There were 16 entries for the DBA competition, organised into 2 groups of 8. Each player played 4 games against others in their group, with the two group winners plus the next two best scores going through to the semi finals.
My first game was a bit of a blur. My lack of experience showed mightily and I was crushed in very short order. I lost 2 elements plus my camp, and inflicted none. No photos, it was all over too quickly ...
By my second game I was back into the swing a bit more. The photo below shows the table just after
what proved to be the decisive moment. My 3
elements on the far left have just killed their 3
opponents who they caught coming out of bad
going. I only lost one element in total. 5-0 to me.
My third game was against a Tupi army - all
warband and bows. I went for a risky oblique
attack which eventually all hinged on my blade
holding off his warband for three or four attacks until
I got onto the flank of his general. I only killed 2
elements, but I lost none and since one of his was
his general I won. Another 5-0 to me.
My fourth game was against more Hwaiians, and here my home terrain almost did for me. With the coast to my back my opponant landed 4 elements behind the right hand end of my line. Several turns of nail-biting action ensued while I turned part of my army to face him. Poor pip throws and a failure to move his general a bit closer eventually did for him however. This picture shows the table at the end of the game. He's finally got his army across the table, but my 4 elements are chasing the last of his landing force (out of shot) while my pike and general kill a couple of skirmishers to seal the win.
With 3 wins I had 15 points, but I qualified in 4th place because I killed a general more than the guy in 5th. My scoresheet - of which I'm quite proud ...
My semi final went wrong, and I was chewed up on bad going I put in place. The final position is shownon the right.I don't seem to have any photos of my 3rd/4th place game, but I did win it to come a very creditable 3rd in my first DBA competition ever ! I also got given one of the local club dice with a 'Paw' on the 6 spot, so many thanks lads I'm looking forward to more comps in 2011 and I will be back to Pompey for the next one.
