vnb.co.va/sports [Sports Newswire | Information Thread]

by **Valcana** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 2:10 pm

This is the sportswire thread for Valcana - I will post my league results for football, baseball, rugby, hockey and any others which I decide to do. This thread is closed to me, unless you have consulted with me beforehand. I will also sporadically post sports-related articles, especially when there is currently no tournament thread.

Valcanain Football

Football is the predominant sport in Valcana, running from September to May, with the 16-team Valcanian Premier League the centre-piece event. 16 teams play home-and-away, with the top team crowned champions, and the bottom team relegated to the National League 1, which consists of 12 teams. From that, one is relegated down to National League Two, and one from National League Two down to National League Three.

Valcanian Premier League

78 Hurston
Adamston FC
Capitolines
Corinne Athletic
Dansleigh Common FC
Engineers
Gatesten FC
Gelevin Saints
Kenross FC
Lauret Hill FC
Marlbrough Heath
Shreyset Park
Sporting Union
Tellston Fort Rovers
Tenebres College
Whitefield FC

177/8 Season
Preview
MDs 1-10
MDs 11-20
MDs 21-30
Awards and Review

National League 1

Colburn Manor FC
Elliotsbury Rovers
Industry Howell
Park City FC
PFC Aldenstone
Presedentia
Providence FC
Schellitt FC
St David's
Summertown PFC
Twenty-Ones
Verelin City

177/8 Season
Review

National League 2

Alford United
Cape Fierce
Desertmartin FC
Heckston
Heldmington Athletic
Industry Raymenton
Keaton FC
Lynmouth PFC
May Church FC
Resenelle County
Verelin Independence
Vitalios

177/8 Season
Review

National League 3

AAC
Ascot
Deerhome United
Dioabhan Wild
George's Town
Millington Union
Moulen PFC
Neverhill FC
Port Covan
Savalade United
Sayminster FC
Stellesbeck

177/8 Season
Review

Valcanian Baseball League

Baseball takes over where football leaves off in the summer, with the season running from April to mid-October, packing in a high level of fixtures - 2 Conferences of 10 teams, playing home-and-away, before a final series played between the two Conference Winners at the 86,000-seater Wakefield Stadium, the largest stadium in the country.

by **Valcana** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 2:57 pm

VPL Season 1: 177/8 - Preview

The Cultural Reconstruction Committee recommended the establishment of a 20-team top league, but a number of prospective clubs pulled out before the deadline date, so it was recalibrated to consist of the 16 teams, the Valcanian Premier League. A number of pre-war clubs, powerhouses of the old National League, such as Capitolines, Tenebres College and Gelevin Saints have come together once again in a professional capacity to enter the league, whilst a number of new clubs, privately funded, such as Dansleigh Common FC, Kenross FC and Adamston FC come in to create an interesting atmosphere in the new league.

Each team will play every other side home and away, from September 3rd to May 18th, taking in a 2-week break over Christmas and New Year. Nominally, all games take place at the traditional time of 2pm on a Saturday, although with television deals with VBN and MTN, games will be moved to Friday Nights, Sunday lunchtimes and afternoons, and Monday nights to accommodate TV scheduling.

The good money in the betting market would be on the Capitolines to take home the trophy, with their strong squad, led by the peerless centre back Nathan Mathewson, and the goals provided by the lethal Antony Rush, who is tipped to start for the national side when the World Cup comes along. But don't rule out Gelevin Saints, playing their home games at the hostile Trochet Park, or Corinne Athletic with electric young winger Donovan Beck and powerful striker Grant Saxon. Adamston FC should be up there, with strong financial backing which reeled in the manager of choice, Stevie Watson, also tipped to take over the national coaching job should it emerge. Shreyset Park, one of the oldest sporting clubs in the country will always be competitive, as will the pride of Monniston Central, the Engineers. Dansleigh Common FC are another new-money club, but they lack any big-names, so will rely on a strong team-ethic and work-rate to produce results.

Gatesten FC are a side built around domineering midfielder Leon Prentiss, and as a result posses the capability to hurt any team, but should their main man get injured, they could be in trouble. Kenross FC, another new club with a young squad will look to cause a few upsets and make some noise, whilst Tenebres College will bring experience and maturity to proceedings, having dominated the National League before the Civil War, with 400-cap Edward Carter at the helm. Proudly fierce Tellston Fort Rovers will be a difficult trip for any club in the League, but away from the partisan Battery Park they will be a different matter.

78 Hurston was first a rugby club, and expanded to football back in 78, and will fight to make an impact on the table, but might lack the squad depth to challenge at the latter end of the season. Sporting Union were a sporting collective, putting forward teams for over 20 sports, and recently came together to form a football side, but may well struggle against the most professional outfits. Marlbrough Heath were one of the stronger clubs early in the nation's history, but have fallen away, and their home ground was destroyed in a Southern bombing raid in the Civil War - they now share a ground with Whitefield FC, who will also fight to avoid relegation this season. Lauret Hill FC were perennial whipping boys in the National League, but were granted entry to the VPL, having promised a stronger performance.

by **Valcana** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:01 pm

VPL Season 1: 177/8 Season - Matchdays 1-10

Matchday 1

Shreyset Park 0–1 Gatesten FC
Sporting Union 1–3 Gelevin Saints
Lauret Hill FC 1–3 Tenebres College
Dansleigh Common FC 0–3 Capitolines
Whitefield FC 4–1 Kenross FC
Adamston FC 1–4 78 Hurston
Engineers 3–2 Tellston Fort Rovers
Marlbrough Heath 0–1 Corinne Athletic

It was a weekend to play away, the opening day of the VPL, with 8 of the 10 away teams recording victories, in a gameweek thankfully lacking any dull draws. The best viewing was found at the glitzy Tuvex Arena, where the Capitolines put on a show for a sell-out crowd, albeit a show which perhaps the crowd wouldn't have wanted to, as the men in grey ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners. The President was in attendance as the Engineers came from behind to beat Tellston Fort Rovers, whilst 78 Hurston defied the odds and comfortably beat Adamston FC away from home.

Matchday 2

Gatesten FC 0–3 Corinne Athletic
Tellston Fort Rovers 0–0 Marlbrough Heath
78 Hurston 2–1 Engineers
Kenross FC 1–0 Adamston FC
Capitolines 3–1 Whitefield FC
Tenebres College 1–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Gelevin Saints 1–0 Lauret Hill FC
Shreyset Park 0–2 Sporting Union

The Capitolines kept up their good start in Matchday 2, with a strong home win over Whitefield FC, and 78 Hurston continued to surprise, defeating the Engineers at FIVE Park. Sporting Union score late twice to record a good victory away at Shreyset Park, whilst Kenross FC, Gelevin Saints and Corinne Athletic all recorded victories.

Matchday 3

Sporting Union 1–1 Gatesten FC
Lauret Hill FC 0–6 Shreyset Park
Dansleigh Common FC 0–1 Gelevin Saints
Whitefield FC 0–0 Tenebres College
Adamston FC 0–0 Capitolines
Engineers 1–1 Kenross FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–1 78 Hurston
Corinne Athletic 1–0 Tellston Fort Rovers

Shreyset Park recovered from a disappointing previous week with a powerful 6 goal shutout of Lauret Hill FC, away from home. The Miners were bottom of the table with 0 points and just the one goal. Forward Patrick Nicholson scored a hat-trick for Shreyset Park. The top of the table was inhabited by Gelevin Saints and Corinne Athletic, the only teams with 100% records as they both secured 1-0 victories - Capitolines were frustrated away at Adamston FC.

Matchday 4

Gatesten FC 0–1 Tellston Fort Rovers
78 Hurston 3–4 Corinne Athletic
Kenross FC 1–0 Marlbrough Heath
Capitolines 1–0 Engineers
Tenebres College 1–4 Adamston FC
Gelevin Saints 1–0 Whitefield FC
Shreyset Park 0–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Sporting Union 3–0 Lauret Hill FC

Corinne Athletic continued their unbeaten start after holding off a spirited comeback from 78 Hurston. Having led 4-0 after 60 minutes, they conceded three in 20 minutes, but held out to earn 3 points. The Monniston derby between Capitolines and Engineers was tense, with a Antony Rush penalty the only separation between the sides. Gelevin Saints were also unbeaten after a scrappy 1-0 victory over Whitefield FC, who had not won since the opening day of the season.

Matchday 5

Lauret Hill FC 0–1 Gatesten FC
Dansleigh Common FC 1–0 Sporting Union
Whitefield FC 1–0 Shreyset Park
Adamston FC 0–7 Gelevin Saints
Engineers 1–0 Tenebres College
Marlbrough Heath 0–2 Capitolines
Corinne Athletic 1–1 Kenross FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 2–1 78 Hurston

Gelevin Saints were really hitting their stride, 5 wins from 5 games, their latest a 7-0 away mauling of Adamston FC, with 3 goals courtesy of striker Kieran Barnes. They now occupied top spot alone thanks to Kenross FC, who held Corinne Athletic to a 1-1 draw at the Daley Stadium. The middle of the table was becoming very congested, with 7 teams on 7 points, divided by goal difference, whilst Lauret Hill FC continued to suffer at the foot of the table, this time beaten 0-1 by Gatesten FC.

Matchday 6

Gatesten FC 2–0 78 Hurston
Kenross FC 5–0 Tellston Fort Rovers
Capitolines 0–3 Corinne Athletic
Tenebres College 0–0 Marlbrough Heath
Gelevin Saints 6–1 Engineers
Shreyset Park 0–0 Adamston FC
Sporting Union 2–5 Whitefield FC
Lauret Hill FC 2–0 Dansleigh Common FC

Corinne Athletic reasserted their title credentials with a strong 3-0 away victory against the Capitolines, but they were not to be outdone by Gelevin Saints, who put six past the Engineers - a bad day for the Monniston clubs - Dansleigh Common FC were defeated by Lauret Hill FC 2-0 for the latter's first points of the season. Whitefield FC and Sporting Union played out a 7-goal thriller, with Whitefield running out 5-2 winners. Marlbrough Heat remained the only side without a victory, adding another draw against the lacklustre Tenebres College.

Matchday 7

Dansleigh Common FC 1–1 Gatesten FC
Whitefield FC 5–1 Lauret Hill FC
Adamston FC 0–0 Sporting Union
Engineers 7–3 Shreyset Park
Marlbrough Heath 2–2 Gelevin Saints
Corinne Athletic 2–1 Tenebres College
Tellston Fort Rovers 0–3 Capitolines
78 Hurston 5–0 Kenross FC

A big-scoring weekend saw Gelevin Saints' winning run come to an end after Marlbrough Heath came back twice to earn a 2-2 draw, allowing Corinne Athletic to come back on level terms at the top of the table after they beat Tenebres College 2-1. The Engineers prevailed in an incredible 10-goal fixture against Shreyset Park, winning 7-3, midfielder Blair Fitzroy scoring twice and assisting two others in a magical display. Lauret Hill FC went back to losing ways, hammered by Whitefield, as were Kenross by 78 Hurston, by 5 goals to nil.

Matchday 8

Gatesten FC 0–4 Kenross FC
Capitolines 0–1 78 Hurston
Tenebres College 1–0 Tellston Fort Rovers
Gelevin Saints 0–1 Corinne Athletic
Shreyset Park 3–1 Marlbrough Heath
Sporting Union 0–1 Engineers
Lauret Hill FC 3–1 Adamston FC
Dansleigh Common FC 1–0 Whitefield FC

The biggest game of the season so far saw Gelevin Saints host Corinne Athletic in a fiercely contested clash at a raucous Trochet Park. But that crowd was silenced by a spectacular Grant Saxon volley in front of the Saints' fans to secure a priceless 1-0 victory to put them 3 points clear at the top. Capitolines were defeated by a rapidly-rising 78 Hurston 0-1, whilst Kenross FC recovered from their previous humbling to win 0-4 at Gatesten FC. Lauret Hill left the bottom of the table after a lively 3-1 victory over Adamston FC, who were now level on points with the Miners.

Matchday 9

Whitefield FC 0–3 Gatesten FC
Adamston FC 2–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Engineers 1–0 Lauret Hill FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Sporting Union
Corinne Athletic 2–2 Shreyset Park
Tellston Fort Rovers 2–4 Gelevin Saints
78 Hurston 0–1 Tenebres College
Kenross FC 1–0 Capitolines

It was becoming a theme this season - whenever one team pulled away, it was rapidly brought back the following matchday, and this happened again, with Corinne Athletic drawing 2-2 with Shreyset Park, whilst Gelevin Saints put four past Tellston Fort Rovers. Kenross FC took third place off the Capitolines with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Isaac Burgess' sublime free-kick. Marlbrough Heath recorded their first win to condemn Lauret Hill FC back to the bottom of the table. Manager Stuart Rowley became the first manager to come under serious pressure, with the local Albemarble paper calling for his sacking.

Matchday 10

Gatesten FC 0–3 Capitolines
Tenebres College 0–0 Kenross FC
Gelevin Saints 3–1 78 Hurston
Shreyset Park 0–1 Tellston Fort Rovers
Sporting Union 0–5 Corinne Athletic
Lauret Hill FC 1–0 Marlbrough Heath
Dansleigh Common FC 0–2 Engineers
Whitefield FC 0–0 Adamston FC

Corinne Athletic impressed with a complete dismantling of Sporting Union, Grant Saxon taking his tally of goals for the season to 10 from 10, adding a brace against the Union. Gelevin Saints were comfortable in their 3-1 victory over 78 Hurston, as were the Capitolines as they defeated Gatesten FC at the Kingdom Ground. Manager Stuart Rowley was granted a stay of execution as his side fought bitterly to earn a one-nil victory over fellow strugglers Marlbrough Heath.

Table after MD10
Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Corinne Athletic          10    8   2   0    23    7  +16    26
 2 Gelevin Saints            10    8   1   1    28    8  +20    25
 3 Capitolines               10    6   1   3    15    6   +9    19
 4 Engineers                 10    6   1   3    18   15   +3    19
 5 Kenross FC                10    5   3   2    15   11   +4    18
 6 Whitefield FC             10    4   2   4    16   12   +4    14
 7 Gatesten FC               10    4   2   4     9   13   −4    14
 8 78 Hurston                10    4   1   5    18   15   +3    13
 9 Tenebres College          10    3   4   3     8    9   −1    13
10 Dansleigh Common FC       10    3   2   5     6   12   −6    11
11 Adamston FC               10    2   4   4     8   17   −9    10
12 Tellston Fort Rovers      10    3   1   6     8   18  −10    10
13 Lauret Hill FC            10    3   0   7     8   21  −13     9
14 Shreyset Park             10    2   2   6    14   16   −2     8
15 Sporting Union            10    2   2   6     9   17   −8     8
16 Marlbrough Heath          10    1   4   5     5   11   −6     7
Corinne Athletic led the way after 10 matchdays, on 26 points, and remained unbeaten in a very impressive start to the season. Forward Grant Saxon had 10 goals in as many games, and he led the way in the Top Scorers stakes, followed by 78 Hurston striker Richard Sheridan, who had 8 of his sides 18 goals. Behind the Magpies were Gelevin Saints, trailing by just a point, whilst the rest of the top four was inhabited by the Monniston pair of Engineers and Capitolines, with 19 points a piece. At the bottom, Marlbrough Heath were already in trouble on 7 points, with just a solitary victory. Manager Chris Bracken was fearing for his job just 10 games in, especially if performances didn't turn around. Sporting Union and Shreyset Park were above the Heath on 8 points. Shreyset had disappointed greatly this season so far, and would be looking to turn things around in the next portion of the season. Adamston FC had also disappointed, struggling to score goals, whilst Kenross FC had lived up to their billing as young upstarts, rising to fifth in the table, led by captain Isaac Burgess and dynamic wing-back Hector Traherne.

by **Valcana** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 6:17 am

VPL Season 1: 177/8 Season - Matchdays 11-20

Matchday 11

Adamston FC 0–0 Gatesten FC
Engineers 2–0 Whitefield FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Corinne Athletic 3–0 Lauret Hill FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 4–0 Sporting Union
78 Hurston 0–1 Shreyset Park
Kenross FC 0–1 Gelevin Saints
Capitolines 0–1 Tenebres College

Capitolines suffered a shock defeat at home to Tenebres College, losing 0-1, whilst the Engineers ran out 2-0 winners at Factory Park to swoop into third place at the expense of the Capitals. Both Corinne Athletic and Gelevin Saints kept up their pace on the top of table, winning 3-0 and 0-1 respectively. Sporting Union were now bottom by virtue of goal difference, having suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Battery Park.

Matchday 12

Gatesten FC 2–1 Tenebres College
Gelevin Saints 1–3 Capitolines
Shreyset Park 1–4 Kenross FC
Sporting Union 1–3 78 Hurston
Lauret Hill FC 3–3 Tellston Fort Rovers
Dansleigh Common FC 0–3 Corinne Athletic
Whitefield FC 1–2 Marlbrough Heath
Adamston FC 1–1 Engineers

A huge result at the top of the table in Matchday 12, with Gelevin Saints falling off the pace after losing 1-3 at home against the Capitolines. Corinne Athletic were quick to act on the Saints error, comfortably winning 0-3 at Dansleigh Common FC. Lauret Hill and Tellston Fort Rovers played out an enthralling 3-3 draw, with Lauret Hill pulling a goal back each time Tellston took the lead, with the equaliser coming deep into injury team.

Matchday 13

Engineers 1–1 Gatesten FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–2 Adamston FC
Corinne Athletic 4–1 Whitefield FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 4–6 Dansleigh Common FC
78 Hurston 3–0 Lauret Hill FC
Kenross FC 3–1 Sporting Union
Capitolines 0–0 Shreyset Park
Tenebres College 2–1 Gelevin Saints

A critical point in the season - the gap at the top between Gelevin Saints in 2nd and Corinne Athletic in 1st was opened up to 7 points. Corinne Athletic put the pressure on the Saints with a big win on Saturday afternoon, with Grant Saxon netting a brace. Gelevin Saints couldn't keep up on Monday evening, going down 2-1 to Tenebres College. Tellston Fort Rovers and Dansleigh Common FC shared 10 goals between them, with the Foxes running out 4-6 winners in a cracking fixture at Battery Park.

Matchday 14

Gatesten FC 0–3 Gelevin Saints
Shreyset Park 0–2 Tenebres College
Sporting Union 0–4 Capitolines
Lauret Hill FC 0–1 Kenross FC
Dansleigh Common FC 2–0 78 Hurston
Whitefield FC 0–4 Tellston Fort Rovers
Adamston FC 1–7 Corinne Athletic
Engineers 0–1 Marlbrough Heath

The festive season began with a bang with several high-scoring, if one-sided, fixtures. Corinne Athletic were at their lethal best, putting 7 past a hapless Adamston FC, with Donovan Beck and Rory Taylor tormenting the Adamston defence all night. Gelevin Saint remained within touching distance with a 3-0 victory at Gatesten FC, whilst the Capitolines extended the Sporting Union's winless run to 9 games, and condemned manager Hugh Dolleston to the first sacking of the season, replacing him with Union coach Montgomery Parker.

Matchday 15

Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Gatesten FC
Corinne Athletic 1–1 Engineers
Tellston Fort Rovers 0–3 Adamston FC
78 Hurston 1–2 Whitefield FC
Kenross FC 0–2 Dansleigh Common FC
Capitolines 4–0 Lauret Hill FC
Tenebres College 0–0 Sporting Union
Gelevin Saints 3–1 Shreyset Park

Corinne Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw by the Engineers, but more worryingly, 14-goal striker Grant Saxon was stretchered off before half-time with a suspected hamstring injury. Athletic could be thankful there was just one round of games left before the winter break, and hopefully it would affect their season too much. Gelevin Saints would delight in that news, and they did, winning comfortably at Shreyset Park. Capitolines kept up with the Saints in 2nd place, winning 4-0 against Lauret Hill FC. Sporting Union still couldn't find a win, drawing 0-0 in foul winter conditions at Tenebres College, who were quietly climbing the table into sixth, having still scored fewer goals than games played.

Matchday 16

Gatesten FC 2–2 Shreyset Park
Gelevin Saints 1–3 Sporting Union
Tenebres College 1–1 Lauret Hill FC
Capitolines 3–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Kenross FC 0–0 Whitefield FC
78 Hurston 3–1 Adamston FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 5–1 Engineers
Corinne Athletic 0–1 Marlbrough Heath

Santa brought a couple of shocks for the final matchday before the Winter Break - Sporting Union stunned Gelevin Saints at Trochet Park, captain Amos Ramsay suffering the ignominy of a red card. But Corinne Athletic failed to take the initiative and go 8 points clear at Christmas, after they were beaten one-nil at home to Marlbrough Heath, courtesy of a Tom Lyndon own-goal in the 83rd minute. Tellston Fort Rovers roared to a 5-1 home victory over the Engineers, whilst the Capitolines and 78 Hurston were also victorious.

Matchday 17

Corinne Athletic 1–0 Gatesten FC
Marlbrough Heath 0–1 Tellston Fort Rovers
Engineers 3–4 78 Hurston
Adamston FC 1–1 Kenross FC
Whitefield FC 0–10 Capitolines
Dansleigh Common FC 3–1 Tenebres College
Lauret Hill FC 1–4 Gelevin Saints
Sporting Union 1–3 Shreyset Park

Things bordered on the ludicrous during the opening weekend of the new year: Capitolines went to Forest Road and scored 10 goals, scoring 7 in the first half, including four for striker Antony Rush - he grabbed another in the second half to take his season tally to 13. This brought the Capitolines to within two points of the Gelevin Saints, having conceded just 9 goals in the season so far. Corinne Athletic won a hard-fought victory at home to Gatesten, whilst Gelevin were more relaxed in a 4-1 defeat of Lauret Hill FC, who now occupied bottom spot.

Matchday 18

Gatesten FC 0–1 Sporting Union
Shreyset Park 1–1 Lauret Hill FC
Gelevin Saints 2–0 Dansleigh Common FC
Tenebres College 3–2 Whitefield FC
Capitolines 5–1 Adamston FC
Kenross FC 2–0 Engineers
78 Hurston 0–1 Marlbrough Heath
Tellston Fort Rovers 1–1 Corinne Athletic

Capitolines were scoring goals for fun in the new year, racking up another 5 against Adamston FC, with Rush grabbing another two in another electric display up front. The gap between the Saints and Corinne Athletic was closed to just 3 points, after Athletic drew one-one at Battery Park in a volatile clash which saw Tellston end with 9 players and Corinne with 10 - both sides were fined K30,000 for unruly conduct. The top three were becoming isolated from the rest of the table, six points dividing the Capitolines in 3rd and Kenross FC, who beat the Engineers, in 4th.

Matchday 19

Tellston Fort Rovers 0–0 Gatesten FC
Corinne Athletic 1–0 78 Hurston
Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Kenross FC
Engineers 0–1 Capitolines
Adamston FC 0–0 Tenebres College
Whitefield FC 0–3 Gelevin Saints
Dansleigh Common FC 4–0 Shreyset Park
Lauret Hill FC 1–0 Sporting Union

No change at the top with all of the top three recording victories, Gelevin the most impressive with a 3-0 away victory at Whitefield. Capitolines were two points from the Saints, who were three points from Corinne at the top of the table. They became further isolated at the top as Kenross were defeated by Marlbrough Heath. The clash of the bottom sides saw Lauret Hill FC overcome Sporting Union 1-0 in a surprisingly entertaining clash.

Matchday 20

Gatesten FC 2–0 Lauret Hill FC
Sporting Union 3–3 Dansleigh Common FC
Shreyset Park 0–5 Whitefield FC
Gelevin Saints 3–1 Adamston FC
Tenebres College 1–0 Engineers
Capitolines 0–0 Marlbrough Heath
Kenross FC 0–4 Corinne Athletic
78 Hurston 0–0 Tellston Fort Rovers

Corinne Athletic stepped up the pressure with a powerful performance away at the Bridge, Grant Saxon and Connor Aitken grabbing two goals each in a comfortable 4-0 victory. Gelevin Saints beat Adamston FC in the pouring rain at Trochet Park, but the Capitolines were held 0-0, with Tian Meuric missing a 65th minute penalty. Sporting Union and Dansleigh Common played out an entertaining clash at 1990 Drive, Neil Scotsburn scoring the pick of the goals.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Corinne Athletic          20   15   4   1    48   12  +36    49
 2 Gelevin Saints            20   15   1   4    50   19  +31    46
 3 Capitolines               20   13   3   4    45   10  +35    42
 4 Kenross FC                20    9   5   6    26   22   +4    32
 5 Tenebres College          20    8   7   5    20   18   +2    31
 6 Dansleigh Common FC       20    8   4   8    28   29   −1    28
 7 Marlbrough Heath          20    7   6   7    14   16   −2    27
 8 78 Hurston                20    8   2  10    32   27   +5    26
 9 Tellston Fort Rovers      20    7   5   8    30   32   −2    26
10 Engineers                 20    7   4   9    27   32   −5    25
11 Gatesten FC               20    6   6   8    16   23   −7    24
12 Whitefield FC             20    6   3  11    27   41  −14    21
13 Adamston FC               20    4   8   8    19   38  −19    20
14 Shreyset Park             20    4   5  11    23   38  −15    17
15 Sporting Union            20    4   4  12    19   39  −20    16
16 Lauret Hill FC            20    4   3  13    15   43  −28    15
With 10 fixtures to go, it was Corinne Athletic in pole position for the title, 3 points clear of the Gelevin Saints, thanks to 17 goals from Grant Saxon and dynamite performances from their midfield. The Saints had scored the most goals, with 50, Kieran Barnes with 12 and Hugo Bolton with 11. Beyond the top three, things were relatively compact, with just 8 points dividing 11th and 4th, Kenross leading the way despite a recent string of poor results. Tenebres College, Dansleigh Common and Marlbrough Heath had all done well to inhabit the top half of the table, whilst the Engineers were struggling down in the 10th. At the bottom, Lauret Hill and Sporting Union were slugging it out, on 15 and 16 points respectively, although Shreyset Park were dangerously close on 17 points.

by **Valcana** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:42 am

VPL Season 1: 177/8 Season - Matchdays 21 - 30

Matchday 21

78 Hurston 3–1 Gatesten FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 3–3 Kenross FC
Corinne Athletic 1–1 Capitolines
Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Tenebres College
Engineers 0–2 Gelevin Saints
Adamston FC 0–0 Shreyset Park
Whitefield FC 3–1 Sporting Union
Dansleigh Common FC 3–1 Lauret Hill FC

Things grow ever tighter at the summit of the VPL going into the final third of matches - Corinne Athletic's lead over Gelevin Saints was reduced to just a single point after the Capitolines held Athletic to a 1-1 draw, whilst the Saints won 2-0 away at the Engineers. It would go down to the wire, especially with Corinne and Gelevin yet to play each other in this half of the season. Whitefield, Dansleigh Common and 78 Hurston all recorded 3-1 victories.

Matchday 22

Gatesten FC 2–2 Dansleigh Common FC
Lauret Hill FC 2–1 Whitefield FC
Sporting Union 1–1 Adamston FC
Shreyset Park 1–2 Engineers
Gelevin Saints 1–0 Marlbrough Heath
Tenebres College 1–2 Corinne Athletic
Capitolines 0–0 Tellston Fort Rovers
Kenross FC 3–1 78 Hurston

No change in Matchday 22 - both Corinne and Gelevin recorded victories, although Athletic left it late to score twice in the last 15 minutes against a stubborn Tenebres College side. Gelevin Saints were totally dominant against Marlbrough Heath, scoring in the 2nd minute, but somehow didn't manage to add to that advantage and finished 1-0 winners. Isaac Burgess, Kenross captain, put in a vintage midfield display, netting a goal and assisting another in their 3-1 victory over 78 Hurston, who had slipped off the pace down in 8th place. Sporting Union were isolated at the bottom of the table after Lauret Hill FC defeated Whitefield 2-1.

Matchday 23

Kenross FC 1–0 Gatesten FC
78 Hurston 3–4 Capitolines
Tellston Fort Rovers 2–2 Tenebres College
Corinne Athletic 3–1 Gelevin Saints
Marlbrough Heath 1–2 Shreyset Park
Engineers 1–3 Sporting Union
Adamston FC 1–0 Lauret Hill FC
Whitefield FC 1–2 Dansleigh Common FC

Advantage Athletic. A titanic Saturday afternoon clash between Corinne Athletic and Gelevin Saints would decide who had the advantage going into the final rounds of matches. Corinne had won the first meeting of the sides in Matchday 8 by 0-1. Corinne took the lead early on, before Kieran Barnes equalised on the stroke of half-time. But two goals either side of the hour mark, one by the irrepressible Grant Saxon and one from a training-ground corner routine to shut down the Saints. That meant Athletic led by four points with 7 games to go. Elsewhere, the Capitolines came from 3-1 down to record a memorable 4-3 victory, whilst Sporting Union found solace with a 3-1 victory over Engineers at Factory Park.

Matchday 24

Gatesten FC 1–0 Whitefield FC
Dansleigh Common FC 3–1 Adamston FC
Lauret Hill FC 0–4 Engineers
Sporting Union 1–4 Marlbrough Heath
Shreyset Park 0–5 Corinne Athletic
Gelevin Saints 3–0 Tellston Fort Rovers
Tenebres College 0–0 78 Hurston
Capitolines 6–3 Kenross FC

A high-scoring round with goals all around the country, the most to be found in the capital where Capitolines put 6 past Kenross FC, who in return put 3 past Capitals keeper Morgan Hurst. Corinne Athletic won 5-0 away at Shreyset Park - Grant Saxon scoring his 19th and 20th goals of the season in an emphatic display. Gelevin Saints just about kept on the pace with a 3-0 victory over Tellston Fort Rovers. Marlbrough Heath defeated Sporting Union 4-1, whilst the Engineers won 4-0 at Lauret Hill FC.

Matchday 25

Capitolines 3–2 Gatesten FC
Kenross FC 1–0 Tenebres College
78 Hurston 0–2 Gelevin Saints
Tellston Fort Rovers 2–1 Shreyset Park
Corinne Athletic 1–1 Sporting Union
Marlbrough Heath 0–1 Lauret Hill FC
Engineers 1–1 Dansleigh Common FC
Adamston FC 1–2 Whitefield FC

Whilst the League title was still in their hands, Corinne slipped up with a 1-1 draw at home to Sporting Union, despite 17 shots on target compared to the Union's 2. Gelevin closed that gap to two points with a comfortable away win at 78 Hurston. It was still compact in the middle of the table, with just 9 points dividing 5th and 10th, whilst three teams were tied on 21 points at the foot of the table, Shreyset, Union and Lauret Hill, with the latter bottom because of their atrocious -33 goal difference.

Matchday 26

Gatesten FC 0–0 Adamston FC
Whitefield FC 1–5 Engineers
Dansleigh Common FC 0–0 Marlbrough Heath
Lauret Hill FC 4–3 Corinne Athletic
Sporting Union 3–3 Tellston Fort Rovers
Shreyset Park 3–0 78 Hurston
Gelevin Saints 1–0 Kenross FC
Tenebres College 2–1 Capitolines

Phenomenal scenes at Chester Stadium where Corinne Athletic arrived for what would be one the easier fixtures in their run-in against Lauret Hill FC, and it started that way, going 2-0 up inside 20 minutes. Shane White scored before half-time, but Corinne added a third to cancel it out. But a second goal for Lauret galvanised them and they came sweeping forward, grabbing an equaliser in the 72nd minute, before midfielder Mark Abbott scored a deflected winner in the 83rd minute to spark wild scenes. This meant Corinne led by 2 points with Gelevin yet to play, and the Saints didn't disappoint a capacity Trochet Park, winning 1-0 against Kenross. The Saints now led the league by a point. Two of the three bottom clubs, Shreyset and Lauret Hill, won, leaving Sporting Union adrift at the bottom by 2 points, despite scoring three against Tellston Fort Rovers.

Matchday 27

Tenebres College 1–2 Gatesten FC
Capitolines 1–1 Gelevin Saints
Kenross FC 0–1 Shreyset Park
78 Hurston 1–1 Sporting Union
Tellston Fort Rovers 2–1 Lauret Hill FC
Corinne Athletic 9–0 Dansleigh Common FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Whitefield FC
Engineers 0–1 Adamston FC

All change again, and in thumping circumstances - Corinne Athletic took revenge for their defeat last matchday by hammering Dansleigh Common FC, currently placed 5th, 9-0 - Grant Saxon with 3 more to his tally - it was a performance that was full of anger, and then full of relief after the news that the Capitolines had held the Saints to a 1-1 draw in Monniston, meaning that Corinne retook the lead. Adamston were securing their status in the League with another victory at the Engineers, whilst Shreyset Park earned valuable points by defeating Kenross FC away from home.

Matchday 28

Gatesten FC 1–0 Engineers
Adamston FC 1–1 Marlbrough Heath
Whitefield FC 0–2 Corinne Athletic
Dansleigh Common FC 0–0 Tellston Fort Rovers
Lauret Hill FC 1–1 78 Hurston
Sporting Union 1–2 Kenross FC
Shreyset Park 1–2 Capitolines
Gelevin Saints 1–0 Tenebres College

Three games to go and there was still just one point in it after both Gelevin and Corinne won, the Saints 1-0 over Tenebres College on a warm Monday night, whilst Athletic beat Whitefield 0-2. The top three were all locked in place now, it was just a matter of who secured top spot between Gelevin and Corinne. Capitolines defeated Shreyset Park, whilst Kenross defeated Sporting Union by the same 2-1 scoreline. The Union remained bottom, two points adrift and time running out.

Matchday 29

Gelevin Saints 2–2 Gatesten FC
Tenebres College 3–0 Shreyset Park
Capitolines 1–1 Sporting Union
Kenross FC 3–1 Lauret Hill FC
78 Hurston 4–2 Dansleigh Common FC
Tellston Fort Rovers 4–0 Whitefield FC
Corinne Athletic 3–0 Adamston FC
Marlbrough Heath 1–0 Engineers

Gelevin slipped up when it was most important - drawing 2-2 with Gatesten in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. There was a sense that Gelevin had thrown it away come the final whistle, meaning that Corinne would take home the title unless they lost, and Gelevin managed to overturn the 18 goal differential. Corinne virtually secured the title with a strong 3-0 victory against Adamston FC, giving Grant Saxon his 24th goal of the season. Sporting Union secured a vital point to stay in the competition to the last week, drawing 1-1 with Capitolines to leave them one point adrift of safety after Lauret Hill were defeated.

Matchday 30

Gatesten FC 1–0 Marlbrough Heath
Engineers 1–4 Corinne Athletic
Adamston FC 0–1 Tellston Fort Rovers
Whitefield FC 1–1 78 Hurston
Dansleigh Common FC 2–2 Kenross FC
Lauret Hill FC 0–2 Capitolines
Sporting Union 1–0 Tenebres College
Shreyset Park 1–3 Gelevin Saints

Having virtually secured the title in the previous week, Corinne Athletic took the time to entertain the supporters at Factory Park, scoring four fabulous goals in the capital. There were jubilant scenes as Athletic captain John Wright was presented with the trophy, and we felt that is was a well-deserved victory, although Gelevin ran them close right to the end. The Saints themselves ran out 3-1 winners in the final game of the season. Sporting Union managed the great escape by beating Tenebres College in a tense game whilst Lauret Hill were defeated by Capitolines, meaning that Lauret went down and the Union survived.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Corinne Athletic          30   22   6   2    81   21  +60    72 C
 2 Gelevin Saints            30   22   3   5    67   26  +41    69
 3 Capitolines               30   18   7   5    66   24  +42    61
 4 Kenross FC                30   14   7   9    44   38   +6    49
 5 Tellston Fort Rovers      30   11  10   9    47   45   +2    43
 6 Dansleigh Common FC       30   11   9  10    43   50   −7    42
 7 Marlbrough Heath          30   11   8  11    23   23    0    41
 8 Tenebres College          30   10   9  11    29   29    0    39
 9 Gatesten FC               30   10   9  11    28   35   −7    39
10 78 Hurston                30   10   6  14    46   45   +1    36
11 Engineers                 30   10   5  15    41   47   −6    35
12 Adamston FC               30    6  12  12    25   49  −24    30
13 Whitefield FC             30    8   4  18    36   61  −25    28
14 Shreyset Park             30    7   6  17    33   56  −23    27
   Sporting Union            30    6   9  15    33   56  −23    27
16 Lauret Hill FC            30    7   4  19    26   63  −37    25 R

by **Valcana** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:12 am

VPL Season 1: 177/8 Season: Review and Awards

The inaugural season of the VPL delivered excitement at both the top and the bottom of the table. Gelevin Saints ran Corinne Athletic all the way to the end, until the Saints slipped up in Matchday 29 - just one before the end of the season, dropping vital points and gifting the title to Corinne, who were able to celebrate in style in the final match of the season.

Corinne will be overjoyed with their title win - they were strong all season long, led by 26 goals from Grant Saxon. Losing just two goals and scoring an impressive 81 goals - and shipping just 21. No team could match Athletic for their goal-scoring prowess or their rock-solid defence. Donovan Beck was mesmerising in midfield, whilst Tom Lyndon was an impasse at the heart of defence. It was a united team performance which led them to the title, with contributions from all over the park.

Gelevin Saints had power and strength at the back which almost got them to the title - 6ft 6" 230lb Amos Ramsay, gruff and no-nonsense and a top captain - surely the front runner for captain of the national side when World Cup qualifiers come along? Alongside him was bombing wing-back Scott Arwel, grabbing 11 assists, proving the defence was the strongest form attack. Up front Kieran Barnes caused every defence trouble with his speed and snap-shooting ability, but couldn't quite haul Gelevin over the line. Second place is still a fine accolade, and will look to take the title next season.

The top four was made up by the Capitolines, the line led by dynamic Antony Rush, and Kenross FC, whose young squad served them very well in maintaining form throughout the season, Hector Traherne the stand-out player in a strong team - he'd make a good partner for Scott Arwel if they were both to make a national team squad. Kenross had a problem with shipping goals though, having a goal difference of just +6 - although Tellston Fort Rovers couldn't do better - a goal difference of +2 in fifth place was indicative of some leaky defences throughout the league. Perhaps some winter training in tackling and positioning might be in order.

Marlbrough Heath were the surprise package in the top half of the table, going 11-8-11 despite financial and managerial insecurities and the apparent lack of any individual superstar. Goalscoring exploits of Oscar Kelly, scoring 11 of his side's meagre 23 goals - but although they scored fewer goals than bottom side Lauret Hill, it was their equally solid defence - just 23 goals conceded. They can thank goalkeeper Henry Barker for that, after first choice keeper Rian Thillow tore a hamstring in his second game.

Tenebres College and Gatesten FC were equal on 39 points, but Tenebres were perhaps unlucky to be there, whilst Gatesten were fortunate - Tenebres played with a stubborn obstinacy, securing parity on goal difference, whilst Gatesten had trouble both scoring and keeping clean sheets. Beneath them were 78 Hurston, high-flyers at the beginning of the season, but took a tumble through the second half, failing to win 8 of their 10 last games in a disappointing finish. They were served well however by veteran striker Richard Sheridan, who scored 16 goals.

Engineers were perhaps the biggest disappointment of the season - the crowd at Factory Park, partisan and vocal, were let down by the sides poor showing, losing half their games in the season. There was a sense of a lack of team cohesion, perhaps as a result of a number of players who'd been brought in from outside the city - players like Blair Fitzroy, who despite their obvious talent, didn't ever seem to fit in the squad. There will be a lot of work done over the summer in order to prepare for next season for the Geers, that's for sure.

Towards the bottom of the table it was a for-way shoot-out - Whitefield, Shreyset, Sporting Union and Lauret Hill - the bottom position changed hand a number of times, and it was Lauret Hill who went down despite a mid-season resurgence which appeared to lift them clear. But constant defensive troubles - 63 goals conceded over the season is just not good enough for a top class side, and Lauret paid the price for defensive inconsistencies.

ARC Top Goalscorer Award

Grant Saxon (Corinne Athletic) - 26
Antony Rush (Capitolines) - 21
Kieran Barnes (Gelevin Saints) - 20
Connor Aitken (Corinne Athletic) - 17
Richard Sheridan (78 Hurston) - 16

EasiCapital Player of the Season Award

Grant Saxon (Corinne Athletic)
Amos Ramsay (Gelevin Saints)
Joe East (Kenross FC)

Golden Glove Clean Sheet Award

Leo Cullen (Corinne Athletic) - 13
Matt Hurst (Capitolines) - 7
Henry Barker (Marlbrough Heath) - 5

VPL Team of the Year

by **Valcana** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:23 am

National League 1: Season 1 - 177/8 Season

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Park City FC            22   16   4   2    28   11  +17    52 C P
 2 St David's              22   15   2   5    46   17  +29    47
 3 Summertown PFC          22   13   2   7    31   18  +13    41
 4 Presedentia             22    8   8   6    28   21   +7    32
 5 Verelin City            22    9   5   8    31   25   +6    32
 6 Twenty-Ones             22    7   8   7    36   35   +1    29
 7 Industry Howell         22    8   5   9    27   31   −4    29
 8 Colburn Manor FC        22    8   4  10    31   44  −13    28
 9 Schellitt FC            22    7   4  11    24   40  −16    25
10 PFC Aldenstone          22    4   7  11    33   44  −11    19
11 Providence FC           22    3   7  12    23   37  −14    16
12 Elliotsbury Rovers      22    3   6  13    15   30  −15    15 R

Champions + Promoted: Park City FC
Relegated: Elliotsbury Rovers

by **Valcana** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:28 am

National League 2: Season 1 - 177/8 Season

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Desertmartin FC           22   14   4   4    35   17  +18    46 C P
 2 Verelin Independence      22   12   6   4    47   25  +22    42
 3 Lynmouth PFC              22   10   3   9    33   29   +4    33
 4 Heldmington Athletic      22   10   3   9    27   23   +4    33
 5 Resenelle County          22    7  11   4    26   25   +1    32
 6 Industry Raymenton        22    8   6   8    17   20   −3    30
 7 May Church FC             22    6   9   7    16   16    0    27
 8 Cape Fierce               22    6   8   8    22   28   −6    26
 9 Keaton FC                 22    6   7   9    18   26   −8    25
10 Alford United             22    6   7   9    27   40  −13    25
11 Vitalios                  22    3   9  10    11   18   −7    18
12 Heckston                  22    3   9  10    11   23  −12    18 R

Champions + Promoted: Desertmartin FC
Relegated: Heckston

by **Valcana** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 11:41 am

National League 3: Season 1 - 177/8 Season

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Ascot                  22   18   3   1    40   12  +28    57 C P
 2 Neverhill FC           22   11   4   7    45   30  +15    37
 3 Port Covan             22   11   4   7    32   25   +7    37
 4 George's Town          22   12   0  10    43   33  +10    36
 5 Savalade United        22   11   2   9    29   28   +1    35
 6 Moulen PFC             22   10   3   9    34   37   −3    33
 7 Sayminster FC          22    6   9   7    36   36    0    27
 8 Stellesbeck            22    7   3  12    37   51  −14    24
 9 Deerhome United        22    7   3  12    26   40  −14    24
10 Millington Union       22    6   5  11    15   27  −12    23
11 AAC                    22    5   7  10    25   33   −8    22
12 Dioabhan Wild          22    5   3  14    24   34  −10    18

Champions + Promoted: Ascot

by **Valcana** » Mon Dec 21, 2015 2:09 pm

Wakefield Stadium to be converted to host football

A deal struck this morning between the Valcanian Baseball Federation (VBF) and The Board of Control for Football for Valcana (BCFV) has allowed the BCFV to stage World Cup Qualifiers - and any other games of 'international significance' at the country's largest stadium, the Wakefield Stadium in Eastern Monniston.

Currently the Wakefield Stadium, which seats 89,000 people, plays hosts to baseball fixtures for the Monniston Rangers - their cross-town rivals the Eagles play at the equally imperious Unicy Stadium - but the deal allowed football fixtures to be played at the stadium during the football season, provided the BCFV covered costs for grass maintenance and the conversion of the pitch and stands to accommodate football.

BCFV Chairperson Abigail Whitley said she was delighted that the deal had been struck, that it would 'give football an unprecedented platform to showcase itself to the country and the world'. Originally, international football matches were to be played at one of Tuvex Arena, home of Dansleigh Common FC, Battery Park, home of Tellston Fort Rovers, or the Borault Stadium, all of the VPL, but there were concerns that owing to the success of the VPL, capacities of these grounds wouldn't be able to meet demand, and the only stadium logistically and sportingly able to host the fixtures was Wakefield Stadium.

The athletics stadium Mercer Park outside Albemarble was considered, but it was thought to be too isolated in terms of transport links and infrastructure, whilst plans to expand capacity at the Borault Stadium, as well as FIVE Park and Factory Park, but these were thought to be too long-term projects, and Valcana is expected to participate in World Cup qualifiers next year.

The Wakefield Stadium, finished in 144 has always served as a baseball stadium, hosting Grand Finals every season since, and hosted the four All Star games during the Civil War, it's attendance gradually expanded to it's current 89,000. It suffered minimal damage during the North's initial air raids on Monnistion, but as the tide of the war quickly changed, it was used to store munitions and house refugees.

vnb.co.va/sports [Sports Newswire | Information Thread]

vnb.co.va/sports [Sports Newswire | Information Thread]

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