Unlike the English Premiership where the same four teams have dominated since doomsday, the Grappa Kings League is shaping up to be a thriller already this year. Four weeks gone, nobody undefeated and no fewer than seven teams tied for the league.
Colin Moffat's golden run was brought to a shock end by upstart Joe O'Brien while the "Battle of the Eggos" went Kenny's way as he broke his son's heart and overtook him up the league table. The Cape Crusaders grabbed the narrowest of wins over Siciliana while Steve Wilson's Biancoverdi grabbed all three points against whipping boys Cantenaccio.
Lachlan Eggo remains in a share of the lead despite his defeat to his old daddy but he is joined on nine points by grizzled old hack Doug Archibald and slightly less grizzled old hack Colin Colthart. The sound of glugging Rioja celebrations had barely died down in Archibald mansions after his victory over Joe Bhoy FC last week.
It proved to be a better round of matches for the Rinaldi family in gameweek four. All three recorded wins with manager of the week going to Stefano who restored some family honour by administering a time-honoured skelping to Ethan Colthart. Carlo cracked 64 points past struggling Kenny Ross and Giancarlo edged the BBC derby match with Willie Johnston.
Another impressive points scorer was Iain Pollock who racked up 70 in a win which leaves him hot on the heels of Dynamo Kev. But there was no end to defending champion Rich Godden's woes as he succumbed to the aforemention old Archibald. And, despite a spirited display, Alex Robertson went down to defeat as did the ever-unfortunate Pat Cook.
In Serie B it was a golden week for Kieran Westbrook as he soared to the top of the table leaving Mike Maliskas and David Wynn in his wake. Peter Bourne also enjoyed a good points total which pushed him up the table while Fitz_hatrick also hit the 60 point mark to move to fourth and within striking distance of the lead.
Midge Mowbray, Stef Todd, Graeme Nicol, Siofra Eggo and Elia Davidson all had solid weeks too, with the biggest loser being the All Stars who gathered just 27 points. Our US trio of Can't Get Right, Old Yellow Dawgs and Juggernaut better watch out too. New boy Aidan Bain has given them a head start but his 50 points in his first week suggest he could do some serious overtaking soon.
Monday 31 August 2009
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Galacticos Shine
The top of the table clash between the G31 Galacticos and the Cape Crusaders did not disappoint this week. Colin Moffat's men edged the win 61-60 to keep their 100% record. The only other team to match them is young Lachlan Eggo who also boasts three wins out of three with Oisin's Eleven.
Rapid risers Dynamo Kev saw off a struggling Gianfranco Gorgonzola thanks to Ashley Young's star performance in helping to dump Liverpool. Elsewhere the Colthart family (Colin and Ethan) dumped the Rinaldis (Carlo and Stefano) to boost themselves up the table.
Serafino Ingardia's luck ran out as a meagre 31 points saw him slump to defeat against Alex Robertson who recorded his first win. Nonetheless, Siciliana stay in a group of teams on six points which also includes Kenny Eggo's Galliano Hotshots, Doug Archibald's Rockstars Fragmented, and Steve Wilson's Biancoverdi.
Elsewhere, Willie Johnston returned from pre-season training in Tuscany to scrap out the first draw of the season with last year's champions Team Ramrod. While Iain Pollock's Lockerbie Legends - a bit like his heroes Liverpool - remain stuck on three points.
Rooted to the bottom at present is our Australian challenger, Pat Cook, who is in danger of emulating his nation's Ashes performances. Alongside him is recent-dad Stefano Rinaldi - are the late-night feeds taking their toll? And shouldn't those late-night feeds involve his son, not just himself?
In Serie B the bold Mike Maliskas has toppled David Wynn for the time being. There were other strong performances from DG Standard's finest Kieran Westbrook who looks threatening in third and Graeme "I'm paying attention this year" Nicol who would have done better but for a late goal conceded by Brad Friedel.
A poor week from Raith Rovers 18th most famous fan Midge Mowbray allowed Steve Fitzpatrick, Rossella Marrai and Falkirk's 12th most famous fan Stef Todd to close the gap on him in 4th. While Elia Davidson closed in on Siofra Eggo in the young female manager of the year category.
Peter Bourne continues to struggle ahead of our American bosses who are still getting to grips with the game. Bill Isley, Stephen Heath and Frank Bentz have a lot to learn. Will they manage it before the season ends?
Rapid risers Dynamo Kev saw off a struggling Gianfranco Gorgonzola thanks to Ashley Young's star performance in helping to dump Liverpool. Elsewhere the Colthart family (Colin and Ethan) dumped the Rinaldis (Carlo and Stefano) to boost themselves up the table.
Serafino Ingardia's luck ran out as a meagre 31 points saw him slump to defeat against Alex Robertson who recorded his first win. Nonetheless, Siciliana stay in a group of teams on six points which also includes Kenny Eggo's Galliano Hotshots, Doug Archibald's Rockstars Fragmented, and Steve Wilson's Biancoverdi.
Elsewhere, Willie Johnston returned from pre-season training in Tuscany to scrap out the first draw of the season with last year's champions Team Ramrod. While Iain Pollock's Lockerbie Legends - a bit like his heroes Liverpool - remain stuck on three points.
Rooted to the bottom at present is our Australian challenger, Pat Cook, who is in danger of emulating his nation's Ashes performances. Alongside him is recent-dad Stefano Rinaldi - are the late-night feeds taking their toll? And shouldn't those late-night feeds involve his son, not just himself?
In Serie B the bold Mike Maliskas has toppled David Wynn for the time being. There were other strong performances from DG Standard's finest Kieran Westbrook who looks threatening in third and Graeme "I'm paying attention this year" Nicol who would have done better but for a late goal conceded by Brad Friedel.
A poor week from Raith Rovers 18th most famous fan Midge Mowbray allowed Steve Fitzpatrick, Rossella Marrai and Falkirk's 12th most famous fan Stef Todd to close the gap on him in 4th. While Elia Davidson closed in on Siofra Eggo in the young female manager of the year category.
Peter Bourne continues to struggle ahead of our American bosses who are still getting to grips with the game. Bill Isley, Stephen Heath and Frank Bentz have a lot to learn. Will they manage it before the season ends?
Friday 21 August 2009
Action stations
The games have been coming thick and fast in the early stages of the Grappa Kings League. An odd second round of matches - with just six Premiership games played - has already tested managers to the full. Some have already been found wanting while others have flourished.
Top of the heap in Serie A is Colin Moffat with his G31 Galacticos but hot on his heels are Kenny and Lachlan Eggo (fired up by Chelsea power) and James Horncastle's Cape Crusaders. With a meeting between first and third this weekend (Moffat v Horncastle), somebody's 100% record will snap.
The last manager with two wins out of two is "Mr Lucky" Serafino Ingardia and his Siciliana. He has gathered just 79 fantasy points but it has been enough to get him a pair of victories. Compare that with "Mr Unlucky" Kenny Ross - The Bootiful Game have amassed 95 points but sit with a big zero next to their name. However, like so many other managers he still has plenty of time to turn things around.
The Serie B pace is being set by David Wynn but he is being tracked by our top performing American manager Mike Maliskas. Kirkcaldy's finest Midge Mowbray follows them with Kieran Westbrook in close attendance. Dunce's cap so far to Stephen Heath who is finding out that fantasy baseball and fantasy "soccer" are worlds apart.
Top of the heap in Serie A is Colin Moffat with his G31 Galacticos but hot on his heels are Kenny and Lachlan Eggo (fired up by Chelsea power) and James Horncastle's Cape Crusaders. With a meeting between first and third this weekend (Moffat v Horncastle), somebody's 100% record will snap.
The last manager with two wins out of two is "Mr Lucky" Serafino Ingardia and his Siciliana. He has gathered just 79 fantasy points but it has been enough to get him a pair of victories. Compare that with "Mr Unlucky" Kenny Ross - The Bootiful Game have amassed 95 points but sit with a big zero next to their name. However, like so many other managers he still has plenty of time to turn things around.
The Serie B pace is being set by David Wynn but he is being tracked by our top performing American manager Mike Maliskas. Kirkcaldy's finest Midge Mowbray follows them with Kieran Westbrook in close attendance. Dunce's cap so far to Stephen Heath who is finding out that fantasy baseball and fantasy "soccer" are worlds apart.
Sunday 9 August 2009
New season takes shape
With less than a week to go, the Grappa Kings Serie A is ready for the off. Once again, we are set for a thrilling season of action - this time under head-to-head rules allowing for taunts and jibes against opposition managers on a weekly basis.
Defending champion Rich Godden is back with Team Ramrod but the league has lost three stars with the defection of the Reilly family en masse. However, we believe (like Serie A without Kaka and Ibrahimovic) there is still plenty of quality in the mix.
From the BBC we are pleased to have secured the return of Colin Colthart, Willie Johnston, Colin Moffat and the league supremo Giancarlo Rinaldi. From the Calcio Italia family we welcome - in addition to Rich Godden - Serafino Ingardia, Steve Wilson (on a mission to knock Godden off his perch) and James Horncastle.
Dumfries and Galloway Standard links bring us grizzled old Borderer Doug Archibald, still reeling from Sigma Omuluc Dons fan Iain Pollock and Joseph "Honest Joe" O'Brien. Our youth policy is assured with young Ethan Colthart and Lachlan Eggo in the set-up.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has released Kenny Eggo and Kenny Ross from their single status wage celebrations in order to participate (expect big spending come their October pay rises). From the world of education (we use the term loosely) come Carlo Rinaldi and Kevin Sharp. While Australian Milan fan Pat Cook joins the fray along with Glaswegian dodgy whisky salesman Alex Robertson.
Finally, biggest thanks to Stefano "Big Stef" Rinaldi for signing up again this season. He has just become a dad for the first time and we all know how that can interfere with your fantasy sports.
Our Serie B is currently taking shape with five teams - many of them from the USA, trying to find their feet in UK fantasy sports. Hopefully, more names will sign up in the week remaining before the Premiership gets under way.
Defending champion Rich Godden is back with Team Ramrod but the league has lost three stars with the defection of the Reilly family en masse. However, we believe (like Serie A without Kaka and Ibrahimovic) there is still plenty of quality in the mix.
From the BBC we are pleased to have secured the return of Colin Colthart, Willie Johnston, Colin Moffat and the league supremo Giancarlo Rinaldi. From the Calcio Italia family we welcome - in addition to Rich Godden - Serafino Ingardia, Steve Wilson (on a mission to knock Godden off his perch) and James Horncastle.
Dumfries and Galloway Standard links bring us grizzled old Borderer Doug Archibald, still reeling from Sigma Omuluc Dons fan Iain Pollock and Joseph "Honest Joe" O'Brien. Our youth policy is assured with young Ethan Colthart and Lachlan Eggo in the set-up.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has released Kenny Eggo and Kenny Ross from their single status wage celebrations in order to participate (expect big spending come their October pay rises). From the world of education (we use the term loosely) come Carlo Rinaldi and Kevin Sharp. While Australian Milan fan Pat Cook joins the fray along with Glaswegian dodgy whisky salesman Alex Robertson.
Finally, biggest thanks to Stefano "Big Stef" Rinaldi for signing up again this season. He has just become a dad for the first time and we all know how that can interfere with your fantasy sports.
Our Serie B is currently taking shape with five teams - many of them from the USA, trying to find their feet in UK fantasy sports. Hopefully, more names will sign up in the week remaining before the Premiership gets under way.
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