Darnok

Group B, Game 3: Rassilon Rascals vs. Team E Rassilon Rascals win the kickoff, both teams are set up – and off we go! 5'' Howard „Buzz“ Feiten is a bit too confident in his offensive play today. Attacked by Lorrain Lecloc in midfield, he was a bit too eagre to keep the ball, in what the referre saw as a clear foul play! A free kick for Team E, and a yellow card to „Buzz“, all just five minutes into the game. It's the second card for the Rascals, one each in defense and midfield. They have to be careful now! 10'' Lecloc did the free kick, reaching Tirell Lourdos in a wide pass. Now we see statistics in the real world though, Jim. Lourdos is having trouble with the Rassilons defense. Dino Danelli and Eddie Brigati make life tough for him, and his teammate Guy Lejeunot is of no help for now. 14'' How quick the tides can turn, Tiny! Lourdos simply refused to let go of the ball, and Lejeunot finally came to the rescue as the open man in the perfect position in front of the goal. Keeper Felix „Bubba“ Cavaliere stood no chance! 1:0 for Team E after a hard-fought attack. 19'' Ann Sutton made the kickoff, going for an attack on the left side with Moe „Li“ Holt. Which was interrupted by Eltinas Charles-Louis, even if only after some skirmishing between those excellent midfielder. 22'' Passing it off to Jerome Agrave, who in turn played to Jean Lamalette, the ball has now reached Lejeunot in the offense of Team E. 23'' Not worried by his yellow card, Gene Cornish makes a quick end of Lejeunots hope for another quick goal! The Rascals are playing a great defensive game these minutes, Jim. True that, Tiny! 27'' "Li" Holt is back on the ball, looking for a forward position that is open. Again he is pressed by Charles-Louis, but can hold on for now. 30'' In the end Team E got the ball back, with Lecloc and Agrave leading the next charge on the Rascals lines. 31'' Once more into the breach, Jim. Agraves last pass reached Lourdos, who is now sprinting along the right sideline! 34'' What a beautiful finish! For the second time tonight, keeper „Bubba“ had no choice but to let a shot from Lejeunot in. The long struggle between midfield and defense has ended, 2:0 for Team E. 39'' Robert Popwell did the kickoff for Rassilon, Sutton and Holt had some excellent shortpass play going – until Jean Lamalette put his oar in. The midfielder playing for Eltina has rightfully earned his legendary status! Lecloc takes the pass from Lamalette, Team E is in hold of the ball again. 45'' The first half ends with no overtime, leaving the offense from Eltina standing in the Rascals half of the field. I feel like they were eager to go for another goal, but the whistle got them first. Unfortunate, but part of the game. The Rassilon Rascals need to hear some stern words in the break from their coach Fung Swuay. Without some serious improvement they will have a hard time turning this around.

Welcome back, and good evening everybody, to this last game in the first round of the BTSC 619. My name is Jim Napier... ... and I am „Tiny“ McCoy. Together we will be your commentators. Of tonights pairing, both teams have started with a victory into the tournament. Will they build on it? Will we see the upcoming champion playing today? A good question, Tiny. In Group A no team managed to win more than one game, so picking a favourite is impossible so far. I'm curious for the outcome of this game, but first let's have a look at the team rosters: Rassilon Rascals – A3 M3 D3 Team E – A2 M5 D4 Felix „Bubba“ Cavaliere (Keeper) Eddie Brigati (D) Gene Cornish (D) [YC] Dino Danelli (D) Howard „Buzz“ Feiten (M) Robert Popwell (M) Ann Sutton (M) Moe „Li“ Holt (M) Miles Kane (A) Joe Edwards (A) Greg Mighall (A) Fung Swuay (Coach) Chief (Keeper) Emile Poilu (D) Hugo d'Orange (D) Michel Colon (D) Lorrain Lecloc (M) Jerome Agrave (M) Charles-Louis (M) Sebastien Shotgen (M) Jean Lamalette (M) Guy Lejeunot (A) Tirell Lourdos (A) Jacques Louvois (Coach) The Rascals have the upper hand in defense, but might have a difficult time in both midfield and offense. The truth is on the field though, so let's just watch the game!

51'' Ocean Eleven had the kickoff for the second half, and while they have lost the ball now, they made a better impression to me in these first six minutes. What do you say, Tiny? Same here, Jim. The ball is now with Baracca, but Caldwell and Catton had played a good series of passes previously. 57'' And again, this might look like a repetition from the first half, but the Eleven give a much harder fight. Slegers and Montoya try their best, but they can not overcome the defense this time. Fangio has been taken out of the game entirely, closely guarded by Tishkoff and Yen! 61'' La Mer is showing her brilliance, taking the ball and control of the game! A quick pass to Robin, then back to Ryan, who does one of his famous kicks far into the midfield. 63'' Catton takes it, and for once Weelonds midfield is overcome! 64'' True that, Tiny. Only three minutes since they have taken it, and Ocean Eleven has moved the ball all over the field, taking the fight close to the Regimentals' goal. 67'' Luis Fernandez is the last stop on this trip. Stopping the Elevens offensive dead on its track, he is passing to the „Boy Wonder“, Robino Grijszon. Also called „Nino“ he is looking for somebody to pass to, while calmly defending the ball against the Malloy brothers. 70'' Apparently Nino made a misstep, for Casey Malloy could just sneak the ball from his feet. With his brother Scott Ocean Eleven is close to striking back! 76'' Half the stadium is a sea of white and blue – Ocean Eleven made it! The Malloys kept the ball between them, only for Don Tarr to sweep in from the side. Taking a pass from Scott, the „Basher“ finally scored! After a pretty onesided first half Ocean Eleven is back into the game, and keeping it pretty tense! Time is running out though I fear. 78'' The Regimentals don't risk anything: instead of playing it safe they go for another push to the goal. 79'' Yen is stopping this advance, „amazing“ indeed. Passing it to Tishkoff, who in turn forwards it to Caldwell. 84'' Six minutes left, and Ocean Eleven has the ball in midfield, Caldwell and Catton keep control of the ball, looking for an open man in offense. With some luck and overtime they might score again. 90'' No overtime for the second half, and the game ends where it started: with the ball on the foot of Baracca. The Weelond Regimentals have earned this 3:1 victory, and I don't dare think what their coach is doing to the poor players from Ocean Eleven. True that, Tiny. Their coach Abbé François is known for many things, but forgiveness is not among them! It's late, Jim. See you tomorrow, and no more horsemeat for you!

Group A, Game 3: Ocean Eleven vs. Weelond Regimentals With the kickoff going to the Weelond Regimentals, and a short whistleblow, the game is a go! 4'' Paul Baracca to Alberto Verde to Gijs Reyngout – the Regimentals' midfield is wasting no time, moving forward in an initial attack that supposedly should leave the Eleven no time to get into the game. It seems to work, Jim. Fangio has taken the ball, playing around Shaobo Yen from the Eleven, whose yellow card seems to make him somewhat less amazing. 7'' Danielé „Danny“ La Mer, captain of the Eleven, tries to stop Fangio, who is rushing to the goal on his own... ... but she can not stop him. Another early goal, seven minutes into the match! Weelond leads 1:0. 10'' To me it looks like the Regimentals are on a roll. Taking the ball off Ocean Eleven, who really stand no chance against them in midfield, the team from Weelond is heading towards their opponents goal once again. Matt Caldwell and Bernie Catton from the Elevens midfield are playing particularly poorly today. They better get their act together, or coach François sends them back to prison in halftime already! 15'' Jan Slegers is leading the charge, with Fangio close behind him. „Cabin Boy“ Robin and La Mer are in their way, and for now the defense seems to hold. 21'' Not for long, Jim. Mauricio Montoya appeared out of nowhere right in front of keeper „Rusty“ Ryan, taking a pass from Slegers and finishing the attack with a shot that Ryan had no chance in holding! Weelond Regimentals are leading 2:0. 24'' I see a repetitive pattern here, Tiny. Ocean Eleven has lost the ball again, this time to Gijs Reyngout, one of the most versatile players in the Regimentals' team. Passing to Victor Rey, the direction is clear: another offensive action, another goal for Eslandola! 28'' I see what you mean, Jim. Fangio was falling back to midfield again... ... he likes to play an offensive midfield... ... and is now forcing his way through the Elevens defense. 31'' This time they are up to the challenge! Elliot Tishkoff stopped the attack with one quick tackle, then passing to Yen, who shows no signs of restraint anymore. 36'' Just in time to initiate an offensive of Ocean Eleven, at last! 42'' Well, Tiny. Maybe this offensive was meant as a wave by Ocean Eleven, to swoosh over the field. Alberto Verde, Weelonds dependable defensive center back, is the bulwark it broke against. Taking the ball off Caldwells foot, Verde turns the flow of the game around! 44'' Weelond has the ball in the penalty area already, they can only hope for enough time to score once more before the time is up in the first half! 49'' And score they did, Tiny. With plenty of overtime we have just seen another goal, for a 3:0 lead of the Weelond Regimentals right before the halftime break.

Welcome everybody, I hope you have a relaxed 3rd Advent. Merrynight is fast approaching, and so is the end of the first round of the BTSC 619. I am Jim Napier... ... and this is „Tiny“ McCoy. We will be your commentators for tonights game. The contrast between both teams could not be bigger! On the one side we have Ocean Eleven, a bunch of prisoners coached by a pious man of the Order. On the other side the Weelond Regimentals, respected football veterans, led by a known drunkard and pineapple addict. Ocean Eleven started with a crushing defeat into this years tournament, while the Weelond Regimentals could not get more than a draw out of their first match. Both teams should be eager for a victory today. Let's have a look at the teams player rosters: Ocean Eleven – A3 M1 D5 Weelond Regimentals – A3 M5 D4 Brad „Rusty“ Ryan (Keeper) Danielé „Danny“ La Mer (D) „Cabin Boy“ Robin (D) Elliot Tishkoff (D) Shaobo „The Amazing“ Yen (D) [YC] Carl Bloom (D) Matt Caldwell (M) Bernie Catton (M) Don „Basher“ Tarr (A) Casey Malloy (A) Scott Malloy (A) Abbé François (Coach) Cuju Tsu-Chu (Keeper) Luis Fernandez (D) Robino „Nino“ Grijszon (D) „Pegleg“ Pedro Piccio (D) Raul Baracca (M) Alberto Verde (M) Gijs Reyngout (M) Victor Rey (M) Fangio (just Fangio) (A) Jan Slegers (A) Mauricio Montoya (A) Patch Verlander (Coach) I am very curious for todays strategy of Ocean Eleven, Tiny. They suffered a yellow card in the last game – will this affect their approach to the game? We will see, Jim. So far this means nothing, as long as their defense is careful to not get another card. Coach François has preached them quite a sermon on the topic I guess. I wonder if prayers alone can do anything for them. Ocean Eleven is hopelessly outmatched in the midfield, they can only hope for their defense saving them whenever Weelond is attacking them. As you like to say: it is not all about statistics, Tiny. You have a point though, on paper it looks grim for them. Well, we will see how it turns out on the field. Speaking of which: both teams are on the field, the game is about to start!

45'' Larry Opham from Quinnsville Cannonade kicks off the second half, and his team has to do much better if they want to turn this one around. I'm no wizard, Jim. I wonder if it takes some magic for this to happen though. 49'' Maybe the miracle is closer than we thought, Tiny. Burge Hollis has the ball in Eltinas penalty area, outplaying those legendary defenders like they are mere beginners... 51'' No joke, Jim! Quinnsville scores for the first time! Their fans had to wait 141 minutes for it, but the first goal for the team from Cocovia is finally here. 1:2 it is. 55'' Team E can not let this stand it seems. After their kickoff they made short work of the Cannonades midfield, and now we are in their defense again. I can not see it from up here, but I guess keeper Pepper has some sweat on his face now. 60'' And rightfully so, Jim. Pepper had to grab the ball from behind him for a third time this game, Lejeunot scored with a perfect header after a flank from Lourdos. Legends indeed! 3:1 for Team E, but there is half an hour for Quinnsville Cannonade to catch up. 64'' Not like this though, Jim. Creed lost the ball to Lecloc, now Team E has another chance at building up the game at their pace. 67'' You have just mentioned it, Tiny. Team E is playing the game on their own terms, and once more in the half of Quinnsville Cannonade. Another strike soon? 69'' Not for now, Jim. Benedict Slumbercatch and Winston Gorman foiled Lejeunots attempt at another shot on the goal. For a change they show the strength of Quinnsvilles defense. If we were going by the statistics alone, this score would not be possible. On paper Eltinas offense is much weaker than Quinnsvilles defense. It's not all statistics though, Jim. This game is testament to it! 74'' The Cannonades were able to make it back to the midfield with the ball still in their possession. With only about quarter of an hour to go they better start an offensive of their own soon! 77'' I'm no tactician, Jim. If this was an offensive, it was the shortest of all times. One tackle from Lamalette made Creed lose the ball, now Charles-Louis and Shotgen are double-passing towards the half of the Cannonades. 81'' Less than ten minutes to go in this match, and it is Team E with the ball close to their opponents goal! 82'' Not so fast there, Jim. The Cannonade still has some powder left to shoot, taking the ball from Eltinas forwards. As usual you are right, Tiny. Lourdos lost to Slumbercatch – quite a catch by Benedict. Your jokes get worse and worse, Jim... 85'' Royce and Creed are pushing through the midfield, without a doubt with the faint hope of another goal. 86'' A hope crushed, Jim. Lecloc punished one bad pass by Creed, taking the ball back for Team E. Not much time is left in this game, and it seems all but over for Quinnsville Cannonade. 90'' As with the first half, the referee ends this one at the earliest possible moment. If anything, Team E could only have added insult to injury for Quinnsville Cannonade, being in their half before the end whistle. Now this game ended with a 3:1 victory for the team from Eltina. The Corlanders have to do much, much better in the second round of this tournament if they want to keep their hope for the Cup alive. I'm not saying it is impossible, Jim. It is far from easy though! On the spot, Tiny. While the legends from Eltina had an excellent start into the BTSC 619, for the team from Cocovia every game is an endgame from here on. We will see how they fare in the second round. Good night for now!

Group B, Game 2: Quinnsville Cannonade vs. Team E Team E won the coin toss for kickoff, so they will open up this game. And off it goes! 4'' Consisting of no less than five legendary midfielders, Team E has a center few other teams can compete with. It seems those players are up to the task, since hardly a handful of minutes into the match the team from Eltina is already in their opponents half! We have just seen some brilliant short pass play between Charles-Louis and Jean Lamalette, completely outplaying Quinnsvilles midfielder. 7'' Tirell Lourdos took the chance, finishing this quick first attack in the best possible way! Not a new record in this tournament, but a fast first goal nonetheless. A sign of things to come? Team E is up for a great start, leading 1:0 against Quinnsville Cannonade. 10'' Quinnsville seems to be lost. With a loss from their first game, now behind after jsut a few minutes in their second game, I assume their morale is down for sure. No joke, Jim. Just after kickoff they lost the ball, with Team E again pushing out of midfield... 14'' ... with success, for Lourdos is in front of the Cannonades keeper once more. Another fast goal? 19'' Not this time, Jim. Keeper John Pepper had no problem with his second challenge in this game. The ball is now firmly under the Corlanders control for a change. A quick goal-kick by Pepper, taken by Winston Gorman... 20'' ... forwarded to Titus Creed, managing to hold on to the ball despite a tackle from Jerome Agrave. Team E is trying its best, but for now they are held out of the game! 24'' Trying they are though, Jim. Cameron Royce had the ball, under pressure from Eltinas Lorrain Lecloc and Sebastien Shotgen at the same time. But to no avail, Quinnsville remains in control of both the ball and the game! Excellent ball control by Royce, fighting off both his adversaries. 27'' After a forward pass to Saul Richards, Quinnsville tries to even the score, testing Eltinas defense. The fans in red and white are still waiting for their first goal! 33'' They won't get it for now, Tiny. Legendary defender Emile Poilu made short work of Richards attack, now looking to build up a new attack from Team E's backfield. 38'' The game is getting fast, Jim. Poilu flanked to Lecloc, so from back right to mid left. Lecloc made an impressive run down the sideline, now flanking over to the right... 39'' ... where Guy Lejeunot takes it out of the air like he never did anything else. Quinnsvilles defense can only stand and watch it seems. They have to wake up if they don't want to fall back even more! 42'' The wakeup call must wait, or maybe Eltinas cheers of joy can do the trick too? Either way, Team E scored a second time, now comfortably in the lead 2:0. 44'' Will we see another massacre like the one against Ocean Eleven? Quinnsville lost the ball again, Team E is already moving its players forward to support a final push in this first half. Time is running low though, Jim! 45'' Right you are, Tiny. The referee agrees too, ending the first half precisely after 45 minutes. Lourdos had the ball on the foot for maybe another shot at Quinnsvilles goal, but he will have to wait for the second half to get another chance!

Another day, another game, welcome back everybody! My name is Jim Napier, and together with „Tiny“ McCoy I will bring you the commentary on the next game of the BTSC 619. To another good game, Jim! It feels like more than a day has gone by since the last one, but according to our schedule that can not be true, right? True that, Tiny. I can't speak for you, but I haven't been feeling too well last night. I had one of those horsemeat dishes for dinner, no idea if this has anything to do with it... I'm no doctor, Jim. We have a game coming up though, and the team from Cocovia might just have had a bad night or two of their own. After losing their first game they have to perform better today, or things might start to look grim for them. Anyways, here are the team rosters: Quinnsville Cannonade – A4 M3 D5 Team E – A2 M5 D4 John Pepper (Keeper) Alan Booth (D) Winston Gorman (D) Benedict Slumbercatch (D) Mory Danson (D) Titus Creed (M) Larry Opham (M) Cameron Royce (M) Arthur Peterson (A) Burge Hollis (A) Saul Richards (A) Thaddeus White (Coach) Chief (Keeper) Emile Poilu (D) Hugo d'Orange (D) Michel Colon (D) Lorrain Lecloc (M) Jerome Agrave (M) Charles-Louis (M) Sebastien Shotgen (M) Jean Lamalette (M) Guy Lejeunot (A) Tirell Lourdos (A) Jacques Louvois (Coach) Team E from Eltina is the last team to join the fray for this year. Looking at their line-up I can see a lot of legendary names. I am curious whether they can live up to them! So am I, Jim. The teams are on the field already, on to the game!

Just had 18 hours of sleep, so that's not the issue. It'll go away sooner or later - I hope for sooner.

Guys, spoiler tags! Meh, I have slept through all of Sunday, that headache became a full-grown migraine. Still not quite gone, but I'll have some commentaries up later tonight.

Sorry, no game commentary today. I've got quite a nasty headache all day and will head off to bed soon. I might be able to get it done before noon tomorrow (until which it is still the 14th somewhere on the world). Otherwise it will follow later. If you absolutely have to know the result of todays game right here and now, it is hidden behind these spoilers. Check at your own risk!

Huh, some bare bones on the beach are what's counting as a "church" in Oleon these days? Seriously, though, lovely build! Instantly reminded me of the Ideas Dinosaur Fossils, very cool. Fun fact: I've been contemplating a "Shrine of Poseidon" for a while, something made from driftwood at the beach. I consider it pretty reasonable that after the "wrath of the sea" has hit Mesabi Landing that some of its folks would turn to Poseidon to prevent future "punishment". Nice to see a similar idea done differently. Dammit, you better had let me know in advance. I don't want to change anything for the first round, but if you remind me after the third game I will add a bonus for the second round. A morale boost due to the Abbés zealous fury maybe, if only due to fear? I'll definitely try to include it in the game commentaries in some way!

This break could not have been short enough, everybody. The fans are shouting for more, and so are we. Let's hope for a second half that can keep up with the spectacle of the first one, Jim. 45'' And off we go, the Weelond Regimentals take the kickoff. I can't make out any positional changes in either team, Jim. Those two yellow cards for the Smileys should have an impact on the game though. 51'' I guess you are right, Tiny. We see some action in midfield, but nothing compared to the explosive moves in the first half. The Smileys have taken the ball though, and it looks like the game is slowly shifting towards their opponents goal. 56'' Slowly indeed, Jim. But we are getting there... 61'' ... are we though? Robino Grijszon, called „Nino“, has just proven his reputation as the „Boy Wonder“, and taken the ball off Suzie Smilyes foot. He and „Pegleg“ are the foundation of Weelonds famous defense, they are called The Fenceposts for a reason. So this didn't come exactly as a surprise. Suzie might feel like handing out some headbutts though, Nino better beware! 67'' She is out for revenge, Jim, reclaiming the ball like a whirlwind! Will The Fenceposts endure? 69'' One misstep by Tsu-Chu, one goal for the Smileys. The game is even again, 3:3. I wonder if either team has the energy and will to make a decisive move in the last minutes of the game. 73'' The Weelond Regimentals are not known for giving up, and they push forwards once more. Fangio has fallen back to midfield and taken the ball from there. Now he is stuck in the Smileys' defense though. 75'' Randy and Mandy might not form the worlds greatest defense, but they have stopped Fangios attack, stabilising the Smileys game in the backfield for now. 79'' Montoya could snatch the ball, and suddenly the game is fast again! True that, Jim. A short pass to Fangio... back to Montoya, dodging a tackle from Randy... another short pass to Slegers... and a shot! Handy holds it, no problem. 85'' It seems like the Smileys want to play down the clock, for they are keeping the ball in their half. That's madness, Jim. The game is almost over, a successful offensive action would give them the victory and a great position in the fight for the groups leadership. I don't get it either, Tiny. Maybe they are just exhausted. It is a risky gamble nonetheless. 91'' Over and out! Weelond managed to seize the offense one last time at the 90 minute mark, but it was too little, too late. The referee ended the game just now, and his whistle was echoed by the Weelond fans – they can't believe the game stopped when their team was about to strike for the win. Such is life, Jim. The result is a 3:3, leaving the Sea Rats undefeated. A disappointment for the Regimentals, that much is certain. They had the victory for a time, but then let it slide. If they want to go for this years Cup they have to show more. They will have another chance in two days, and they have to deliver then. Looking forward to Sunday, as well as the second game of Group B tomorrow. Good night everybody, this was Jim Napier... ... and „Tiny“ McCoy. See you all tomorrow!

Group A, Game 2: Sea Rats Smileys vs. Weelond Regimentals Kickoff goes to the Smileys. I sharp whistle, and the referee has opened the game! 4'' I feel like I've got a déjà vu, Tiny. The Smileys are heading forward, storming into their opponents half. Will we see the same from them like in their first game? Would it hurt, Jim? I would appreciate some more goals than yesterday. 6'' Your wishes might come true! Six minutes in, and we have our first goal! Suzie Smiley took a chance and shot from 40m away, and keeper Cuju Tsu-Chu could not hold it. The Regimentals' keeper is also the teams chef, maybe he has not yet realised that he is on the field and not in the kitchen anymore? Whatever it is, the defense from Weelond gave a poor first impression this year. 1:0 for the Sea Rats Smileys. 8'' Shortly after the kickoff by the Weelond Regimentals their Gijs Reyngout mispassed, and the Smileys are with the ball again. Quite unusual, Gijs is a versatile player and known for passing well. It really seems like the Regimentals need more time to find into the game again. 13'' The Smileys must not get careless themselves. Raul Baracca took the ball off them, and is about to head towards the Smileys half. 16'' That move was stopped by Dandy Smiley, Jim. Baracca went flying, helped not by a studshooter but by Dandy. The referee grants Dandy his wish, and hands out a yellow card for this brutal action. A free kick for Weelond! 17'' Alberto Verde took the free kick, for a beautiful long flank into the Smileys penalty zone. Some say he lacks confidence in his play, but I can see nothing of it right now. Same here, Jim. Fangio takes the flank like a champion, giving the Smileys defense no time to react properly... and the ball is in the net! The score is even again, 1:1 and not even twenty minutes are played. This is the game I want to see! 19'' Maybe the Regimentals have their mojo back, Tiny. We are just after kickoff again, and an intercept by Victor Rey brought the ball back to the team from Weelond. The game is getting fast now! 20'' You're right, Jim. Rey passes to Reyngout, who in turn outplays Dandy and Zandy from the Smileys. Now one excellent pass forward to Mauricio Montoya. The Smileys are hard pressed in their defense! 22'' Nobody is smiling in the team amongst the classic heads now! A flank into the middle, and Fangio had his head in the right place – Handy Smiley had no chance. From 0:1 to 2:1 in about five minutes! 24'' The Smileys are far from giving up though. Kickoff, playing through the midfield without any problems, and right in the Regimentals half again. Suzie Smiley has the ball, that could mean another goal... oh no! We saw the same, Tiny. A rude bodycheck against „Pegleg“ Pedro Piccio, but the referee seems to be fine with it. Quite some shouts and whistles from the Weelond fan block disagree! The game heats up for sure! 28'' So this was too much, the Smileys overstated their welcome in the Regimentals' penalty area. Frandy Smiley had the ball, and made some room to shoot by not kicking the ball, but Weelonds Luis Fernandez. This time the referee was alert, handing out the second yellow card to the Smileys this game! 29'' „Pegleg“ took the free kick himself, for a nice forward flank to midfield, where Rey took the ball, pressing forward to offense. This is the Victor Rey we know and love, always with an eye for solid aggressive actions. 32'' This time the ball ends up with Jan Slegers, taking on Randy and Mandy Smiley at the same time... 33'' ... and succeeding in it! Goal for the Weelond Regimentals, now leading 3:1. Now I have the déjà vu, Jim. Are the Smileys on the receiving end of something like they did in their first game? We are only about half an hour into the game, Tiny. You are right though, it is quite the shootout. The Smileys better get back to getting some shots of their own done! 39'' Our favourite headpieces have not given up yet. Once more they are moving forward, their offensive testing the Regimentals. Landy and Candy are taking shots at the goal... ... both parried by Tsu-Chu! 41'' Now Suzie as well, attempting a header after a high flank... ... and this one is in! The Sea Rats Smileys score, shortening Weelonds lead to 3:2. 47'' The first half is done, with no more goal in these last six minutes. The Regimentals went into the offense again, but could not score before the referees whistle. Unlucky! I better not imagine in detail what coach Verlander does to the first pineapple he finds in the break.

Welcome back to day three of the BTSC 619, we are your commentators for todays game. I am Jim Napier... ... and I am „Tiny“ McCoy. Hello Jim, we are in for a real treat with this game, for the Weelond Regimentals enter the tournament! They are Soccer Cup veterans and last years runner-up. Oh who could forget that nail-biter of a final against our very own Red Rogues? Now the Regimentals are back, probably more hungry for the first place than ever. What do you think, Tiny? Can they make it this year? I'm no fortuneteller, Jim. They are strong contenders for sure though, and I guess we can expect some great games with them. Their first match is against the Sea Rats Smileys, who already won a game two days ago. We will see if that was just a fluke, and if their celebrations have done them more harm than good. They had a party going on all night from what I have heard. Half of Mesabi Landing must have heard it, Jim! Quite a riot it was, Sea Rats know their party business. Anyways, these are the team rosters for today: Sea Rats Smileys – A5 M3 D2 Weelond Regimentals – A3 M5 D4 Handy Smiley (Keeper) Randy Smiley (D) Mandy Smiley (D) Dandy Smiley (M) Zandy Smiley (M) Brandy Smiley (M) Landy Smiley (A) Wandy Smiley (A) Candy Smiley (A) Frandy Smiley (A) Suzie Smiley (A) Captain O'Smiley (Coach) Cuju Tsu-Chu (Keeper) Luis Fernandez (D) Robino „Nino“ Grijszon (D) „Pegleg“ Pedro Piccio (D) Raul Baracca (M) Alberto Verde (M) Gijs Reyngout (M) Victor Rey (M) Fangio (just Fangio) (A) Jan Slegers (A) Mauricio Montoya (A) Patch Verlander (Coach) I see lots of familiar names in the Regimentals' line-up, apparently coach Verlander hasn't changed a lot compared to last year. That's right, Jim. All players have proven that they can kick a pineapple well, and to Patch Verlander that's what counts above all else. Old Patch and his obsession with pineapples. Well, you can't discuss with results, and it has payed off pretty well last year, right? We will see how it goes this time. No time for more chatter, as the teams are entering the field right now. On to the match, Jim!

49'' Quinnsville Cannonade had the kickoff for the second half, and they have come out of the break with new energy it seems. The team has pushed towards the Rascals' goal already. Just let us hope that the second half does not go like the first... Your word in the gods ears, Jim. We have seen some tactical gameplay so far. I want some goals now, dammit! 52'' You won't get one for now, Tiny. „Bubba“ has just expertly deflected yet another shot on the goal from Saul Richards. He can not get past the titanic keeper from Rassilon! 58'' To me it looks like the Rascals are determined to not repeat the first halfs strategy, for their midfielders are pushing through. Once more I think I have seen some unfair play by „Buzz“ Feiten, but the referee did not notice anything worth an action. That's what... the third time this game now? The Rascals should be happy with only that one yellow card so far! 64'' Happy or not, they are in front of the Cannonades' goal now. A welcome premiere in this match! 66'' As is this first goal of the game! In a beautiful series of short passes the Rascals' offense went through the Cannonades' defense, with Miles Kane finishing it off. A great shot, impossible to hold by keeper John Pepper! Rassilon Rascals are leading 1:0 now. 67'' Do the Rascals smell blood? Right after kickoff Sutton has taken the ball off Creeds foot. She is a beautiful young lady. Combine that with the charisma of a Sea Rat and the Cannonades frustration... 70'' That's crazy talk, Jim. Whatever goes on in Creeds head: he has gotten the ball back, and Quinnsville Cannonade seems to stabilize in the midfield for the time being. 75'' No jokes from me this time, apparently the back and forth from the first half is going on... ... just in the midfield this time, Jim. The Rascals are in possession of the ball once more. I wonder when we will see some decisive actions again. 81'' There you go, Tiny. Now the Rascals are in their opponents penalty area, after Popwell and Sutton managed to break that midfield stalemate and passed the ball to Kane. 87'' If only it had come to another goal, but no, Jim. Quinnsville Cannonade was able to push back, even though their time is running dangerously low. Aye, the clock is ticking. Three more minutes of regular play time, and the Corries have the ball in their own defense... 89'' They have not given up, Jim. Quite an attack run by Creed, going all through midfield. This just might be the chance the Cannonades need to at least break even in this match. 93'' In the end it was not enough. Richards already had the ball, without a doubt wanting to test the mighty „Bubba“ one last time. It all was for nothing though, for the referees whistle ended the match before he could strike. So the Quinnsville Cannonade lose 0:1 against the Rassilon Rascals, for the second Sea Rats victory in the second game of the BTSC. We will see if this little series can hold! We will do, Tiny. Now have a good time everybody, and see you all tomorrow!

Group B, Game 1: Quinnsville Cannonade vs. Rassilon Rascals Kickoff goes to the Rascals for the first half, both teams are on their positions... and the game is afoot! 4'' A rough start for the Rascals, not even four minutes into the game they have already lost the ball. Howard „Buzz“ Feiten was advancing on the right, tried to pass to Ann Sutton on the left, but Cannonades Titus Creed was able to intercept the ball. 7'' See Jim, the Corries try to honour their team name, blasting forward into the Rascals defense zone. Are we in for another fast first goal? 13'' Not yet, Tiny. We have just seen a pass from Peterson to Richards, who had a good shot at the goal – but the Rascals keeper had no issues with it. An excellent parade by Felix Cavaliere, called „Bubba“. The ball is now back in control of the Rascals. 19'' Not for long though. After some skirmishing the ball went to Richards, who tried to get another shot off. This time the Rascals' Gene Corrish could only stop him by unfair means! The referee had a good view of the scene, so now Corrish has received a yellow card, for fouling a Corrish player. Don't be a clown, Jim! And it is "Cornish", not Corrish anyway. The foul happened just outside the penalty area, so a free kick for Quinnsville Cannonade sets up a nice chance for another move in the offense. 23'' The Rascals' defense is up to the challenge it seems, for they have taken back the ball once more... 24'' … only to lose it again a minute later. Well, both teams look evenly matched to me, Jim. I have just checked the player profiles again. On paper the team from Corrington has a stronger offense than the Sea Rats' defense. It's a testament to the Rascals' fighting spirit to hold their opponents at bay like this. 29'' I believe it might not be just about the fighting spirit, Tiny. The Rascals are in possession of the ball again, this time by some not so legal play. The referee has not seen it though, so some luck for the Sea Rats team. 33'' With luck or with skill, the Rascals have taken the game out of their penalty area for a change. Their Robert Popwell and Ann Sutton set up a charge through the midfield. 38'' It was not meant to last, Tiny. Cameron Royce came in for a brilliant intercept, and is now passing to nearby Arthur Peterson. Both have known each other for years now, they are both part of Quinnsvilles upcoming timber and woodworking business. 43'' Interesting facts for sure, definitely more interesting than the game right now. We are back in front of the Rascals goal. Will we see a goal close to the end of this first half? 45'' Apparently not, Jim. The Rascals were defending well, taking back the ball yet another time. Now the referee has seen the time, and we are in the break.

Welcome back to the BTSC 619, where today Group B joins the event. I am Jim Napier, together with my fellow „Tiny“ McCoy we will be your commentators. Welcome back, Jim. Todays game will be Quinnsville Cannonade from Cocovia against the Rassilon Rascals from the Nest Of Thieves. Here are the teams player rosters: Quinnsville Cannonade - A4 M3 D5 Rassilon Rascals - A3 M3 D3 John Pepper (Keeper) Alan Booth (D) Winston Gorman (D) Benedict Slumbercatch (D) Mory Danson (D) Titus Creed (M) Larry Opham (M) Cameron Royce (M) Arthur Peterson (A) Burge Hollis (A) Saul Richards (A) Thaddeus White (Coach) Felix „Bubba“ Cavaliere (Keeper) Eddie Brigati (D) Gene Cornish (D) Dino Danelli (D) Howard „Buzz“ Feiten (M) Robert Popwell (M) Ann Sutton (M) Moe „Li“ Holt (M) Miles Kane (A) Joe Edwards (A) Greg Mighall (A) Fung Swuay (Coach) Looks like the Rascals' keeper might be tough nut to crack, I have seen him earlier today. A giant of a man, filling half the goal on his own! Is he related to you? Quiet you, Jim. It's all big bones anyway! Anyways, back to the teams. Going by their statistics, Quinnsville Cannonade has a definite advantage, but Rassilon Rascals might still stand a chance due to their very balanced roster. As the second team from the Sea Rats they might also play some unusual strategies. Dare I say we might see some dirty tricks on the field as well? Who knows with the Rats, who knows. We will see in a moment, for the teams are on the way to the field, and the game is about to start!

Arr, that would be kind of meh. On the other hand... ... despite not having a daughter I could live with a similar solution. To be fair: the Friends set usually are good builds, and roughly in minifig scale. So if the colours were halfway decent I would not see it as that bad.

45'' We're back from the break for the second half, and so are both teams. The Sea Rats Smileys have kickoff now, and despite their lead they should not play it safe. If anything, Ocean Eleven have shown in the first half how fast they can recover from being behind. They sure did, Jim. The question is if they can do it again. 51'' To me it looks like the Smileys want to fight for more. Initiated by Zandy, the Smileys play a strong forward movement. The ball is now with Candy, but she struggles with the Elevens' defense. 55'' Impressive! Robin, called „Cabin Boy“ from his time under Capsaicin Meloche, has taken the ball for Ocean Eleven. Dark magic? Damn, I'm not a wizard, Jim! That was some fine play by the young man though. 59'' Back to midfield once more, the Eleven want to strike back! 61'' Or not, Jim. The Smileys are in possession of the ball again, now pushing aggressively towards their enemies goal... 66'' Right you are, Tiny. Once more Suzie has taken a shot at the goal, but keeper Brad Ryan could deflect it. I have no clue why he is called „Rusty“, for his reflexes are not. 72'' Reflexes alone are not everything. This time he could not hold the ball, and Frandy was able to score for a 3:1. 74'' It seems those chains on the Elevens ankles are taking their toll, for right after the kickoff the Smileys have retaken the ball. Ocean Eleven must be careful now, to not let the Sea Rats sink their ship! 77'' Already close to the goal they are. They are excellent defenders, but Bloom and Tishkoff seem to be unable to get the ball off the Smileys' feet. 80'' The inevitable has happened, and the Smileys are 4:1 in the lead now! Some nice trick play by Suzie there, to me Ocean Eleven are done now. Only ten minutes left, three points from a draw. 83'' Right you are, Tiny. Their chains are unbroken, but their spirit most definitely is not. Once more the Smileys have taken the ball in midfield soon after kickoff. No joke: it is not funny to watch this game right now. Aye, Ocean Eleven is getting taken apart. 87'' Oh my, the clock is ticking down, but the Smiley attack wing is closing in on the goal again. They are dead, Jim. Why the Sea Rats can not just play down the clock is a mystery to me. This game was over some time ago! 92'' One last strike! One more goal for the Smileys, 5:1. Now the referee puts an end to what has become a massacre. The game is over! Congratulations to the Sea Rats Smileys for their overwhelming victory. And may the gods have mercy with the Ocean Eleven players: coach François will give them none!

Group A, Game 1: Sea Rats Smileys vs. Ocean Eleven We are up in our commentators cabin, both teams are on the field now. Just in time Jim, they are already flipping the coin for who has the kickoff... and it goes to Ocean Eleven! And the ball is rolling – the BTSC 619 has started! Matt Caldwell has the ball, and is passing to Bernie Catton... but the ball gets intercepted, and not even one minute into the game the Smileys take possession of the ball! 5'' Right, Jim. The Smileys are pushing through midfield, with Dandy, Zandy and Brandy outplaying the Oleanders quite easily. We are now at the five minute mark, and the Smileys offense is in clear control of the game. Their star forward Suzie Smiley calls for a flank, she is free right in front of the goal! 10'' Woah! Damn, I am no doctor Jim, but that must have hurt! One of the Eleven – I can not make it out exactly from this distance, it looks like Yen – just fouled Suzie in a brawl close to the goal. Not so amzing from „The Amazing“ Yen, for the referee has taken notice, and... yep, that's a yellow card for Yen and a penalty for the Smileys! Suzie is doing it herself... and it's in! The Smileys are in the lead 1:0 after only ten minutes. I think the Eleven didn't expect to be at the kickoff point again so soon. Is that anger in their faces? Damn, I'm no psychologist, Jim! It was tough to make anything out in that brawl at the goal. The Eleven are doing nobody a favour in their black and white prison dress. 12'' Just hold your breath, for that black and white is rushing to the other side of the field! It seems they have taken off some of their chains, for their offense has taken the ball towards the Smileys goal now. Don Tarr has the ball, and... yes, a shot on the goal from about 30 metres! Apparently he's called „Basher“ for a reason. For now the Smileys keeper could prevent a goal, but Handy could not get a safe hand on the ball: it is still in the field. 17'' Yeah, the Malloy brothers are doing some of their tricks, outpassing the Smileys defense, and is that... oh yes it is! Goal! 17 minutes have passed, and after a flank from Scott, his brother Casey did score with a wonderful volley shot! 1:1 it is. The Smileys have managed to get back into the game quickly, impressive. If the game continues like this, we are in for a treat today. 19'' True that, Tiny. Kickoff for the Smileys again, and they are not willing to hand it to the Eleven! See, no two minutes later, and the ball is in front of the Elevens goal again. Another quick score? 24'' Maybe, Jim, but the ball is going back and forth now. That chained defense is doing quite some work against the Smilyes' offense... 28'' Agreed, the game has slowed down a bit. Ten minutes later, and both teams are back in the midfield. Have the Sea Rats shot all their powder too early? 34'' Maybe, Jim, but for now they have claimed the ball again. Zandy is doing a long flank along the right sideline... and it reaches Frandy, who passes it on to Suzie. 38'' Well, apparently Suzie has taken more of a hit than we thought. She lost the ball to Elliot Tishkoff, and Ocean Eleven looks like in control for now. 42'' Or not, Jim. Suzie is not the only strong player in the Smileys' offense, for Landy and Wandy have taken the ball back. It might be for nothing though, for time is running out in the first half! The clock is ticking, but there seems to be some extra time because of the foul play earlier. Could it be... yes! 47'' Another goal for the Sea Rats Smileys for a 2:1 lead, and now the referee is ending the first half!

Welcome everybody, to the BotBS Tournament Soccer Cup 619 here in Mesabi Landing! My name is Jim Napier, and together with my beloved colleague „Tiny“ McCoy I will guide you through this years series of games. So Tiny, introduce yourself, and let our guests know what we are about to see! Well, thanks for the warm welcome, Jim. It is a beautiful day on this 11th of December, the sun is shining kindly, temperatures are much milder than during the summer. Quite a genius decision by the WTC to push the BTSC – excuse me for not using the full monster of a name – to the early winter. Just imagine the game being played during our cruel summer time! We better not, I start sweating by the mention of it. Same here, Jim. The ball will finally be rolling today, with two teams from Group A playing the first match of the tournament. It is the Sea Rats Smileys coming from Bastion, against Ocean Eleven all straight from Chateau D'Ouennes. Wait a moment Tiny, isn't Chateau D'Ouennes one of Oleons prisons? That's right, Jim. All of the players of Ocean Eleven are current prison inmates, they could even be seen walking through Mesabi Landing all chained together. That sounds like quite a handicap for their gaming performance to me... We can only wait and see, Jim. For now, here are the player rosters of both teams: Sea Rats Smileys - A5 M3 D2 Ocean Eleven - A3 M1 D5 Handy Smiley (Keeper) Randy Smiley (D) Mandy Smiley (D) Dandy Smiley (M) Zandy Smiley (M) Brandy Smiley (M) Landy Smiley (A) Wandy Smiley (A) Candy Smiley (A) Frandy Smiley (A) Suzie Smiley (A) Captain O'Smiley (Coach) Brad „Rusty“ Ryan (Keeper) Danielé „Danny“ La Mer (D) „Cabin Boy“ Robin (D) Elliot Tishkoff (D) Shaobo „The Amazing“ Yen (D) Carl Bloom (D) Matt Caldwell (M) Bernie Catton (M) Don „Basher“ Tarr (A) Casey Malloy (A) Scott Malloy (A) Abbé François (Coach) As you can see, the strong offense of the Smileys is pretty evenly matched by the Elevens defense. The Smileys midfield looks stronger to me, but they might be punished by their weaker defense if Oceans Eleven ever gets to strike there! Thanks for the introduction, Tiny! We have rented some scribbling monkeys from the WTCM to document our commentary for readers all over the Brick Seas, and I see them working already. There is a joke about monkeys and typewriters somewhere in this, but I fear typewriters are not even invented yet... Quite the joker today, eh Jim? Oh look, the teams are running on the field, the game is about to start!

Noted, thanks for being open about it. Going on your nerves is not my intention, I will redact the article accordingly. Edit: Page 3 has been redacted, I hope the new article is okay. I am sorry for the previous annoyance.

Damn. It works just fine for me, no idea what went wrong there. Of course he is no criminal! He is a "criminal" or an almost-criminal. Details are important! For some reason I ignored his promotion to Abbé - sorry! An honest mistake, that has been fixed.

=================================================================================== Wow, this one took way longer than planned - for a shorter issue than usual! the chili recipe is referencing this build one day I might stop making fun of @Ross Fisher and the Padré, but it is not this day - just because the horse is dead, there is no reason to stop flogging it! page 3 has been redacted - sorry for the previous annoyance! note that this months advertisement is about builds in any Corrington settlement I hope you enjoy the read, comments and criticism are welcome and appreciated as always.