Teema: National Cup

Good game Anatoli - Congrats to the Mav's. Awesome team.

For us, it's another hotdog and getting the guys ready for Toronto.

Congrats to the Mav's !!

Fantastic Final. The Aberdeen Oilers gave it an incredible shot and were leading with only 90 secs to go.

All credit to the finalists. And especially well done Dallas.

I really must 'Hot Key' Congrats to the Mav's !

OK folks, I've been tied up with real life for the past few seasons (moving house, new job, and all) but I'm getting back to normality and hoping to revive the old NC commentary this season, plus turn up on the other forums now and again.

So... Welcome to Season 10! (Doesn't time fly?)

Sadly the number of UK managers is dwindling so we've seen round 1 pass off with mostly byes and 'noname' teams knocked out. But now the fun starts. Here are my highlights for round 2...

*****
Lincoln Canadiens vs S.T.A.R.S
The Canadiens have had a couple of strong seasons and won the cup last time round... but S.T.A.R.S have some form for causing an upset, reaching the semis in Season 5 and coming close to promotion to I.div last season. They are unbeaten this time out at the top of II.1 and be sure they'll put up one hell of a fight.

*****
Gallileo vs Club 77
The first all-I.1 matchup and this should be a corker. The teams are ranked 6th and 7th in their respective conferences and will both be keen to progress. The 77s impressed in their first season in the top flight last time out, but the Stargazers have been here before and have the experience (plus home court advantage) which might just count.

*****
Ultimate Zebras vs Banik Handlova
Two of the big players in the second tier face off in this game. They've both been to the top flight and both have piles of experience, the Zebras are probably the in-form safe bet though.

*****
Tulse Hill Eagles vs Cannon Fodder
The Fodder lost out in the finals last time, but made up for it with the I.1 crown. They are rightly seeded first this time out and will be fancying some silverware. But their trip to South London won't be an easy one, the Eagles are a team with lots of experience at the top level and will put up a strong fight on home turf.

*****
BC WISNIA ILAWA vs Islington Bulls
These are two closely-matched teams from II.div and should give each other a tough time. The Bulls look to have the form and momentum at the moment, but this could go either way.

*****
Hooker Horny Toads LA vs BC Waltham Forest
Another matchup from two of the second tier's most respected teams. Both have cup form going back a few seasons and tons of experience. The Toads look strong this season going unbeaten so far in II.2, but the Foresters are 9-2 in a tough conference in II.1 so they could cause an upset on this road trip.

*****
Aston Villa BC vs ErelisLT
Another matchup with two respected teams from II.3. They haven't met in the league yet this season, the visitors look like the stronger side but this one could go either way.

That's all for now folks, hoping to bring you a bit more commentary as this season's cup progresses.

Great write up Apollinaire! The Zebras game ended up being a really close one!

NC Season 10 - Quarter Finals.

I've missed a couple of rounds, some cracking games though no major upsets. Here's your line up for today's Quarters:

Cannon Fodder vs Whitefall Dragons
The Fodder are rightfully #1 seeds and should go into this tie as favourites, but this replay of last season's 5-game playoff final should be a corker.

Dallas Mavericks vs C.I. seagulls
Another massive matchup in the quarters. The Mavs must be favourites here, but they've looked a lot less invincible in the last couple of seasons and the Gulls could turn them over.

Aberdeen Oilers vs Sentinels
The Sens are clear favourites based on league performance, but the Oilers are a dangerous team if you underestimate them (as I found to my cost yesterday!) and they'll come out fighting on their home court.

LA Hooker Horny Toads vs Lincoln Canadiens
The Canadiens won it all last season and they'll have high expectations. But the Toads, II div's only representative at this point, have a long history of going deep in this competition as well; they'll be hoping to upset the cup holders at home today, and they might just do it.

Last 8 teams now: Fodder, Dragons, Gulls and Galileo on one side and Club77, Erelis, Bulls and Mavericks on the other.
I'm hoping ,y team dodges the Maverick bullet one more round ;o)

OOOooh Fodder vs Mavericks - what a draw !!

I know! Its been a weird year for the NC. I drew the Sens in the early rounds (2nd time in 3 seasons - good game Nige) and there've been quite a few I.div matchups. Keeps things interesting I guess.