Orcs at TV105 (For the NAFC!)

[PeteW]

So. I have three choices: 1. Frontloaded, 2. Sensible, 3. Compromise.
Which would you least like to face?!

1. Frontloaded
4 Bobs
4 Blitzers
Troll
Thrower
Lino
3 RRs

2. Sensible
4 Bobs
4 Blitzers
Troll
Thrower
2 Linos
2 RRs
1 FF

3. Compromise
4 Bobs
4 Blitzers
Thrower
3 Linos
3 RRs
1 FF

I want to have lots of strength, but I also like to have 12 players as I hate being outnumbered (plus I have late first half fouling options.) However, I also like to have 3 RRs, and taking leader first skill means I miss out on a guard/block/tackle/MB. Also, the Troll is unreliable, but great at getting in the way!

So, which would you not want to face?!

[JaM]

You should look into getting a goblin if you take a troll. They are quite good and may give you the option to score a last turn equalizer.

But 4 BOB, 4 Blitz and a troll is nasty enough. take a thrower to get that ball and you are all set, although I prefer the gobs because of their movement and the stunty (makes sneaking through easier).

[rodders]

I'd least liek to face #3 it has no weak links, has reliable hitting power and will be able to get those block/guard/mb early

[Thadrin]

That's handy - I'm going with nr.3 myself.

Honestly, with 4 ST4 guys I'm not sure you need the Troll, and he's so horribly unreliable...I don't want a player I have pretty much ignore...not in a tourney anyway.

[Urb]

Not that any of the choices are bad, but if you want to win #3 and #1 if you want to have some fun with 5 str guys. As Thadrin has mentioned that troll will let you down when you need him most as everyone has experienced many times from both sides of the pitch.

[DoubleSkulls]

I recently went with a lineup like #3 and I found it excellent against the faster teams, but against strong teams it struggled so I'd go 1 or 2.

[Hitonagashi]

I'm taking lizzies, and I think sensible is the one I'd least like to face.

The troll can always tie up a saurus/Krox, or even 2 if I get outpositioned, so I prefer facing builds without those. In addition, the extra lino in 2 means that I haven't got any realistic chance of getting a couple of lucky LoS cas/KO and deciding the game early(as can sometimes happen with lizzies, due to blocking escalation).

In addition, I think there will be a lot of teams with a "foulme" banner stuck to them - Wolves, Snow Troll's, War Dancers, theonlysauruswithblockongame1, so having that option could be very valuable.

[Mootaz]

I'd take the third one.

[SillySod]

The troll gives you a mighty blow player from game one - thats way more important than people give it credit for.

IMO you will get away with 2 RRs and in your position I'd consider getting block on the thrower instead of leader. One goblin seems like a no brainer for added flexibility and the oneturn option (and it buys you a spare thrower in each of the 12 player lists). Personally I would look at taking 2-4 goblins because I adore the flexibility they bring with the dodge skill... goblins are good at marking players because they are hard to knock down and have the option to reposition in the following turn.

[UtakHai]

I voted 3.
I am not a fan of the Troll any longer, as I played quite some tournaments including him in the initial setup.
He will fail his roll in crucial situations, then he will be standing in the way of your own players trying to advance further.
Not having a TZ, but occupying one square will screw things up even better.
I also do not like the 4+/2+ issue, so you always have to place a player near him to avoid the 4+ (not always that easy to achieve).

If you take a Troll, I would also recommend having at least one Goblin.
TTM saved me some games at least in the last tournaments where I've played the Troll (or he played me )

I will also play Orcs, but with a bit different setup, I hope you don't mind if I propose the following setup:

4. All-round
4 Bobs
4 Blitzers
Thrower (against those nasty strip ball players)
3 Linos
1 Goblin
2 RRs
1 FF
1 Cheerleader
1 Assistant Coach

I often played Orcs with 2 RRs and having Sure Hands is a vital thing (at least it is for me).
Last tournament (Tri Rhena Cup II) I left the thrower at home and I don't know how often I had to re-roll this
nasty pick-up roll with a Blitzer or a Goblin. I also had some hard times against those leaping strip-ball War Dancers.
13 players is a bank, you can foul with your Lino or Goblin or even use your Goblin as your ball carrier (Dodge and Stunty rules!), place
him in the cage, advance and sneak through if needed.

The additional FF, Cheerleader and Assistant Coach might be an advantage for Re-rolls or at other Kick-Off events.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers,
Sven

[PeteW]

I went with #2 in the end.

Troll was essential, as was the 12th man. Leader was fine and I never felt as though I was a skill behind.

[Joemanji]

I played Pete and the roster he took was definitely the one I'd want to face least.