ADLG - Game Report 285

Taifa Kingdom (204) vs Ghaznavids (201)

For the next experiment I took on Harry's newly printed but not painted (unusual for Harry as he can normally paint them in a day!!) Ghaznavids. This is an army that I have always had a challenge with. As it was, I was invited to attack in the Steppes. The only change in this game from that against Kevin was I transferred to Medium Impact cavalry to the infantry command. I deployed with the Knights and Heavy cavalry on the left, infantry in the centre (ready to seize the hill) and the Light Cavalry were sent right flanking (if they deigned to arrive that is!)

We duly seized the hill, and moved the spearmen on to the flank of the hill to create a Bastion defence. Meanwhile the Cavalry command moved forward to engage the enemy cavalry.

The distraction of the potential for the flank march to arrive has at least forced a retrograde response from the enemy to protect their left rear. Meanwhile the defence of the hill has started with the African Spearmen acquitting themselves well. However, the lack of command has meant that the Medium Cavalry assigned to the infantry has been unable to move! The Cavalry command is holding its own and has forced the enemy to evade; they have one option quit the battle or fight the Knights.

Ta Dah!!! The flank march arrives and moves to support the infantry. However, the African Spearmen have performed admirably and destroyed the enemy elephant. However, the Medium Cavalry that should be supporting the infantry have still not deigned to move. On the left on of the Cavalry has been trampled by the elephant, however, the remainder are about to deliver the coup de grace to the Ghaznavid mounted wing.

The Africa Spearmen are out for blood and have turned onto the enemy flank, and it looks feasible that they will have cleared the hill of enemy. The Spearmen are moving forward supported by the Light cavalry command, while the Medium Cavalry hold themselves in reserve until they are needed. On the left the cavalry of both sides are engaged in a fight to the death.

The Africa Spearmen have finally met their match and despite their wounds the enemy have decided to compete for the hill. However, the spearmen to the left of the hill have successfully eliminated the elephant's supporting foot. While in the distance the Andalusian Cavalry have prevailed against their opponents.

Outcome

An Andalusian victory suffering only 13 cohesion hits.

Lessons Learnt

Perhaps it was ill-advised to place the Medium Cavalry under a Competent commander.

Although the flank march wasn't successful in rolling up the enemy flank it was successful in causing the enemy to not commit his left wing to the battle.