The first semi-final of this year's rookie league kicked off between the RumBBL All Stars 2018 and Downunderworld. With several injuries, Downunderworld's line-up featured no less than 8 goblins and was bolstered by legendary player Skitter Stab-stab.
Electing to receive, Downunderworld was under early pressure, but turned the tide with some sharp running and a big hit that took our the RubBBL minotaur player Big Elkanter. Unfortunately for the Underworld side, Dark Rolo was on hand in a safety roll, dodging though several tackle zones to overturn Thran Forefangs close to the line. Even so, the agile Thran looked sure to recover as some tidy blocking left himself alone once again, with the ball in his grasp and the inzone in range.
Sadly, Thran fumbled the pickup (double ones) and gave the Chaos Pact side the opening they needed.
Switching the play rapidly, Dark Rolo recovered the ball and heaved it upfield for the first score of the match. RumBBL leading 1-0 at the half.
Downunderworld were not out yet however, and orchestrated a blitz which pressured the ball area. Again RumBBL were equal to the challenge and gathered the ball, before moving quickly upfield. That left the score 2-0 early in the second half.
At this point the Downunderworld fans intervened, hurling a rock which put a Marauder out of the match, and narrowly missing Dark Rolo. Zoljin then pressed the line for his second casualty. With this strong base, the comeback was on and Thran wasted no time firing a pass out to Skitter, who scored following some heavy fouling on Dark Rolo, albeit the Dark Elf star would see the final drive. 2-1 half way through the second half with RumBBL receiving.
The ensuing kick-off was easily controlled by RumBBL, however Downunderworld threw the kitchen sink at this one and forced 2 turnovers. In the face of this relentless pressure the Downunderworld star goblin player Ciq weaved his way through the line, collected the ball and made a hand-off to Skitter. Skitter, unfortunately dropped the ball which was tied up quickly by the Chaos Pact defense. With the final play of the match Downunderworld still had time to pick up the ball and force overtime, however that dream came to an end when a gust of wind took a Zoljin propelled goblin off course and crashing into Ciq.
Adding insult to injury, Thran, suffered a fatal injury and could not be resuscitated by the apothecary. Tough day out for Downunderworld - final score 1-2 (2-3). RumBBL advance to the final!
