[the phantom]

Monster Magazine
Ruharg the Red, dragon of the Withered Heath

Well, I managed to go 6 out of 8 in the first round folks. Not terrible, but I hope to do better this time around. But really- who could have fortold that Norbury victory over Valimar? And as far as Vinyamar over Dol Guldur, well- I'll admit when I'm wrong. I undersold the tenacity of Mount Taras. Ulmo definitely has it going more than some of his passive cousins in Valinor, and Osse and Rog definitely have the fire and swagger. But-

Barrow-Downs 2-1 Vinyamar (overtime)

Though I admit I undersold the defense, I don't think Vinyamar has what it takes up front to score on the Warg keeper from the Downs and the experienced defense in front of him. Though they aren't Werewolves this year, I think they still have some of the same attitude and aggression, and I trust they'll get the job done. And even the Vinyamar defense won't be able to stop the scorers from the Downs forever.

Mithrim 3-0 Numenor

Numenor is the defending champ, has great team work, blah blah blah- they don't have that extra something! But Mithrim does. Turin has the will and rage that it takes to dominate in the playoffs, and so does daddy Hurin. Celegorm and Curufin are underhanded schemers and know how to make things move, one way or another. And the reaction and speed of Huan in goal is just unmatched.

Utumno 3-0 Norbury

Don't make me laugh. Melkor has one of the baddest collection of monsters ever, and he's got them under just enough control where they don't make silly mistakes. This team is going all the way.

Gondolin 3-2 Tirion

This is the match that everyone is looking forward too, and I can see the appeal (two teams very capable of scoring), but I think this match is ultimately pointless. The winner isn't going to get past Utumno. But for what it's worth, I think Gondolin comes out on top here due to them being overall the hardier, more fiery, and more competitive squad. Maeglin isn't afraid to betray a kingdom for his wants, and Eol will go to extreme lengths to take what is his. Ecthelion has guts certainly- the guy stabbed a balrog with his head! And Glorfindel dueled one on a peak. Fingolfin demanded a one-on-one with the most powerful being in Arda. Feanor can't overcome all of that surely.

Westernesse Weekly
Ar-Tar-Aradil of Numenor

Seven out of eight matches right last round! Looks like my theory about playing "mannish" football was correct. Let's see if I can keep it going.

Vinyamar 1-0 Barrow-Downs

It's a shame these two have to meet here, as I think both have the potential to go all the way. Vinyamar has played things properly ever since the friendlies, and the Downers have been winning me over as of late, proving that their reckless Werewolf days are behind them, and that they are dedicated to playing a mistake-free team based game. This game will be a beauty to watch (for those who truly appreciate the game), and in the end I think Vinyamar will be able to protect their goal by holding the ball for large portions of the game, and that their defense will be up for the challenge when they are tested.

Numenor 2-1 Mithrim

Now this one is really tough to call. I think Mithrim has the edge when it comes to talent, but Numenor has the champ attitude and the experience edge. Tar Telperien and friends should be able to slow down Turin and friends enough for Tar Atanamir to hold their score down, and I believe that Ar Adunakhor, Elros, and company at the other end can get one past Huan with their execution and saavy. The question is, who gets the deciding goal? I give the edge to Numenor, but it could go either way.

Norbury 2-1 Utumno

They shocked the world once. Why not twice? Remember two years ago Araphor, Arvedui, and others were playing for Annuminas and were placed in a group with Valimar and Angband, and they unexpectedly tied them both. This is a chance to repeat history, only replacing the ties with wins. These guys play well together and aren't intimidated by anyone, and won't give Utumno anything easy. I believe Norbury will frustrate Melkor's squad and cause them to make mistakes- pressing too hard, getting carded, etc.

Gondolin 3-2 Tirion

Both of these teams have talent coming out of the ears, and so in the end I think the team that wins is the squad that plays entirely together and stays in control of things. Feanor is notoriously streaky, and Miriel tends to fade away when things get tough, and the defense tends to focus on offense too much unless they have the lead. Now- if Tirion goes up by two early, then the game is over, but it's the same for Gondolin, and I like their chances better in a tie game going down to the wire, as Tirion's pushing tends to get them in trouble.