed the deal. Only Iob managed to withstand the heat in front of the ten thousand Panolians who had shown up for this game with two penalties and a drop goal. With the feet back to earth, it was time to look forward to the next game.
Matchday 15Schwartzgarten Warriors 22 – 12 Some Village Wanderers
Two weeks ago, they were named an outsider for the title, but the performance the Wanderers have away on the field of the Warriors did not endorse this praise at all. Schwartzgarten, battling to get a chance in the play-offs in order to relive their magnificent 66th season (and to wash away the dirty taste left by last year), showed fine composure and the kind of vista needed to advance to the next round. The Wanderers, lacking a few players, couldn’t live up to the expectations. However, coach Erastos said that the unavailabilities were no excuse for the lousy game. “The guys should know what to do… They didn’t demonstrate it today.” Only Ozihel and surprisingly Zaccheus marked for us, resulting in defeat and a drop to the seventh position in the standings. The nine point gap assured the play-off spot, but we had to show more in order to prove ourselves worthy to compete there. After the game, a flower bunch was left near the Kalarin Border War museum, in honour of those who died needlessly. Despite being located in the far past, it remembers us to the uselessness of war and the value of friendship between nations.
Matchday 16Vusurlac Chamois 6 – 31 Some Village Wanderers
The demanded answer was given against the Chamois, one of the sides that are seen as moderate in the AVRU. Nonetheless, the display from Some Village wasn’t ground-breaking. Vusurlac simply missed the accuracy to make it a tighter game while being given plenty of opportunities to put themselves back in the game. Because of their failures in the front, the Wanderers made a large victory crowned by tries from Ananias (two), Aser and Prochoros. The losing streak was broken and the spirit reinstalled, but still fragile. After the game, we still spend some time in the picturesque town of Vusurlac. Apart from visiting the lake, our star player Iob got offered a drive in a Diamond Star truck by a local fan and truck driver. According to our sources, he must have been the first Villager behind the wheel. Needless to say that his trip didn’t go far, in order to secure the local safety.
Matchday 17Some Village Wanderers 25 – 21 Teleursville Gargoyles
There are three good reasons why the people come out in massive numbers of their houses and take a seat in a rugby stadium on a beautiful afternoon. Their team is going to have an interesting, important and possibly close match, their side is playing a derby against the local opponent or the team is facing a household name in the league. Teleursville is the third case. The team from Neu Engollon’s capital, once a multiple season victor, was now battling for every point in order to reach the play-offs but still had some glorious melancholy in their grey-and-green jerseys. The recipe for an exciting game with two sides who matched each other in capacity. However, the storming interest caused one of our players, Simeon, to miss the first twenty minutes. He wasn’t in time for the players’ bus and decided to go by foot. Due to the amount of people in the streets, he missed a turn and only reached the stadium after a trip in a Saint James Cab. Isaak had already taken his place in a fascinating match. With 12 – 14, it seemed as if the Gargoyles could take it away, but Prochoros marked his second try quickly in the second half and Teleursville couldn’t respond. A penalty by Iob and a drop kick by Avner decided the game.
Matchday 18Torino Terrors 15 – 23 Some Village Wanderers
The mid-season down was completely over as our Wanderers demonstrated against the Torino Terrors. The Terrors, one of last year surprises, showed themselves a solid side and refused the Wanderers many points in the first half. Only penalties were scored in the first half, resulting in a six against six. However, the methods of the Terrors were not refined and as time went by, more and more of their players got a spot on the sin bin. In the end, this resulted in lethal tries. Ananias, Ozihel and Tzidki demonstrated that there was space in defence and despite a marvellous last ten minutes by Torino’s pride, they could not keep the three points at home. With mathematical play-offs ensured, the next games were mainly focused on trying out new tactical schemes and giving some playing time to the guys on the bench.
Matchday 19Some Village Wanderers 30 – 6 Albertville Ibex
Those replacements got an excellent opportunity to get used to their positions against the Ibex, the red lantern from the current standings. At no point in the game, Albertville could express hope on a victory if it hadn’t been for a few unneeded defensive mistakes, the Wanderers would have kept the zero on the board. On the other side of the pitch, we have seen some interesting work by our youngsters. Ittai, eightman today, created a try for flanker Nicodemus and Ozihel doubled the score. Iepthae did a good job as penalty taker for the occasion with two scores out of three, while Tzidki marked another try. The crown on the work was for Prochoros, who crossed the field from front to forward and from the left to the right. The Ibex team, however, had no hard feelings and some even joined the play-off celebration. Our shining new supporters’ club had organised a small party for the occasion in the Panolian Burgunden BreuPub. Needless to say that many players ended up with a sore head…
Matchday 20Annecy Anvils 27 – 20 Some Village Wanderers
And maybe this was the cause of the result of the following match. With the Anvils, we met another side located in the back of the pack, but as swift as our gameplay was during our last presence in the Dockers’ stadium, as slow and uncoordinated was the performance today. By the time Iob was brought in, there was already 20-3 on the board, only Aaron got a fine kick in his feet. Iob attempted to reorganise everything, scored a penalty and fulfilled his duty in the conversions after two tries by Jairus, but the result was nonetheless disappointing. Coach Erastos however said that this was the kind of warning needed in order to be in the best shape for play-offs.
Matchday 21Some Village Wanderers 22 – 30 Burgunden Brawlers
A game in the end of the regular season between two teams who were already contented with their current results often gives way for slow, unfascinating rugby. This was a fact during the first half and some fans even turned against their own team when the score at half-time was 3 against 9. But what happened afterwards was a feast for the true rugby supporter. Daniilu opened the debate with a try and Iobs conversion put us in front. Experienced winger Reitzbach then started his challenge against our left wing Ananias. Both placed the ball twice in the end zone but it was Reitzbach who had the last word. Freilich had created the opening and once again it was Fritz Reitzbach who gave the victory and the three points to the gold-and-maroon after an interesting half.
Matchday 22Some Village Wanderers 24 – 6 Bussoleno Panthers
As is usual, the first opponent of the season was met in the last game of the regular season and in order to reward those thousands and thousands fans who had cheered for the red-and-blue, despite us being foreign and unknown to their nation less than a year ago, the doors of the Anchors Bank stadium were put wide open and a grand supporters meeting was organised including meet and greets. It was no surprise that rising star Ozihel, golden foot Iob, speedy legs Ananias and the general of the squad, Prochoros, received the most attention but autographs were asked to all twenty-three heroes. King Zedekiah was amongst those who witnessed our team playing solid and reliable, which resulted in tries by Simeon, Avner and Ananias, the two last being royal sons. A solid fourth spot was the result of this season, although it must be noticed that the gap with the last participant to the post-season was smaller than with the three leaders of the series: Ludenthal Wolves, San Remo Ospreys and Burgunden Brawlers, the three favourites for the title.
POST-SEASONMatchday 1Burgunden Brawlers 14 – 26 Some Village Wanderers
Starting with one of the main favourites for the AVRU title meant a great pressure for us… But also for our opponent. The Burgunden Brawlers were recognised as the 16th squad throughout the multiverse and were in no way to be esteemed as an easy opponent. The game in the regular season had shown that they could be beaten on stamina and that every loss of concentration would pay out in opposing points. The first half therefor had a very closed nature, each team feeling out the other one without losing its attention to the defensive positions. Each team only broke through once and it was Jairus who got our first post-season try. The second kept the same pace until the Brawlers right winger dropped the rugby. Within instants, Nicodemus grabbed hold of the ball and placed the Wanderers in front. This caused panic amongst the Brawlers and making abuse of the situation, a third try was scored by Ozihel. With this score line, Burgunden needed to take risks and with success. Our defence grunted under the pressure and the gap got cut in half. In an all-or-nothing effort, the Brawlers left space in the middle and Daniilu made use of that situation to put the final score on the board after a seventy-yard run.
Matchday 2Some Village Wanderers 16 – 21 Monaco Racers
Lesson number one about the play-offs: there are no weak teams anymore. The Monaco Racers had already put us with our backs against the wall during the season and once again they proved to be a clever, solid side. However, contrary to our first meeting with the racers, we cannot point our finger to a lack of attention or tactical wit. In this harsh but fair game, we were simply outplayed by the Racers during the second half. With a penalty by Iob and a well-timed try by Ananias, we seemed to have our hands on a two-out-of-two. Alas, the Racers punched themselves back into it and we couldn’t stop the wave. Only a drop goal by Aser and a last minute penalty were scored, but the Racers had been lethal by then. A disappointment for our many fans as we reached the 12.000 supporters for the first time (not accounting for Panoli games).
Matchday 3Ciavno Alpenhawks 29 – 17 Some Village Wanderers
In our list of household names of the AVRU, the Alpenhawks often are overlooked but when it comes to virtue on the green, they shouldn’t be. Home of the Alpen Regiments, they show the positive fighting spirit which matches this sport so well. In their cosy, atmospheric home stadium, Ciavno got straight into attack from the kick-off onwards. Their rash ways surprised our boys, who were behind before they managed to blink. It took us at least twenty minutes to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start to think about getting somewhere near the other end of the pitch. It took a long, scrum-larded attack before Prochoros could get the first points in the pocket: 12 against 3, still a long way to go and by half time, all hope was to be left in the dressing room. A gap of 19 points had brought us back to earth. What followed wasn’t great entertainment. The Alpenhaws were, rightfully, contented with this result and skilfully guided by fullback Goerdel, they secured the advantage. Ozihel managed to score a try but the gap remained as it was. The last-second try by Jubal didn’t change much about this and being positioned seventh in the post-season, the Seasogs seemed further away than ever.
Matchday 4Some Village Wanderers 28 – 24 Panoli Dockers
The first edition of this game had become a thrilling spectacle, with an entertained crowd and last-minute changes in the result. The Anchors Bank stadium therefor was filled already half an hour before the game, as the Neu Engolleens were mad about this sport and the Panolians not the least amongst them. A victory would mean a big step towards a medal for the Dockers, a loss could indicate the end of any ambition for Some Village. Both teams started off with certain reservations and the first twenty minutes could be described as study, searching for the weaknesses of the opponent. It was Panoli who created the first valuable attack and score, but the Wanderers reacted with a seldom try by Iob, who conversed subsequently. The rivalry off the pitch was to be seen on it, although we must say that the game was fair and the supporters rowdy but not aggressive. Both teams marked a try before half-time, with Ananias managing his 22th try of the season. The second half knew a similar course of events, with one main difference. Once again, both Dockers and Wanderers got a try – ours by Iepthae – but the Dockers failed in conversion. With twelve minutes on the clock, Ozihel decided the game with a valuable try and despite another score by the Dockers, this decided the game. The papers were surprised by this result and headlined “Which one is actually this city’s team?” which only enlarged the growing derby-feeling between both teams.
Matchday 5Embrun Saisers 19 – 27 Some Village Wanderers
The Saisers had known an unsatisfying start of the post-season, especially since they cruised through the regular season and had scared off the bigger teams from time to time. It seemed as if, with the goal of this year’s AVRU reached, Embrun already was getting in vacation mood. The first half was a disgrace for the Saisers and our Wanderers didn’t hesitate to make use of this confusion. 0-21 was the result, with Phineas, Nicodemus and Prochoros’ names placed on the scorecard. If we would have been a bit more sharp in our passing, the result would have been even harsher. With a lot of replacements on both sides, the second half have a different image. The Saisers attempted to avoid a humiliation and this resulted in some scores. However, they didn’t reach the needed pace until ten minutes before the final whistle. By then, the score was 7-27 already due to a penalty by Iob and a drop goal by Ittai. The last-minute revival of the Saisers fell short and fifth place was ours.
Matchday 6Some Village Wanderers 44 – 6 San Remo Ospreys
Throughout the years, a few teams have gained international fame when talking about Neu Engolleen. The Ospreys are certainly amongst them, having reached the group stage of the Seasogs three times in a row. Our previous game against them reinforced this image and they were still in the running for this year’s title. However, for reasons beyond our knowledge, the Ospreys had a horrible off-day. At no point in the game, they managed to create a reasonable attack and if it weren’t for a few technical mistakes, they might as well never have scored. At first our guys attempted to get a certain amount of drop goals, but as time went by, coach Erastos realised that San Remo wasn’t where it should be and we got invited to a try-festival. Iob didn’t have his best day when it came to conversions (scoring 2 out of 5) but did manage a drop kick and a penalty. Our tries were punted by Ananias, Simeon, Obed, once again Ananias and Tzidki. The home crowd enjoyed this demonstration, most certainly against a neighbour town. The San Remo president swore that this day would be revenged but also declared that ‘it would be with different players on the pitch’, giving a clear indication to his team.
Matchday 7Ludenthal Wolves 17 – 21 Some Village Wanderers
The Wolves. With fourteen victories out of their last sixteen games, it seemed as if they were cruising towards glory in the AVRU. Being the runner-up of the previous season, this team had only choked against the Racers and the Brawlers during the last months, but had collected triumphs as if they were stamps. The only hopeful stat that could be discovered, was the fact that their last home loss was against… the Wanderers. And history repeated itself, although they helped it with an atrocious pass. The first half was for the Wolves and no cloud appeared in their sky. With two tries to one, they were in the lead for tea-time, Daniilu being our scorer of the day. A quick drop goal by the Wolves scrum half even ensured this way of things, but then the Wanderers showed their best side. A well-timed attack and an incredible run by Ananias diminished the gap. However, time seemed to run out for a turnover attack, until the Wolves’ inside centre dropped the ball at a decisive moment. Hooker Zaboulon reacted quickly, picked up the ball, dodged a tackle and passed towards our openside flanker Jubal who could make use of the confusion in the defence of the Wolves. Due to Iob scoring the conversion, the Wolves had to pull back with a try and solid positioning by the Wanderers avoided said situation. With three games left, the Wanderers joined the lead, but nothing was decided yet. King Zedekiah, who had accompanied our squad for this game, left a wreath near the Schiele Platz after the game, a gesture much appreciated by the Wolves’ fans, despite the loss.
Matchday 8Some Village Wanderers 13 – 23 Schwartzgarten Warriors
What was lesson one about the play-offs again? Oh yes, that there were no easy games anymore. The Warriors demonstrated this with crushing accuracy and solid passing. There wasn’t a single moment that our Wanderers could genuinely hope for the three points today, as Schwartzgarten got itself into a 0-10 lead right away. The home fans, dressed up in red and blue, realised soon that they would have to let go off their championship dreams as our Wanderers never fully got into the game. The Warriors didn’t back off and only a try by Avner got the zero of the board for us. During the second half, the defensive strategy of the Warriors paid off and we never found enough space in order to close the gap. A penalty Iob and a drop kick by Simeon gave us some points, but in vain. This defeat ensured us that the battle for the Seasogs would continue till the last whistle. Unlike most home games, when the players joined the fans for a drink afterwards, it was decided to leave the vivid nightlife as it is for once. It must said that, the usual exception aside, that most of our players are the party type.
Matchday 9Menton Crushers 12 – 20 Some Village Wanderers
Once again, it all came down to details when we faced the Menton Crushers. The team which was well known for their Jekyll & Hyde-attitude, alternating magnificent with awful matches, had decided to put on its fighting face in their very own stadium. The battle for the opening minutes only got resolved when the referee disposed some people to the sin bin. For the first time this entire season, we had more than one guy send off in a game and at a certain point in the match, we were down to thirteen with Abdias and Avner on the sideline. In between the battle, both team marked two tries, ours by Iepthae and Aser. It was quite unexpected that we still were in front, with the given situation but it appeared as if Menton had wasted its best powers during the opening forty minutes. The second half wasn’t interesting anymore from the point of view of the neutral supporter and he wouldn’t have gotten enthusiast by the penalty mistakes either. Iob marked them, the Crushers didn’t and the three points were in the pocket. Coach Erastos however, was displeased: “This kind of behaviour on the pitch isn’t the mission I’ve sent them on. We want to become not only a strong rugby squad, but also a respected one. Acting like that, a band of wild barbarians, is a disgrace for our nation and an insult to our hosts.”
Matchday 10Some Village Wanderers 17 – 31 Burgunden Brawlers
Due to practical circumstances, our last game of the post-season round robin was played on the second field from the Panoli Dockers, as the Dockers themselves were matching up against the Ludenthal Wolves for the first spot and the automatic final ticket. The other finalist, however, could possibly be seen in this second stadium, which was crammed with four thousand fans amongst which many fans of the Brawlers. The reigning champion had gone through a remarkable post-season, with a despicable start as they lost their first two games. Afterwards, however, they tornado’ed their direct opponents and kept the chance on a place in the AVRU final alive. The remarkable streak they had collected did ensure our team that any mistake would lead towards defeat. After all, this was the third team we faced them and on the previous occasions, they had already shown us their capacities. They reinforced their ambitions for the title with a strong performance on our field. The Wanderers performed well, showed some nice moments of rugby but couldn’t hold up against the Brawlers’ storm. Two tries by Ozihel and Ananias and a penalty scored by Iepthae weren’t enough to withstand and the Brawlers took the victory home fair and square. However, due to a loss by the Warriors, our fourth place and Seasogs ticket was ensured, a glorious day for rugby in Some Village! Organised by the crew, a special moment was held with the fans on one of Panoli’s beautiful beaches. Having a fish barbecue for approximately two thousand people isn’t a usual event and it would have been impossible without the help from sponsors such as Gertner’s cider mill and a local Älpenmagronen producer.
3th Place MatchPanoli Dockers 43 – 17 Some Village Wanderers
To end the season, the two sides who had found their home in the Anchors Bank Stadium would face each other. The stakes? The third place and more importantly, the glory. The fact that Panoli had been not alone beaten, but beaten twice by a bunch of lubbers had stirred the atmosphere for this match. On top of this, Panoli had missed the AVRU Final with a few points and this cocktail created quite some frustration amongst the fans. These not asked, but demanded a victory from the white-and-blue against these shipfolks. For our supporters, lesser in numbers but as enthused in voices, this was also a big moment. Throughout the past months, they had started to root for a strange bunch of lads, witnessed their growth in the game, stood amazed along with the press when they made the post-season and cheered when the Seasogs ticket was granted. Their choice for the red-and-blue had probably caused them to be laughed at every once and a while at work or on the playground, as the Dockers were still the team with the number one fanbase, but the two previous victories from the Wanderers had been highlights in the season. Making this a triple would be worth more than the actual title. Nonetheless, the rivalry remained civil and rather teasing than truly aggressive. Many banners across the stadium mocked the opponents, but in a well-mannered way and with a friendly wink. Others supported our guys, amongst which the well-known ‘Another job well done by Iob’, ‘Speedy Ananias Gonzalez’ and ‘Captain Prochoros brings our ship home’. Many of our inhabitants came to view this game, as over half the population had come to support our lads. The Neu Engollians had been so friendly to reserve a special spot for them, with a grand view on the pitch.
They witnessed how the Dockers took the lead early-on and never gave in. By half-time, it was 24-10 already with a try by Jairus and a penalty by Iob, who else, for our side. The Dockers kept this pace up throughout the second half and our fans could only warm themselves with a marvellous try by youngster Tzidki, who once again showed that this game had further prospects for our nation. It was, however, Marino Riazzi who was the hero of the day with three tries and an outstanding performance. After the game, captain Prochoros asked the microphone to voice some words towards the audience. First of all, he congratulated Riazzi and the Dockers with their game and season. Next, he thanked the Dockers for allowing the Wanderers to use their stadium. Last, but certainly not least, he showed the team’s gratitude towards the many fans who had supported the Wanderers this season and lead us to the Seasogs. Although our expectations were low, the mere fact that we would show up there was a big step in our nation’s history. A well-meant dankmerz to Neu Engollon!
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:33 am
