Round 4 Ligny
RiverWanderer (French) 11 banners 35 blocks lost
Gileforn (Prussian) 6 banners 49 blocks lost
The French opened with Elan; a Prussian retreat from La-Haye ensued but multiple ranged attacks into the woods by St. Amand had no effect at all. This allowed a full riposte from the Prussian Light holed up in the woods; claiming the first banner as a French light infantry unit was demolished. French cavalry charged into action to gain advantage on the flanks, with the Prussian artillery as their first target. La-Haye and the area around Ligny became the focal points of the battle.
Prussian cavalry and infantry recovered their position around Ligny but had lost their artillery and the situation resolved to strong defensive lines on both sides. Meanwhile, at La-Haye, a nippy French Light unit took advantage of Loop-hole Buildings to hit Tippelskirch's Line before they could pose a threat. Each side made attack and counter-attack around the La-Haye and the church at Ligny, each edging towards victory but, with tired front-line units mounting on both sides, both sides needed to take care. The Prussians fell back from the church, whilst the French strengthened their position near La-Haye, with mixture of good shooting, judicious retreat and a fortunate rally. The situation was even at 8 banners each.
French Leadership and a failed Prussian Bombard, left the score at 9 French banners to 8 Prussian. Now the French took their chance to win the day; with a Force March around La-Haye, Wagnelee was occupied and the reformed French Line under Gerard attacked weakened Prussian artillery on the hill as Young Guard stormed a weak Prussian Line unit that had recently fallen back to the safety of the windmill. The windmill fell to the French, costing the Prussians a unit and their 2-banner town majority. Yet, with the French 1 banner from victory, the Prussians had one last trick at the ready - Artillery Canister. First strikes had been notably absent from this contest, so it was little surprise to see one at last. Gerard may have wondered if a ranged attack might have been a better choice but luckily for his troops, lady luck was on his side. The French battle-back gained the one hit needed, bringing an exciting game to conclusion.
One final note - just for once, not a single leader fell, despite numerous leader checks throughout!
Thanks for Andrey (Gileforn) for the game and good luck in the rest of the tournament.
