Announcement | May 7, 2014
This past Monday and Tuesday 16 teams in four divisions competed in the first round of the Spring 2014 playoffs. There were some hard fought battles, and a few upsets along the way. Here is a recap (while the scores are accurate, the recap is largely spawned from my imagination as I was housebound during this first round).
The first match featured the spunky 2 For 1er’s from McKennas on the road against the top seeded Mutants of Pioneers. While the 2 For 1ers were the third lowest scoring team in their division, they managed to pull off enough close wins to finish fourth this season and earn the right to compete in the playoffs. Of course, playing Levi and his hard whipped band of X-Men on their own turf is gonna be hard on anyone, so the lads from McKennas had their work cut out for them. While my team has enjoyed quite a few solid wins against the 2 For 1ers since this league started (both of these teams are part of the original 5), I can tell you first hand that Jimmy’s bunch is a tough one when they bring their A game. Alas, the Mutants were victorious by a score of 12 to 4, but according to Professor X, the match was “competitive.” I’m sure that is some consolation, no?
Meanwhile, over at the Commonwealth, the undeniably strong Compadres were upset at home by the machines of the Factory of Sadness. No doubt a late upper flipper outage on Twilight Zone played a part in bringing an end to the Compadres story-book season, or perhaps Andrew was simply able to continually get the jackpot on Cyclone. Regardless, so ends another very strong season for the Commonwealth gang, as the Factory of Sadness once again returns to the semi finals.
In the Right Orbit Division, the NYCFSA (New York City Something Something) fell to the fiery team from the Fifth Estate, A New Power is Rising. Is a new power rising? Could be. I get the feeling that this group has something to prove as a few of them have bounced back and fourth from “A” and “B” division these last few seasons. I think we all know how strong Chris and Matt are, but Sasha, Derek, Christian and the rest of this driven bunch are all forces to be reckoned with. A “New Power?” Maybe not, but a strong power regardless.
One cannot discount the amount of talent that forms the defending champion Terrorwrists team. Yet, despite their win last season, they more often seem to fall short in the playoffs. This time around the fiery Italian and his Balls of Fury took the champs down, at their home court, by a score of 9 to 7. It’s true, some in the Fury are prone to anger and I assume they all have balls, but the bottom line is that they are a strong group of pinball players who should not be taken lightly. They proved this in round one with their win over the defending champs.
The Aristocrats of Bar Great Harry suffered two losses during the regular season, both to the newly formed Beast of Ace Bar. It was fitting then that the two teams square off again in the first round of the playoffs. I don’t know much about these “Beasts” except that their captain Mark’s brother is running the Pinball Chicago league. I like Ben and love what he is doing with Pinball Chicago, so maybe I have a soft spot for his brother and his team. Doesn’t matter though, as the Aristocrats pulled off a victory at home in a closely fought match that ended in a tie-breaker. I love tie-breakers! I love them even more when they take place in the playoffs.
Just before this season started I ran into a bunch of the Pinbrawlerz as they were practicing for the start of this new season. While knocking the ball around I was asked, “How do me make it to the playoffs?!” Well, Tim, perhaps you should tell me. In their sixth season the Pinbrawlerz have not only made it to the playoffs for the first time, but they have also won their first playoff match against the newly formed, and formidable, Midnight Vultures from the Creek and Cave. Hey other Tim (of the Vultures), maybe you’re just gonna have to pay your dues — better luck next season.
Can I Have A Crouton? Yes you may. This team (formally known as The Damned Refugees) may be the only team to make it to the playoffs EVERY season since their inception in season 3. Despite some key roster changes, Mike, Charles, and their bunch have kicked off their 6th straight playoff appearance with a win on the road against the top seed Danger Danger. It was a tough loss for Jenn and her bunch from Mission Dolores, as they had a very strong 8 and 2 season. Nevertheless, you gotta hand it to the teams that rise for the playoffs.
The second seed Smacky and the Jets hosted their first ever playoff match at the Owl Farm against the Satellite-Weights of Jackbar. The colorful group of roller derby origin were no match for Davis and his quiet bunch of pinball wizards, as the Lite-weights won by a score of 12 to 4. Something tells me, however, that we have not heard the last from Smacky and his fleet of Jets.
Onward to round 2!