22nd Australian Ancients
Championships
Cancon 2000 - 22nd to 24th January
It would be safe to say Victorian dominance of the DBM event has truly ended. Despite taking out the State and Individual teams events (both relying on DBR's Mark Robins as a linch pin), only a couple actually made it into the top ten this year. All states charged home for a piece of the action, including a rogue band of Western Australians making their debut appearance. They made there presence felt by defeating both tournament favorites Marcus Watson & Martin Morgan, clearing the way for colleague Mike Walsh to sieze second place. Other favorites such as NSW's Troy Adlington came close (sixth), while QLD's Nick Ashby struggled for wins using a "terrain heavy" army.
Nick Wade played consistantly well, entering Round 6 on a comfortable 7 point lead from his nearest rival. Needing only a mere draw to secure first place. he was matched against "darkhorse" Brad Del-Munns. The ensuing battle between the Hsiung-Nu & Patrician Romans proved decisive for the latter (9-1), giving Brad first place and his "first" tournament placing ever! (too our knowledge?) Congratulations Brad.
All three tournaments (DBM, DBR & 7th Ed) were organised and umpired by the highly capable Craig McGarty and side-kick Noel Bugia. Craig has vowed to compete next year as a player with Troy Adlington volunteering to replace him as umpire/organiser. Army sizes for DBM next year have been rumored at 400 points.
 Above - The winning DBM 15mm trio; (left to right) 2nd Mike Walsh; 1st Brad Del-Munns, 3rd Nick Wade. Right - Winner Brad Del-Munns displaying |
 |
 The winning Victorian team for the South Pacific Championship. The Vics defeated all states again for the fifth year running. (left to right) Martin Morgan, Nick Wade, Mark Robins & Marcus Watson. |
 Winner of the Teams event, the "League of Ancients" consisting of Mark Robins, Martin Ossa-Bordes and Marcus Watson. |