Today's match between Downunderworld and FC Neuhausen had a final atmosphere to it, with both coaches needing a win to guarantee advancement to the play-offs.
Downunderworld elected to receive after winning the toss, and Thran Forefangs went to work controlling the ball in the early drive. Late in the drive the Brettonian team forced a turnover, though Snutrut Tusksplitter was on hand to collect at the crucial moment and cross for a score. 1-0 Downunderworld.
Heavy rain began to fall at the commencement of the second half, but it did not phase the Bretonnians one bit. The well organised team took control of the match, with a well worked running play up the left wing, and crossed for the equaliser practically unopposed. 1-1.
As the final session of play started, Downunderworld found themselves a man short and needing to quickly come to grips with the weather. To make matters worst for them, a well placed and short sideline kick by Donnersberger upped the pressure - and this was supported by perfect defence from the Brettonian team! With all eyes on him Trinq Dusthunter managed to collect, but rapidly saw his team mates overrun. Neuhausen looked sure to overrun the desperate Underworld defense!
As Trinq dashed infield looking for support, he did get a couple of key assists slowing his pursuers. He ducked and weaved as his opponents sought to tackle him and wrestle him to the ground. Eventually he was taken to ground, though the ball fell kindly for just a moment staying the onslaught. As chants of "rat face, rat face" resounded around the stadium, Trinq regained his footing and the ball, before blitzing and dodging his way to the centre field even as the heavy rain fell around him. He would fall and regather yet one more time, in one of the great solo defensive performances of our time, to secure a valuable draw for Downunderworld.
Final score Downunderworld 1 - FC Neuhausen 1. No doubt the FC Neuhausen crew deserved better, with the draw leaving them behind Downunderworld on touch down differential and out of play-off contention.
For Downunderworld they are currently taking the last play-off spot, and will look on closely to see if other results go they're way. Allegations of bribes to the management of Puchheim who are their key remaining competitor were quickly dismissed by the head coach. Even if they do qualify for the play-offs, the underworld outfit will face a big challenge with two key players, blitzer Qrul Bonemaw and passer Irkut Firespine Jnr., succumbing to injuries and out for the next game.
