ADLG - Game Report 282

Song Chinese (225) vs Graeco-Indian (46)

For the final game of the competition I was faced with yet another Graeco-Indian army led by Mark. Would it be two for two? Mark decided to attack me in the plains, and once more I kept the same formation as previously.

The infantry crossbows on the left were brought forward to engage the Greek cataphracts, while on the right the crossbows were ready to engage the elephant and pikes.

The polearms on the right were used to chase away the enemy light cavalry which at least managed to help bring them around the enemy right flank. However, the Song medium cavalry are being pummelled by the enemy bows. At the same time the Graeco-Indian ambush in the gully in the rear has decided to deploy, and to contribute to the attack.

The polearms are indeed now behind the Greek cavalry's flank. More significantly the benefits of the crossbow fire and flank attack from a mixed unit have destroyed the wounded cataphract at the right of the line. However, once again one of the heavy cavalry units was destroyed on contact. On the right the Song infantry have lacked command to be deployed effectively – it does not bode well for the forthcoming combat.

On the right the battle has become piecemeal with units engaging individually in an uncoordinated manner. However, on the plus side of the equation the enemy cataphracts have been soundly trounced. All is not as good on the left as the enemy light cavalry are inflicting more and more casualties by bowfire.

The battle has been very disorganised for both the Greeks and the Song. Neither of us managing to rally of hits as the battle drew to a close.

Outcome

The Song managed to scrape a draw as the umpire caused us to down dice. The Song lost 23 of 24 with the Graeco-Indian losing 13 of 23. This left me with two wins, two losses and one draw.

Lessons Learnt

I think the jury is still out on deploying swords behind bows and using the benefits of passing the swords through the bows before combat.