ADLG - Game Report 91

Andalusian Arabs(133) vs Ostrogoths (95)

Second game was against Mick’s Ostrogoths; this was at my suggestion because I thought they might be a good historical match-up for my Andalusians. That shows how much I know about this period of history – sorry Mick!

The Ostrogoths deployed a strong ambush on their left, we were to discover much too late that Mick had mis-read the ambush rules and had placed too many troops in them, but we decided to soldier on regardless. The Andalusian’s deployed with the infantry in the centre with two cavalry groups on the wings. On the far right the Andalusian lights went out to play.

Once the ambushes were blown it was then that we discovered Mick’s mistake. Not only had he deployed a few too many troops in the ambushes, but also regrettably he had deployed all his heavy infantry there which made them a prisoners in the terrain!

The left wing of Andalusian cavalry made short work of the Ostrogoth horse, and in the centre the infantry held their own. The light troops contested the Ostrogoth lights in the brush, and largely ignored the Ostrogoth heavy infantry as they were moving so slowly in regrouping out of the wood.

The Ostrogothic centre has been destroyed. Although the Ostrogothic bows are forming and the Andalusian right they will not be able to influence the battle before the Javelinmen seize the enemy camp!

Outcome

A win for the Andalusians.

Lessons Learnt

Valuable lesson learnt by Mick on the type of troops best placed in ambush in difficult terrain.

Again the need to keep a reserve for the unexpected, if possible. Or as General Rupert Smith used to say “to reserve or not to reserve”.