In recent years, the action has been heavily concentrated at center-field, but between an adjustment in command strategies and in the point matrix for the game, the missions were broader spread this year, making the battle a seemingly endless fight all over the 700-plus acre field. By sundown on Saturday, the Germans were ahead by a slim margin.
Sunday started with rain, which is typically an advantage to the Allied army. But giving credit to the Axis, that was not the case this year. Both teams took the field for a relentless battle that did not stop until the final whistle. Again, the Axis forces made an adjustment from years past, sending small forces into the backfield to keep the Allies constantly engaged while simultaneously, slowly taking a boa constrictor hold over the beach. By final battle, the Allies were pinned in the woods, and could not even make an attempt at the final flag on Gold Beach.
While unfortunate for the Allies, it did create an opportunity for producer Terry Breslin. A long-time ref, he is never afraid to take the field, but final battle at any scenario event is a different beast. The dominance of the Axis allowed Terry to take the field, and for the first time in his more-than 20 years, he scored the final point at Gold Beach himself.
The final score of 61-52 in favor of the Germans was announced to a well-deserved and triumphant“ Ah-hoo!”
The presentation of awards at the stage commenced, and no cheese was thrown this year, which was a much appreciated diversion from tradition.
Axis: MVT- Legion Company of the 91st Infantry Division MVP- Zach“ The Professor” Zeff- Fully Loaded Ronin MOFO- 82’ nd Airborne Division
Allied: MVT- Task Force Ranger / Allied 2nd Ranger Battalion MVP- Jesse“ Lamby” Lamberth- 101st Airborne MOFO- Team Predator and the Predator Tank
Skirmish took the time to dig into the history books and created something that will carry some of the legend and lore of this game forward. They had a Stanley Cup-style trophy made, listing every winning general back to 2002, and leaving space to add the names of generals into the future. Mike Elward’ s will be the first new addition.
092 paintball. media magazine