Crowds of spectators, police lines and enhanced security in Cardiff this weekend can only mean one thing………..the Bros Challenge had come to the nation’s capital for an early war tournament. Although most French, Irish , Australian and indeed Welsh fans stayed away from the actual Firestorm Carpets Warehouse complex, the atmosphere was ecstatic as the grand masters of miniature wargaming strategy arrived….

 The Bros arrive for Early War Flames of War.

I had chosen French armour for this competition. The statistics in Flames are a delight, with high armour values and anti-tank values. As one unkind on-looker mentioned, the problem is the command and control i.e. Me!

I went for a Char B company commander, a platoon of three Char Bs and one of Long-barrelled Hotchkiss. In support I had five Panhard armoured cars, a short platoon of voltiguers and the infamous Laffy self propelled anti-tank guns.

I felt confident but I just couldn’t help thinking……..

The Bros started coming to Cardiff about three years ago and their care free attitude to gaming and obligatory sexual commentary has become legendary in these parts. Although sadly missing Steve ‘big man’ Bowman, Colin C was on hand to lead the proceedings….

My first game was against Alun and his Italian artillery park. Everything looked rosy until he ambushed with coastal guns and clockwork tanks.

 My armour held out surprisingly well. The coastal battery disappeared into smoke, followed by the M13s. If only I had remembered the French rule that means I could have placed the objective four inches nearer to my start lines. As it was Alun had to send forward his artillery commanders to hold on to the central objective I.e.the yellow Char B in the photos.

 The ostrich plumed elite infantry followed only to be machine gunned by the French tankers. But reserve tanks were now sending flank shots in against the Laffys and poor old Hotchkiss tanks. Four-three to Alun!

 Can you guess what happens next? Answers on a postcard to despertaferres. Tune in tomorrow for more flames of war action. Here’s a clue;