Middle-Earth Football Tournament

[Sleepy Ranger]

Alright so I got votes from two more people. I'll be travelling today and tomorrow (Mayhap day after as well) and I should get access to a computer by around Friday and since I've already done the match and written it out I'll PM the results after Christmas, 26th or 27th unless I do get a fair amount in by then in which case I'll post them as usual but bear in mind anything said after the 27th won't be taken into consideration. As I oft say, "Fairs do."

Heres the people who'll currently recieve the finals (if you should be on the list but aren't notify me)-

Saucepan man
Valesse
Rune
Arcticstorm87
Morai
Roa
Glirdan
Wayne

And thank you everyone who contributed to the tournament at whatever stage. You helped make it as succesful as it could be. And not I'm not being sarcastic.

[Bergil]

If you do not post the finals I will....errr...ummmm...I will...DO SOMeTHING.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by Bergil

If you do not post the finals I will....errr...ummmm...I will...DO SOMeTHING.

Go read my rants again!

[Sleepy Ranger]

Alright just three more days to go before I start sending out results. I got in a few more votes since posting my rants. Also got a couple of neg rep threats if I don't post them (you know who you are...). I replied to all of a them the same way by saying that I ought to neg rep them for not voting and still demanding results. If they have enough time to waste to send in neg rep threats I don't see why they can't vote.

I'll take this chance to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy yourself! And I hope all of you (who'll get them) enjoy the finals as well. 'Twas a truly spectacular match!

PS- I'm waiting for the neg reps from you lot!

[The Saucepan Man]

Is it really that much bother for people to vote so that the final can be posted here?

[Sleepy Ranger]

Oh you lucky people, you! It seems people wanted to see the results after all!
Well here are the results for the Highlights and yes, I shall post the finals on the 'Downs and I better see some buzz then or else its going to be off with your heads...!

Best Moment

18th November, Old Forest vs. Rohan - The standing ovation given to Tom Bombadil.

Best Goal

17th November, Mordor vs. Rohan - Nazgul#7's high pass to himself header.

Best Match

This was a tie between-
11th November, Shire vs. Arnor
and
14th December, Barrow-Downs vs. Arnor

In light of these events we have decided to award Arnor with the most entertaining team award!

[Sleepy Ranger]

Well ladies and gents, its time for the finals...
Since lifes about drama lets see how long I can hold them back without getting killed!

Just kidding, I'll have them up soon.

[Sleepy Ranger]

The Finals
Live From Middle-Earth Mirth

The Barrow-Downs 6 - 1 Angband

This was a decisive victory for the ‘Downs and truly showed their dominance over the world. With such a big win over one of the best, if not the best team in the world in such an important match really shows you just how good they are. The atmosphere was tense as the two teams stepped out for the finals of the first ever Middle-Earth Football World Cup, the stadium was packed with supporters cheering their team on. Everyone knew that only one team would leave tonight as the champion but a win of such proportions was completely unexpected. Both teams had said they’d give it their all in a pre-match interview and it seems the ‘Downs all was better than Angband’s.

The night did not start in the ‘Downs favor and instead Angband was given an early corner which Melkor easily converted into a goal in the sixth minute. Angband supporters exploded (the balrog’s literally) into cheers as Angband went one up in the match where it counted the most. Their early lead was threatened moments later when the ‘Downs received a corner but Saucepan man messed up big time, sending the ball over the crossbar. The Barrow-Downs received their next chance in the 18th minute which Sleepy Ranger converted into a goal and equalized the teams causing the ‘Downs supporters to cheer. Gil-Galad struck in the 27th minute and gave the ‘Downs a 2-1 lead at half-time.

The two teams resumed the match with the Barrow-Downs just ahead but the phantom seemed determined to change that however he was intercepted half way through and the ball was passed long to Melkor who seemed to have a clear run at goal but Rune managed to come in out of nowhere and get the ball off Melkor. He sent a long pass to Gil-Galad who gave a short through pass to Sleepy Ranger. It seemed he would score but a harsh tackle resulted in the ‘Downs receiving a free-kick instead, the phantom took an excellent kick however to his disappointment the ball struck the post and rolled out of play. In the 53rd minute Saucepan man took his second shot on goal only to be denied but Sleepy Ranger was right there and shot the rebound only to have Ancalagon manage to push it away, the phantom however had no intention of passing up this opportunity and knocked in the goal to take the ‘Downs 3-1.

Third time proved the charm for Saucepan man as he knocked in a goal on his third attempt to lift the score to 4-1 in the 62nd minute. After this goal there was plenty of back and forth action with Angband coming close to scoring on several occasions only to be denied by The Barrow-Wight who played a really spectacular game. It wasn’t till the 84th minute that Sleepy Ranger once again found himself within scoring range and took a high and angled shot to take the ‘Downs to an unassailable 5-1. Saucepan man however believed that they hadn’t scored enough goals and signed the ending with an 89th minute goal. A spectacular win for the ‘Downs, one that sets them far above the rest of the teams in this tournament. Out of all the teams in this tournament the ‘Downs proved that they are the best. And with a score line like 6-1, who can argue?

---

And congratulations to Turin who won the Golden Boots this World Cup! Wonderful effort by all the teams but in the end only one could win and that was the 'Downs!

Standings

Champion - The Barrow-Downs
Runner-Up - Angband
Third Place - The Shire
Fourth Place - Nargothrond

Now everyone post something! I don't care what, just do it!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

And there did come to pass, much rejoicing in the streets and hills of the Barrow Downs, for his victory was to stir up much drinking of wine!

Good for the Downs to win. Newspaper headlines:

From 'The Daily Dead': "Downers go Down in history!"

From 'The Guardian of the Gates': "Barrow Boys bomb Angband!"

From 'The Hobbit Herald': "Wights rout wronged witches”

From 'The Angband Times': "It was a Fix!"

[The Saucepan Man]

Turin Turambar of Nargothrond.

Final rankings:

Turin (Nargothrond): 12
Pippin (The Shire): 11
Sleepy Ranger (Barrow Downs): 10
The Saucepan Man (Barrow Downs): 10
Beleg (Doriath): 9
Melkor (Angband): 8
Azog (Moria): 6
Legolas (Mirkwood): 6
Gothmog (Angband): 6
Ugluk (Isengard): 6
Arathorn (Arnor): 5
Glorfindel (Gondolin): 5
Sauron (Tol-In-Gauroth): 5
Varda (Valimar): 5
Dark Lord (Mordor): 4
Faramir (Gondor): 4
Finrod (Nargothrond): 4
Merry (The Shire): 4
Aragorn (Gondor): 3
Arvedui (Arnor): 3
The phantom (Barrow Downs): 3
Tom Bombadil (Old Forest): 3
Turgon (Gondolin): 3
Ancalagon the Black (Angband): 2
Balin (Moria): 2
Boromir (Gondor): 2
Ecthelion (Gondolin): 2
Haldir (Lothlorien): 2
Manwe (Valmar): 2
Quickbeam (Fangorn): 2
Tar-Meneldur (Numenor): 2
Thingol (Doriath): 2
Thorin (Erebor): 2
Treebeard (Fangorn): 2
Witch King of Angmar (Mordor): 2
Yavanna (Valimar): 2
Brandir (Ephel Barandir): 1
Durin's Bane (Moria): 1
Earnil (Arnor): 1
Elrohir (Rivendell): 1
Fatty Bolger (Crickhollow): 1
Firefoot (Barrow Downs): 1
Gandalf (The Shire): 1
Gil-Galad (Barrow Downs): 1
Imrahil (Gondor): 1
Maeglin (Angband): 1
Nazgul #7 (Mordor): 1
Olwe (Alqualonde): 1
Tar-Ancalime (Numenor): 1
The Barrow-Wight (Barrow Downs): 1
Tuor (Gondolin): 1

Despite a Downs goal fest in the final, the goals were evenly spread and Sleepy Ranger and The Saucepan Man could only manage joint third. Second place goes to the surprise find of the tournament, Peregrine Took. But congratulations to the sensational goal-machine, Turin Turamabar, for taking the coveted trophy.



**************************

The result was, of course, the only one imaginable, given the strength in depth of the Barrow Downs team. Congratulations to my team-mates and, in time-honoured fashion, we shall now join together in a rousing chorus of:

Champione! Champione!



Btw:

Originally Posted by The commentator

... the ‘Downs received a corner but Saucepan man messed up big time, sending the ball over the crossbar.

Hey! I was merely biding my time ...

[Sleepy Ranger]

Hey! I was merely biding my time...

While you were busy biding your time I was busy saving the team

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Sleepy R

While you were busy biding your time I was busy saving the team

You mean you were worried? I always thought the result a foregone conclusion ...

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

You mean you were worried? I always thought the result a foregone conclusion ...

Not if we left it to you... then it would have been murder...

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Sleepy R

Not if we left it to you...

Need I remind you that my two goals alone would have been sufficient to bring the cup home ...

I was just trying to make the game a little bit more exciting by waiting before unleashing the full power of my right foot.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

Need I remind you that my two goals alone would have been sufficient to bring the cup home ...

Pfft... you scored when Angband was demoralized! We were beating them 3-1, can you honestly say that if we hadn't scored those goals our team would have had the same spirit in their fight? I admit we're an awesome team but being tied down by a single goal in the finals of the World Cup can be frustrating enough to cause a team to make mistakes. (Your corner was a perfect example of this )

[Hookbill the Goomba]

How do you think I feel? I didn't even get on the pitch! Let alone score any goals.
I was too busy sawing the sub bench up and making it into an attractive dinner jacket.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

For some reason Saucepan and Sleepy think that it was them that won this trophy for the Barrow Downs. Do I realy need to explain you guys that this is a team sport. If not our defence had been solid and had our midfield not fed you guys with brilliant passes we would have gotten nowhere.

A man once said: A great striker can win the mach for you, but a great defence can win you the championship. (or something like that)

Lets selebrate this great team effort and not argue about who killed who. . . eeh I mean who scored the most important goals.

[Glirdan]

Need I remind both Sleepy and SpM that if it weren't for the great defense we had, we would have lost way back at the beginning? Not to mention the best goalie ever!!!!

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

Do I realy need to explain you guys that this is a team sport. If not our defence had been solid and had our midfield not fed you guys with brilliant passes we would have gotten nowhere.

Originally Posted by Glirdan

Need I remind both Sleepy and SpM that if it weren't for the great defense we had, we would have lost way back at the beginning? Not to mention the best goalie ever!!!!

Quite so. I was merely grumping at our organiser/commentator's description of my - er - "relaxed" playing style.

Now, let's hear it for those unsung heroes at the back. To paraphrase some French bloke, where would we be without our Water Carriers? Well done you, chaps and chapesses ...

[Sleepy Ranger]

Heh, I've decided since I like you guys so much I may as well do another sport.
Heres your options-

Hockey,
Cricket,
F1,
Wrestling,
Basketball (Not Sure so if you pick this keep a second option as well),
Baseball

Right then what are you waiting for? Get picking!

[Bergil]

and so I vote Hockey

[Gil-Galad]

Sincei myself am a Hockey player, Hockey has my vote

[Morai]

Well, since baseball is the only sport I really understand, I'll pick that one. Though hockey would be an interesting one as well.

[Formendacil]

How about some Hockey, eh?

[Sleepy Ranger]

Looks like it will be a MEHT but theres still a week till I get back so votings open till then.

[Glirdan]

I two am Canadian, so, my vote is...

++HOCKEY

Speaking of voting, just letting everyone know that The Hobbit Survivor is up and running again. So, get over there and vote people!!!!!!!!

[The Saucepan Man]

ME F1 would be interesting, with circuits in locations around Middle-earth and constructors representing the various races/nations. Although it might have the old Professor spinning in his grave ...

Otherwise, it's cricket for me. None of the others listed can possibly be regarded as proper sports.

[Orominuialwen]

I suppose American football isn't an option... so I'd pick basketball, with baseball as a second choice.

[Gil-Galad]

kidna late, but heres me as a crazy soccer player

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by Orominuialwen

I suppose American football isn't an option... so I'd pick basketball, with baseball as a second choice.

Nope, American Football isn't an option since I don't have any games of it...
But I'll need somebodys help for doing a Hockey Tourney (since I have no idea about formats and such). And since it seems like we'll be having a hockey tournament it'll be a good idea for somebody to send me a sample format of a hockey tournament.

As for the current standings-

Hockey - 4
Cricket - 1
F1 - 2
Wrestling - 1
Basketball - 1
Baseball - 1

And yea, a few people gave me their prefrences on MSN or AIM.

EDIT: Post #1,100! Lets celebrate! ^_^

[Roa_Aoife]

Ack! Sorry about the long absence- my 'puter got sick.

Go DOWNS! I knew we could do it! *does victory dance*

No American Football? That's a shame. Oh well, I vote for baseball then. It would make my history professor happy.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Well it seems that MEHT will have to be cancelled because nobody seems ready to help...
Leaves us with-
Cricket - 1
F1 - 2
Wrestling - 1
Basketball - 1
Baseball - 2

Its a tie between F1 and Baseball but the vote goes in favor of F1 because I'd need help with baseball and even if someone does come forward F1 was Saucepanman's second choice. So unless something happens by Sunday it'll be F1.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

As an Englishman, I can't let this pass by without voting:

++ Cricket!

Just needed to get that off my chest.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Sleepy Ranger

Well it seems that MEHT will have to be cancelled because nobody seems ready to help...

Perhaps it's a general lack of understanding that keeps the Canadian masses from offering up their hockey expertise... I, for one, have no idea- really- want sort of help you were looking for.

Provided it wasn't too computer-skillsy or very fine rules of hockey-ish, I might be available. Or someone else might be tempted...

There simply wasn't enough to go on.

[Gil-Galad]

woah woah woah, i can help with hockey, you never asked me! and probably if you ask the people that voted hockey they can help too, don't rule it out seesh

[Glirdan]

I don't play hockey, but I've watched it all my life until last year so I know most of the rules and regulations for you. I could help you out, just tell me what you need.

[Gil-Galad]

Sleepy, probably if you go to www.Nhl.com you could get an idea with the Playoofs there, or i'll try to find you some other ideas, i'll look around for tourneys here in calgary...



or i could explain it...

basically for the playoffs, its East Conferance Vs West Confernace, so either we divide by Misty Mountains or good and evil, the winner of each of these conference goes to the finals. each game is best out of 7, and whoever wins 4 games first wins the round and moves up. The Seventh game, if each team has 3 wins and the game is tied when the 3rd period is finished, it goes into overtime which ends when the first goal is scored. after 2 overtimes and there is no goal, then it goes to a shoot off, which i could explain later if needed.

so basically it depends if we go right into playoffs or play regular season, in reg season, a win gives the team 3 points, a loss gives it 1 point, and a tie 2 points. if we go by regular, the top 8 teams on each side go to the playoffs, which is random(drawn by numbers and such) then it goes into best out of 7, even for the finals, best out of 7.

[Morai]

If in the slight chance that you do baseball, I could probably help, though I have no idea how to calculate batting averages and stuff. I did play 'little league' baseball long long ago in a field far far away.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Due to a sudden burst of helpfulness hockey gets to be a choice again BUT I plan to leave voting open for a few days more due to the sudden and accidental entry of American Football. Yes, American Football is now an option as well. Feel free to change your vote-

Hockey - 4
Cricket - 2
F1 - 2
Wrestling - 1
Basketball - 1
Baseball - 2
American Football - 0

[Valesse]

Oh goodness I'm so far behind.

I still have two comics coming (Glirdan and Barrow-Wight) before I call it quits on Arwen's intervews.

Whats really sad is that I have the art part on Glirdan's done... just not the... joke... Oddly enough its the complete opposite for BWs. Hah. Isn't that just life?