NAFC Roundup

The chalkline dust has settled, the airmiles have been burned up, the results are in the NAF database, so it’s time to look back over the fantastic weekend that was NAFC 2016.

144 coaches competed for the fantastic selection of prizes on offer, with representatives from the US, Malta, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and the UK, plus probably some countries I have mentioned (comment below!).  The low TV and standardised skill set did lead to more concentration in certain races than might be ideal, but there was still as sizable stunty contingent fighting for probably the most prestigious Stunty cup of the year.

The day started with excitement for the organisers as Hawca’s car broke down – as the main TO, this was a bit of a problem but the refereeing team coped pretty well with the backup laptop, and he made it in time to welcome everyone to the event and we got started pretty much on time!  There were 4 entries for the Duel competition, in addition to a whole host of fantastically painted teams on display.  All those staying at the Orchard hotel (adjacent to the venue) made it too, which isn’t always guaranteed with the flow of beer and the delights of Nottingham’s casinos to contend with.

The new NAF gift was then unveiled, a NAF branded Score counter with some fetching yellow dice!  Thanks to Be4ch for the pic.
In my first game I played the perfect host, graciously allowing Tritex’s wood elves to trounce my goblins 7-0.  There were a few other big wins, including by massively experienced BB players such as Fumbbl’s Endzone over some U16 contenders playing in their first tournament games.  No mercy in Blood Bowl!

Round 2 saw eventual winner PeteW draw against Lycos – did this allow him to submarine to the title?  Most casualties winner Hachablanca started to cause damage with 7 in one game, and despite losing Tritex managed to hold on to the most TDs cape for the moment.

Game 3 was crunch time, as often the final is between two coaches who were on 5-0-0, so everyone on two wins was looking for a 3rd to cement their positions.  8 coaches managed it, and it was time for the second social session of the weekend.  No evening meal was included, so various groups headed off into Nottingham, into the hotel bar, or for a minority heading for an early night to sleep off the night before and three hard games of Blood Bowl!

The Saturday night was a bit much for some, as Sizzler (previous champion) and Joemanji (previous league winner) didn’t make it for game 4. Two of the top tables drew at this stage, opening up the top of the table to lots heading for 4-1-0 after game 5, so that when PloppyMcPloppy won his 5th in a row with his Norse (celebrating the BB2 release?), he didn’t know who he was going to be facing.  PeteW won the slightly lottery (though a fair one) that is the Opponent Score ranking, and the final was on!

Congratulations to all the winners, especially PeteW who is now the world’s top Dark Elf coach, and hope to see you next year for a bigger and better NAFC!