In the absence of a Cup thread I decided to hold an election to see who should start one, and I won. Democracy at work.
No poll I'm afraid. But everyone was going to vote for Tide of Fire anyway, so lets go on without one.
The big story of Round one was the loss of multiple winners LIDLTallfellas. Obviously in a rebuilding phase but an exit in Round One is still a shock.
In Round Two Flaming Carrot Unit, the vanquishers of the Tallfellas, got an undeserved slice of poor luck when they drew Sabre of Valiente, another strong EBBL opponent. Its proven in the past almost impossible to defeat two EBBL teams in a row (if I'm right its only been done once) and despite a very strong effort from the Carrots, Sabre prevailed with a strong last quarter.
Bethnal Green Erks were the other EBBL team with a tough draw, facing Bergkamp's Arsenal98 (I believe they're named after the number of touches Arsenal take in the box before they're allowed to shoot). Despite an injury, Arsenal's greater effort paid off to send the Erks packing.
Narborough Phoenix pushed Doncaster Hawks all the way before the EBBL team were able to draw clear to put themselves in Round 3. Elsewhere D3 Realdemardi managed to upset D2 Fenland Foxes, in a round dominated by matches that included at least one bot team.
Round 3 again features a large number of bots. Standout matchups include Sabre of Valiente facing another difficult away trip to D2 kotwa, D2 Keepmugs facing Cup holders Los Mistakos, and teams from D3 London Koalas, and Irvine Blackhawks facing EBBL opponents in likely winners Tide of Fire, and runners up from two seasons ago, Durham Wasps.
There are a few all D2 games which look interesting and D3 Realdemardi drew another D2 opponent Roaring Lions and will be hoping to hunt lions as well as they did foxes today.
The final mention goes to one bot team that many of us, especially those who've been in the game longer than me will know of. Two time Cup champions Da Bombs will play (and be knocked out by) Leeds City Ballers.