Friday Night Games: 25mm ECW

Friday 23rd August saw us playing a 25/28mm ECW game, trying out the 1644 ruleset, at Mike N's venue. This was a fairly straight forward encounter game with Steve, Mat, Dave and Mark playing the Royalists whilst Mike W, John & Rupert were playing the Parliamentary forces. Figures were from Mikey N's collection.

Advancing Parliamentary infantry in the centre of the line. 

The forces of Parliament took the initiative to attack in the center whilst both cavalry wings surged forwards to try and gain advantage and turn the enemy's flanks.

A major Cavalry melee that developed on the Parliamentary right flank, this fight continued through much of the game, until finally the bulk of the Royalist units broke at the end of the game

This was ultimately successful for both side's right flanks! With the Royalists gaining an advantage mid game and then allowing them time to turn and attack the Parliamentary left from the flank and rear, causing much consternation!

Close-up of advancing Parliamentary units in the centre

Similarly, although much later in the game, the Parliamentary cavalry in their right, routed much of the Royalist horse but really only doing so in the last turn of the game. A  couple more turns and the Royalist left would likely have been significantly mauled.

A view of the waiting royalist line

In the center the attacking Parliamentary infantry took casualties from the defending Royalist artillery battery and musketeers, disuading their commander from committing further to the attack. A similar Royalist infantry attack to support their Cavalry on their right was also abandoned due to the high casualty rate as they tried to close.

A close-up of the Royalist grand battery and supporting infantry regiments, in their center / left

Early in the game, Royalist Horse surge forwards to engage their Parliamentary counter parts

All in all, an interesting game, the rule set was put through its paces by a group who included a number of ECW period enthusiasts, who were concerned about the strength of the artillery and the way that Cavaltry fights seemed to get bogged down. 

Close-up of a royalist infantry regiment

We may try Warhammer ECW next or even and adaptation of Beneath the Lily Banner, as alternatives to our old friend Forlorn Hope. 

One of the Scots regiments supporting Parliamentary forces on the tabletop.

The brisk cavalry mele on teh Roalist left / Parliament right flank.
Ultimately the Royalists broke throug hand turned to attack teh Parliamentary lines from their flank / rear.

Advancing Parliamentary units