Time for our monthly get together, this time at Blake’s place for WAT. We love this system as it allows us to have fun, catch up, talk rubbish, drink grog and play a game all at the same time. Given our collective concentration span is that of a gnat, that’s not a bad accolade for a game system.

Blake has an excellent collection for the Anzio and Italian campaigns and has built terrain to suit.

The scenario was a British attack on a Sicilian village. The victory conditions were asymetrical with the British requiring to have the only tank within 12 inches of the village fountain and the Italians to destroy all British tanks. Each side was unaware of the others victory conditions. Only four tanks were allowed per side on the table at any one time with predetermined reiforcements arriving once a tank had been destroyed.

A British Achilles tank destroyer and a Churchill approach the centre of the village.

A second M10 protects their flank.

Meanwhile a second Churchill is still back at the departure point trying to get their engine started.

An M10 protecting the fountain and the centre crossroads.

The M10 has been forced back by several non penetrating hits from a Semnovente assault gun and the Fiat who has no advanced and is trying to get a side armour shot.

A second Fiat tries to shoot through a bulding at the M10 protecting the British right flank but misses. AND STILL the second Churchill cannot get their engine started!

Getting sick and tired of the stalemate the M10 turns around and takes out the Fiat and then……..

Another one!

A third fiat that had already missed a close range side shot moves forward.

With the other British tanks seemingly stopped for “TEA” the M10 takes out a Semnovente assault gun reinforcement. You can see all of his handiwork in the one picture (says a very smug author!).

The Fiat decides to rush past the M10 to try and get a side armour shot, but misses…….AGAIN!

With this budding tank ACE you don’t get any second chances.

A loud rumbling is heard in the distance as a Tiger tank from the Herman Goerring Division arrives on table.

The situation nearing the end of the game with the Churchill just beginning to move; the second Churchill taking out a Semnovente assault gun; and Italian wrecks burning everywhere.

The second M10 now partially crippled puts itself in harms way of the Tiger by threatening its flank. This would force the Tiger to concentrate on it, as although crippled, a short range shot could take the Tiger out.

With a Churchill in the fountain square the British achieve victory.

It is easy for me to say it was a fun game as my M10 destroyed four Italian tanks and my Churchill destroyed the other and finally took the fountain square. My compatriot, Steve, was there for comic relief as his Churchill couldn’t move and his M10 was being beat up by Fiats, and I don’t mean tanks!!!

We did have a second game, but both of us and our crews had been downgraded to Valentine and Crusader tanks for thinking that the town fountain could do with a bit more liquid. Steve was able to redeem himself, but other than a lucky long range shot, first turn of the game, I couldn’t hit anything, including a point blank range side armour shot! Not even naval fire support from a Cruiser and a Destroyer could turn the tide in our favour, with John expertly driving his Stug in between naval salvos avoiding the lot!

The Italians received a minor victory, finally destroying 2 tanks and forcing one to retreat off table.

Another great day catching up with mates and having two great WAT games.

• Greensborough Guild of Gamers – I still think there should be another “G” in there for “geriatric”.