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.
Friday, 21 August 2009
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.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Godden reigns supreme
In the end, like some Wallace and Gromit film title, it was a case of The Wrong Captain. If grizzled old fantasy sports veteran Martino "Mine's A Guinness" O'Reilly had gone for Gareth Barry over John Carew he would be sitting as GKL champion. Instead, like Gordon Strachan, he has only regrets.
A new champions has been crowned in the shape of Rich Godden. A refugee from the good ship Calcio Italia he has had an impressively consistent campaign. He nearly slipped up with a poor week at the end but he thoroughly deserves his title.
There was a solid third place finish to go along with their cup victory for Mutu's Avengers but the strongest finish came from another Reilly - this time Brian. It goes to show what an incentive the thought of parting with money to your brother can be. All top four teams can be proud of the Champions League qualification.
In the Europa Cup zone came Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross and a resurgent Colin Colthart. All three had their moments this campaign and must have been left wondering what might have been. Serious injury crippled Colthart's efforts while overcoming the handicap of working for the BBC and Dumfries and Galloway Council respectively was no mean feat for Moffat and Ross.
Narrowly missing out was the Dumfries and Galloway Standard's Iain Pollock. A league champion of yesteryear he will surely be back to glory soon. Possibly before his beloved Liverpool ever snatch the Premiership off Manchester United.
The efforts of Dillon Colthart have, of course, been shrouded in controversy. The GKL confirms his expulsion for next year due to alleged collusion with father Colin. A sorry note in an otherwise fine league set-up.
Carlo Rinaldi will be delighted with his top ten finish after getting to grips with the game as the season progressed. He has vowed to pay more attention next year and maybe even watch the occasional English game - if only when Serie A is on a break.
James Horncastle managed a creditable 11th but was in the hunt for better. While Willie Johnston produced a late surge that saw him easily avoid relegation to the GKL Second Division. Indeed, he scooped manager of the month for May. If only he had been so attentive all year.
Rounding out the 16 managers invited to take part in the GKL Serie A next year are Doug "The Border Blatterer" Archibald, Serafino "Anyone Want Tickets for the Champions League Final?" Ingardia, Clive Lindsay and the Eggos - Lachlan and Kenny. All of which should make for a thrilling new season.
Missing out on the top flight were many famous names. Tommy Reilly may be struggling with the advancing years, Ethan Colthart simply peaked too soon (week one, loser!) and Stefano Rinaldi is clearly anxious at imminent fatherhood.
The teaching brigade Davie Dillon, Kevin Sharp and Jim Gordon had mixed fortunes but could surely do better. Especially if someone explains to big Jim that you can actually make transfers during the season!
A noble effort too by Davie Wynn (he got consolation in the SPL), Elia Davidson (female manager of the year), Alex Robertson (he let the whisky get in the way) and Siofra Eggo (she fell apart late in the day). A slot in the Hall of Shame, however, goes to Billy Davidson. A fine footballer, yes, but a low level fantasy sportsman.
So, the honours were assigned as follows.
GKL CHAMPION - Rich Godden.
GRAPPA CUP - Giancarlo Rinaldi
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP PLACES - Rich Godden, Martin Reilly, Giancarlo Rinaldi.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS - Brian Reilly.
EUROPA CUP - Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross, Colin Colthart.
INTERTOTO CUP - Iain Pollock, Carlo Rinaldi, James Horncastle.
SERIE A SURVIVAL - Willie Johnston, Doug Archibald, Serafino Ingardia, Clive Lindsay, Lachlan Eggo, Kenny Eggo.
The above managers will all be invited back next year.
EXPELLED FROM LEAGUE - Dillon Colthart.
The remaining managers will all be asked to help form the new GKL Serie B.
Finally, a big thanks to all for taking part.
A new champions has been crowned in the shape of Rich Godden. A refugee from the good ship Calcio Italia he has had an impressively consistent campaign. He nearly slipped up with a poor week at the end but he thoroughly deserves his title.
There was a solid third place finish to go along with their cup victory for Mutu's Avengers but the strongest finish came from another Reilly - this time Brian. It goes to show what an incentive the thought of parting with money to your brother can be. All top four teams can be proud of the Champions League qualification.
In the Europa Cup zone came Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross and a resurgent Colin Colthart. All three had their moments this campaign and must have been left wondering what might have been. Serious injury crippled Colthart's efforts while overcoming the handicap of working for the BBC and Dumfries and Galloway Council respectively was no mean feat for Moffat and Ross.
Narrowly missing out was the Dumfries and Galloway Standard's Iain Pollock. A league champion of yesteryear he will surely be back to glory soon. Possibly before his beloved Liverpool ever snatch the Premiership off Manchester United.
The efforts of Dillon Colthart have, of course, been shrouded in controversy. The GKL confirms his expulsion for next year due to alleged collusion with father Colin. A sorry note in an otherwise fine league set-up.
Carlo Rinaldi will be delighted with his top ten finish after getting to grips with the game as the season progressed. He has vowed to pay more attention next year and maybe even watch the occasional English game - if only when Serie A is on a break.
James Horncastle managed a creditable 11th but was in the hunt for better. While Willie Johnston produced a late surge that saw him easily avoid relegation to the GKL Second Division. Indeed, he scooped manager of the month for May. If only he had been so attentive all year.
Rounding out the 16 managers invited to take part in the GKL Serie A next year are Doug "The Border Blatterer" Archibald, Serafino "Anyone Want Tickets for the Champions League Final?" Ingardia, Clive Lindsay and the Eggos - Lachlan and Kenny. All of which should make for a thrilling new season.
Missing out on the top flight were many famous names. Tommy Reilly may be struggling with the advancing years, Ethan Colthart simply peaked too soon (week one, loser!) and Stefano Rinaldi is clearly anxious at imminent fatherhood.
The teaching brigade Davie Dillon, Kevin Sharp and Jim Gordon had mixed fortunes but could surely do better. Especially if someone explains to big Jim that you can actually make transfers during the season!
A noble effort too by Davie Wynn (he got consolation in the SPL), Elia Davidson (female manager of the year), Alex Robertson (he let the whisky get in the way) and Siofra Eggo (she fell apart late in the day). A slot in the Hall of Shame, however, goes to Billy Davidson. A fine footballer, yes, but a low level fantasy sportsman.
So, the honours were assigned as follows.
GKL CHAMPION - Rich Godden.
GRAPPA CUP - Giancarlo Rinaldi
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP PLACES - Rich Godden, Martin Reilly, Giancarlo Rinaldi.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS - Brian Reilly.
EUROPA CUP - Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross, Colin Colthart.
INTERTOTO CUP - Iain Pollock, Carlo Rinaldi, James Horncastle.
SERIE A SURVIVAL - Willie Johnston, Doug Archibald, Serafino Ingardia, Clive Lindsay, Lachlan Eggo, Kenny Eggo.
The above managers will all be invited back next year.
EXPELLED FROM LEAGUE - Dillon Colthart.
The remaining managers will all be asked to help form the new GKL Serie B.
Finally, a big thanks to all for taking part.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)