English DBA Open 2003

 

Full Results and armies used 2003

Full Results and Armies used 2002

This was the second year of the English DBA Open.  The event was held on Sunday 12th October 2003 at Elles Hall Community Centre, Farnborough, Hampshire.  This year saw an increased entry, attracting 22 players in the 15mm competition and 16 players in the 25mm competition.

The event consists of a group stage and a knockout stage.  Everyone plays 3 games in the group stage and the highest placed competitors then entered the knockout stage.  For the group stage players brought their own armies and were grouped by period and geographical location.  For the knockout stage, the players had to choose from “theme” armies that were provided and defenders had a choice of six different pre-defined terrains to choose from.  The theme for the 15mm competition was “Hellenistic Armies beaten by Rome”, a list of 8 armies from Pyrrhic to Mithridatic.  The theme for the 25mm competition was “The Army and Enemies of Ramases”.

Once again we attracted an international field with Pedro Casimaro and Miguel Mendes travelling over from Portugal to take part.  A wide range of armies were used from Sargonid Assyrian to Early Burgundian.  Four Classical Indian armies entered making it the most popular choice.   Three junior competitors entered Adelais and Rory Farnell-Sharp and Alexander Cartwright.  Adelais (who is 12) did particularly well, coming 4th overall in the group stage.

We were using 2.1 rules for the first time.  Overall, the amendments seem to be an improvement, with more Warband armies present and no problems with built up areas. 

We played one variation from the normal DBA rules due to Matt Bennett’s empassioned plea in Slingshot.  Where an army sub-list allowed options, the player could choose which elements to use before each battle.   This appeared to work without any problems, although next year I would probably revert to the system of using the same 12 elements throughout the competition.

The 25mm competition final saw Andrew Fisher using Hittites beat James Forrest with New Kingdom Egyptians.  The 15mm competition saw Phil Jelley defeat Ray Briggs.  Adelais Farnell-Sharp successfully defended her Junior Championship title.  Simon Bargery won the prize for Best Army with his Ancient British. The event was another success and we hope it will continue again next year.