Montrose Turn 8

I accidently deleted the material for Turn 7 but I can report it was a win and a draw for Montrose. So the Royalist forces began Turn 8 in a strong position with attacks on the English home territory and one of two remaining Covenanter territories. 

Game 1 - English vs Montrose

In this game both armies are rushing to control three river crossings. The English deployed a force against each bridge but the Royalist plan was more risky with Irish sent on a flank march to crossing further west in the hopes of out manoeuvring the enemy.

Things began poorly for the Royalist as one of the two Highland units attacking the eastern bridge fled at the first artillery fire, leaving only a tiny force to contest that. Luckily on the western ford the Royalist  advanced squadron horse were able to convince two units of English troopers to pursue them off the table, leaving their compatriots to capture the ford. 1-1 early doors with the centre contested.  

Mid-game the English were able to seize full control of the eastern bridge and push the Royalist levies back from the centre bridge - it all now rested on the Irish arriving in time.

Eventually the Irish did arrive and launched an attack but too late to push the English off the centre bridge. So it was an English Win 2-1.

Game 2 - Covenanters vs Montrose

In this game the Royalist were looking to lift a siege and gain control of a vital town. They deploy in the south east quarter and must get units into the north west quarter. The Covenanter defenders begin in the other two quadrants and must rout enemy units to win.     

The defenders split with their infantry in the south west and cavalry / guns in the north east. The Royalist had a roughly matching with the Highlanders supporting the horse.  

The Royalists attacked fiercely and were able to break through for a Montrose Win.  

Campaign Situation

The Covenanters are now down to their home territory and the English have managed to push back but will face renewed attacks next turn. Things still look dire for the forces opposing Montrose with most of Scotland loyal to the King. 

Montrose Turn 6

Just the one game this week but an interesting one - Montrose is encamped around a small hill when he is surprised by a force of English troops. Montrose starts with a risk of Disarrayed troops and must try to kill the enemy. The English are trying to get units into the camp area marked by the stream. 

Royalist camp

English Horse deployed in column

The manoeuvre phase was short with Montrose not wanting to face a long bombardment. So they quickly attacked with their Horse and expanded their perimeter with their infantry. 

Irish attack

The cavalry attack went in favour of the English but did create the space needed for the Irish and Highlanders to attack the English infantry, pushing them back. With casualties mounting, both sides lost units and began to run low on morale coins.

   

Highlanders press forward

The last turn was a tight one with the Irish seeking to push enemy units off the table while the English looked to get their Horse and Dragoons into the Royalist camp. After 5 turns it ended as a 3-2 win for Montrose.

Campaign Situation

With a win for Montrose he continues to expand his territories and now threatens the English and Covenanter starting zones.