ISML 2016: Aoba Slams Colette To Make Her Case Known For Next Year



ISML 2016: Aoba Slams Colette To Make Her Case Known For Next Year

By JR Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October, 15, 2016

Aoba Suzukaze is a moekko built for the International Saimoe League. She took a bold step forward in destroying Colette 1689-623 in Summer Diadem action. While Kyouko Kirigiri also got the work done in a 1413-974 pounding of Shizuru Nakatsu, Suzukaze is capable of not only going deep in her tournament, but also in the regular season next year, granted that she qualifies through the nomination process.



Meanwhile, in the ISML 2016 Ruby Period, Match Day 6 is in the books, and in the Female Division, Isla defeated Chitoge Kirisaki 1391-1233, Kurisu Makise drubbed Mitsuki Nase 1604-1103, Yui Yuigahama hammered Honoka Kousaka 1633-1033, Shino Asada stormed past Nico 1506-1181, Shana torched Isuzu Sento 1657-1128, Kuroyukihime flew past Holo 1440-1282, Saber slashed past Kaori Miyazono 1636-1103 and Azusa Nakano romped past Kurousagi 1481-1189.

In the Male Division, Koyomi Araragi routed Shintarou Kisaragi 1538-639, Seiya Kanie defeated Shuu Ouma 1306-989, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Umetarou Nozaki 1464-911, Karma Akabane whipped past Ainz Ooai Gown 1279-957, Archer dominated Izaya Orihara 1489-913, Tomoya Okazaki scored the closest victory of the round, a 1213-1115 thriller over Roy Mustang, Yuu Otosaka defeated Kraft Lawrence 1353-1021 and Iskandar prevailed over Taihei Douma 1265-1150.

Emerald Necklace Odds
Ayase Aragaki EVEN
Rin Tosaka 2-1
Kurumi Tokisaki 3-1
Shiro 6-1
Jibril 10-1
Illyasviel von Einzbern 20-1
Nanami Aoyama 25-1
Komachi Hikigaya 50-1

Emerald Pendant Odds
Yuzuru Otonashi EVEN
Izayoi Sakamaki 3-1
Touma Kamijou 6-1
Edward Elric 10-1
Gilgamesh 25-1
Souma Yukihira 30-1
Yato 50-1
Saitama 100-1

Ruby Necklace Odds
Kurisu Makise EVEN
Yui Yuigahama 3-1
Iroha Isshiki 5-1
Asuna Yuuki 7-1
Saber 10-1
Isla 30-1
Shino Asada 40-1
Chino Kafuu 50-1

Ruby Pendant Odds
Archer EVEN
Keima Katsuragi 2-1
Ryuuji Takasu 3-1
Kyon 7-1
Yuu Otosaka 10-1
Rintarou Okabe 15-1
Nagisa Shiota 40-1
Iskanda 50-1

Predicted Tournament of Champions Seeding Order
1. Kanade Tachibana
2. Mikoto Misaka
3. Ruri Gokou
4. Eru Chitanda
5. Mio Akiyama
6. Kotori Itsuka
7. Hinagiku Katsura
8. Fate Testarossa

The Necklace matches for the International Saimoe League 2016 Emerald and Ruby Periods are scheduled for October 17, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Ruby Day 6 Standings

Female Group 1

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Tomori Nao9.00003004667355711107.91751
2Nishikino Maki6.754621039104057-1476.95731
3Momo Belia Deviluke4.730112038194205-3866.67301
4Nagato Yuki2.609503037504327-5776.42881

Female Group 2

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Makise Kurisu9.00003004804371610887.95542
2Isla6.8326210432939294007.10512
3Kirisaki Chitoge4.688312040454246-2016.28592
4Nase Mitsuki2.192903034544741-12876.21652

Female Group 3

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Isshiki Iroha9.0000300439438155797.44523
2Kafū Chino6.9885210436335967677.58013
3Akemi Homura4.634012038384337-4996.63643
4Doma Umaru2.440403035834430-8476.30643

Female Group 4

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Yuigahama Yui9.00003005024348615388.18704
2Asada Shino6.8517210458039066747.30504
3Yazawa Nico4.383812036244345-7215.86504
4Kōsaka Honoka2.063203032064697-14915.69264

Female Group 5

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Shiina Mashiro9.00003004817336714509.15705
2Eucliwood Hellscythe6.699121038094217-4086.61435
3Onodera Kosaki4.625112037744312-5386.92495
4Konjiki no Yami2.652403037294233-5046.57325

Female Group 6

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Shana9.00003005034355914758.42616
2Kuroyukihime6.7457210435340952587.39816
3Holo4.587412038984589-6916.52366
4Sento Isuzu2.383203037134755-10426.63296

Female Group 7

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Yūki Asuna9.00003004907337815297.91767
2Tedeza Rize6.690021038904139-2496.67877
3Stephanie Dola4.703212039484135-1876.50497
4Onodera Haru2.304703034434536-10935.90347

Female Group 8

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Saber9.00003005001371212897.97158
2Nakano Azusa6.8060210442240923307.47948
3Kurousagi4.550112038904467-5777.00318
4Miyazono Kaori2.346903036274669-10425.98518

Male Group 1

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Hikigaya Hachiman9.00003005539219533449.29001
2Aikawa Ayumu6.450421034283842-4145.68861
3Genos4.250512029014355-14545.19501
4Yagami Light2.115703028944370-14765.68331

Male Group 2

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Araragi Koyomi9.00003004620275118697.97442
2Kanie Seiya6.7164210398031578236.87122
3Ōma Shū4.414512033143793-4795.54982
4Kisaragi Shintarō1.537403022124425-22134.92882

Male Group 3

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Kyon9.00003004504271217927.16243
2Shiba Tatsuya6.7582210370931665436.22563
3Kanbara Akihito4.274812029443849-9055.42923
4Kazehaya Kamito2.011603025784008-14305.03243

Male Group 4

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Takasu Ryūji9.00003004477313713407.63224
2Akabane Karma6.8168210388335023816.78964
3Nozaki Umetarō4.408212033174029-7125.89784
4Ainz Ooal Gown2.296303031444153-10095.42534

Male Group 5

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Okabe Rintarō9.00003004742281819246.76845
2Kanda Sorata6.7754210400234505527.12065
3Levi4.411812033373888-5516.16665
4Edogawa Conan1.801003026384563-19254.77195

Male Group 6

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Archer9.00003004644311415307.86686
2Okazaki Tomoya6.694221036963746-505.88036
3Roy Mustang4.620112035493776-2275.93936
4Orihara Izaya2.112703029524205-12535.42366

Male Group 7

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Katsuragi Keima9.00003004095271713787.06967
2Shiota Nagisa6.8536210380130787237.12147
3Kazami Yūji4.276712028643703-8394.97317
4Natsu Dragneel2.066603026933955-12624.82817

Male Group 8

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Otosaka Yū9.0000300415934017587.22088
2Iskandar6.9481210383136811505.96748
3Kraft Lawrence4.676812034383806-3685.53328
4Doma Taihei2.613703034173957-5405.73688

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Ruby Match Day 6

ARENA 01: [Isla] Kirisaki Chitoge
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 02: Nase Mitsuki [Makise Kurisu]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 03: [Yuigahama Yui] Kōsaka Honoka
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 04: [Asada Shino] Yazawa Nico
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 05: [Shana] Sento Isuzu
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 06: Holo [Kuroyukihime]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 07: [Saber] Miyazono Kaori
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 08: Kurousagi [Nakano Azusa]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 09: [Araragi Koyomi] Kisaragi Shintarō
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 10: Ōma Shū [Kanie Seiya]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 11: [Takasu Ryūji] Nozaki Umetarō
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 12: Ainz Ooal Gown [Akabane Karma]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 13: [Archer] Orihara Izaya
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 14: Roy Mustang [Okazaki Tomoya]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 15: [Otosaka Yū] Kraft Lawrence
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 16: Doma Taihei [Iskandar]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 17: [Suzukaze Aoba] Colette
by >=600
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 18: [Kirigiri Kyōko] Nakatsu Shizuru
by >=600
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ISML 2016: Maki Upsets Momo To Advance In Ruby

ISML 2016: Maki Upsets Momo To Advance In Ruby

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 13, 2016

Match Day 5 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is in the books. In the Female Division, Nao Tomori defeated Yuki Nagato 1480-1138, Maki Nishikino won the closest race of the round and the Upset of the Round over Momo Velia Deviluke, 1252-1211, Chino Kafuu defeatged Umaru doma 1415-1027, Iroha Isshiki prevailed over Homura Akemi 1415-1233, Mashiro Shiina whipped past Konjiki no Yami 1493-1105, Eucliwood Hellscythe won a 1313-1268 thriller over Kosaki Onodera, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Stephanie Dola 1558-1103 and Rize Tedeza shot down Haru Onodera 1354-1127.

In the Male Division, Ayumu Aikawa defeated Genos 1172-1051, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Light Yagami 1762-697, Tatsuya Shiba took down Kamito Kazehaya 1207-781, Kyon drubbed Akihito Kanbara 1437-825, Rintarou Okabe blew apart Levi 1446-890, Sorata Kanda leveled Conan Edogawa 1413-857, Keima Katsuragi crushed Natsu Dragneel 1376-760 and Nagisa Shiota cruised past Yuuji Kazami 1252-877.

In Summer Diadem action, Crusch Karsten routed Igsem Yatorishino 1493-647 and Tsumugi Inozuka flattened Feng Baobao 1151-586.

Match Day 6 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is scheduled for October 14, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

ISML 2016: Holo Delivers Upset Of The Round Over Isuzu In Ruby 4

ISML 2016: Holo Delivers Upset Of The Round Over Isuzu In Ruby 4

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 13, 2016

Match Day 4 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period took place on Oct. 10, 2016. In the Female Division, Kurisu Makise stormed past Isla 1529-1273, Chitoge Kirisaki whipped past Mitsuki Nase 1472-1184, Yui Yuigahama hammered Nico Yazawa 1726-1035, Shino Asada shot down Honoka Kousaka 1656-1060, Shana torched Kuroyukihime 1581-1179, Holo delivered the Upset of the Roubnd and the closest victory of the round, a 1364-1353 scalp of Isuzu Sento, Saber slashed past Azusa Nakano 1608-1296 and Kurousagi romped past Kaori Miyazono 1388-1229.

In the Male Division, Koyomi Araragi dominated Seiya Kanie 1460-1046, Shuu Ouma rolled past Shitaro0u Kisaragi 1259-865, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Karma Akabane 1392-1137, Umetarou Nozaki defeated Ainz Ooal Gown 1253-1098, Archer cruised past Tomoya Okazaki 1537-1067, Roy Mustang whipped past Izaya Orihara 1300-945, Yuu Otosaka prevailed over Iskandar 1311-1243 and Kraft Lawrence won a 1197-1130 nailbiter over Taihei Doma.

In Summer Diadem action, Naho Takamiya defeated Kokomi Teruhashi 957-899 and Chiaki Nanami pounded Hayuru Himekawa 1284-822.

Match Day 5 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period is scheduled for Oct. 12, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

ISML 2016: Homura Shocks The World With Umaru Scalp

ISML 2016: Homura Shocks The World With Umaru Scalp

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 13, 2016

A number of upsets have taken place on Match Day 3 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period but here at the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue, we can only declare one. Ruby Match Day 3 took place on Oct. 7, 2016, and in the Female Division, Nao Tomori defeated Maki Nishikino 1479-1116, Momo Velia Deviluke won a 1305-1245 thriller over Yuki Nagato, Iroha Isshiki won the closest race of the round, a 1303-1288 nailbiter over Chino Kafuu, Homura Akemi scored the Upset of the Round, a 1339-1262 scalp of Umaru Doma, Mashiro Shiina slammed Kosaki Onodera 1556-1026, Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Konjiki no Yami 1260-1181, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Rize Tedeza 1558-1075 and Stephanie Dola defeated Haru Onodera 1391-1116.

In the Male Division, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Ayumu Aikawa 1674-754, Genos won a 1106-1080 barnburner over Light Yagami, Kyon defeated Tatsuya Shiba 1348-1022, Akihito Kanbara prevailed over Kamito Kazehaya 1082-932, Rintarou Okabe crushed Sorata Kanda 1389-1077, Levi leveled Conan Edogawa 1243-930, Keima Katsuragi trounced Yuuji Kazami 1312-756 and Nagisa Shiota cruised past Natsu Dragneel 1348-794.

In Summer Diadem action, Riko Sakurauchi rolled past Lenalee Lee 1127-818 and Maihime Tenkawa mauled Futaba Ooki 1314-444.

Match Day 4 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period took place on Oct. 10, 2016. The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue will have a recap of this round shortly. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

ISML 2016: Karma Strikes In Upset Of The Round In Ruby 2

ISML 2016: Karma Strikes In Upset Of The Round In Ruby 2

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 13, 2016

Match Day 2 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period took place on Oct. 5, 2016. In the Female Division, Isla routed Mitsuki Nase 1665-1167, Kurisu Makise defeated Chitoge Kirisaki 1671-1340, Yui Yuigahama hammered Shino Asada 1665-1418, Nico Yazawa rolled past Honoka Kousaka 1408-1113, Shana torched Holo 1796-1252, Kuroyukihime flew past Izusu Sento 1734-1232, Saber slashed past Kurousagi 1757-1313 and Azusa Nakano romped past Kaori Miyazono 1645-1295.

In the Male Division, Koyomi Araragi throttled Shuu Ouma 1622-1066, Seiya Kanie blitzed Shintarou Kisaragi 1628-708, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Ainz Ooal Gown 1621-1089, Karma Akabane delivered the Upset of the Round, a 1467-1153 result over Umetarou Nozaki, Archer dominated Roy Mustang 1618-1134, Tomoya Okazaki drubbed Izaya Orihara 1416-1094, Yuu Otosaka leveled Taihei Doma and Iskandar won the closest race of thge round, a 1323-1220 thriller over Kraft Lawrence.

In Summer Diadem action, Colette dominated Alisha Diphda 1289-1078 and Kyouko Kirigiri crushed Miyu Edelfelt 1418-1293.

Match Day 3 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Ruby Period took place on Oct. 7, 2016. The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue will have a recap of this round shortly. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Ruby Match Day 5

I have returned from my Canada trip. The BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions are back.

ARENA 01: [Tomori Nao] Nagato Yuki
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 02: Momo Belia Deviluke [Nishikino Maki]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 03: Kafū Chino [Doma Umaru]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 04: Akemi Homura [Isshiki Iroha]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 05: [Shiina Mashiro] Konjiki no Yami
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 06: Eucliwood Hellscythe [Onodera Kosaki]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 07: [Yūki Asuna] Stephanie Dola
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 08: [Onodera Haru] Tedeza Rize
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 09: [Aikawa Ayumu] Genos
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 10: Yagami Light [Hikigaya Hachiman]
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 11: [Shiba Tatsuya] Kazehaya Kamito
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 12: Kanbara Akihito [Kyon]
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 13: [Okabe Rintarō] Levi
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 14: Edogawa Conan [Kanda Sorata]
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 15: [Katsuragi Keima] Natsu Dragneel
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 16: Shiota Nagisa [Kazami Yūji]
by >=400
Over/Under: 2900
Under

ARENA 17: Crusch Karsten [Yatorishino Igsem]
by >=500
Over/Under: 2500
Under

ARENA 18: [Inuzuka Tsumugi] Feng Baobao
by >=500
Over/Under: 2500
Under

Standby for recaps of Ruby Match Days 2, 3 and 4.

ISML 2016: The Ruby Period Begins

ISML 2016: The Ruby Period Begins

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam On Baltic Avenue
October 4, 2016

Match Day 1 of the 2016 International Saimoe Ruby Period is in the books. In the Female Division, Nao Tomori clobbered Momo Velia Deviluke 1708-1303, Maki Nishikino defeated Yuki Nagato 1542-1367, Chino Kafuu rolle past Homura Akemi 1660-1266, Iroha Isshiki delivered the Upset of the Round, a 1676-1294 win over Umaru Doma, Mashino Shiina crushed Eucliwood Hellscythe 1768-1236, Kosaki Onodera triumphed inb a 1480-1443 thriller over Konjiki no Yami, Asuna Yuuki routed Haru Onodera 1791-1200 and Rize Tedeza won the closest race of the round, a 1461-1454 nailbiter over Stephanie Dola.

In the Male Division, Ayumu Aikawa stormed past Light Yagami 1502-1117, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Genos 2103-744, Tatsuya Shiba defeated Akihito Kanbara 1480-1037, Kyon thumped Kamito Kazehaya 1719-865, Rintaro Okabe blew apart Conan Edogawa 1907-851, Sorata Kanda prevailed over Levi 1512-1204, Keima Katsuragi whipped past Nagisa Shiota 1407-1201 and Yuuji Kazami won a 1231-139 barnburner over Natsu Dragneel.

In exhibition action, Lancer impaled Kirei Kotomine 1722-710 and Shiki Ryougi hammered Arcueid Brunestaud 1513-881.

Match Day 2 of the 2016 International Saimoe League is scheduled for October 5, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

ADVISORY: Due to a trip I will be taking, Predictions for Ruby Match Days 2, 3, 4 and 5 will not be available. However, reports from each of those days will be posted on the Bedlam in due time.

Across The River

#sliceoflife #LAGalaxy #AFL #NRL #AFLGF #NRLGF #PSG

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Ruby Match Day 1

ARENA 01: [Tomori Nao] Momo Belia Deviluke
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 02: [Nishikino Maki] Nagato Yuki
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 03: [Kafū Chino] Akemi Homura
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 04: Isshiki Iroha [Doma Umaru]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 05: Eucliwood Hellscythe [Shiina Mashiro]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 06: Konjiki no Yami [Onodera Kosaki]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 07: [Yūki Asuna] Onodera Haru
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 08: Stephanie Dola [Tedeza Rize]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 09: Aikawa Ayumu [Yagami Light]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 10: Genos [Hikigaya Hachiman]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 11: Kanbara Akihito [Shiba Tatsuya]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 12: [Kyon] Kazehaya Kamito
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 13: [Okabe Rintarō] Edogawa Conan
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 14: Kanda Sorata [Levi]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 15: Shiota Nagisa [Katsuragi Keima]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 16: [Kazami Yūji] Natsu Dragneel
by >=200
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 17: [Kotomine Kirei] Lancer
by >=100
Over/Under: 2700
Under

ARENA 18: [Ryōgi Shiki] Arcueid Brunestud
by >=100
Over/Under: 2700
Under

Due to a trip that I will be doing this month, these will be the last ISML 2016 Predictions until Ruby Match Day 6.

10.3.2016



Happy 20th birthday to Madoka Kaname, my personal best girl and wife of Homura Akemi. May the good Lord be on your side and give your the power, strength and serenity to protect and serve those who love you. Forever Ours, Forever Madoka. And you are not alone.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: 2016 NRL Premiers



Cronulla have ended a half-century premiership drought with a heart-stopping 14-12 grand final win over a valiant Storm outfit to claim the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership – the first in the club's history.

The two heavyweights could barely be separated after 80 minutes with Melbourne bashed and starved of football in a one-sided opening 40 before storming back like a true champion team to claim the lead just 15 minutes from full time before a late rally handed Cronulla a famous win.

Cronulla players collapsed after a dramatic final play movement from Melbourne saw the ball pass through countless pairs of hands as they searched for the miracle play to still a win on the final siren but on a historic night at ANZ Stadium in front of a heaving crowd of 83,625 it was Cronulla's fairytale that came true.

Skipper Paul Gallen – the most experienced player ever to play in his first grand final – was in tears after the siren as he expressed his gratitude to his teammates.

The Storm were left to rue a below-par kicking game and a horror 60-40 opening half possession rate while for Cronulla, monster individual games from the likes of Matt Prior, Andrew Fifita, Jack Bird and Luke Lewis underpinned their win. Storm skipper Cameron Smith tackled himself to a standstill making 74 tackles in a typically herculean effort but it wasn't quite enough.

The opening to the game was as physical as anyone would have expected, with Jesse Bromwich pounded backwards off the first hit-up and Jordan McLean collared high – receiving a penalty in the process – from the second play.

A heap of pressure from the physical Sharks and a below-par kicking game from the Storm resulted in Melbourne holding just 40 per cent of the ball and being forced to make 90 more tackles (240-150) in the opening 40.

However that wasn't reflected on the score board with Cronulla taking just an 8-0 lead to the break.

A swinging arm from Marika Koroibete on Chad Townsend in the sixth minute resulted in the first of several flare-ups and a Maloney penalty goal.

A brilliant – and rare – scrumbase move from Paul Gallen sent Ben Barba over for the opening try in the 15th minute with the 8-0 score not added to before the break.

Flanagan had a headache on his hands when centre Jack Bird hyper-extended his elbow when landed on by Gallen in a tackle midway through the first half and was in great discomfort but battled on.

A head clash between Wade Graham and Kenny Bromwich rattled both but only Bromwich was taken from the field for a concussion check.

A couple of great efforts from Sosaia Feki in his own in-goal helped deny Melbourne repeat sets they may otherwise have earned while Cronulla's rushing defence denied the Storm back three similar chances at the other end in edging the opening-half drop-outs three to one.

Melbourne had to absorb a sustained avalanche of Cronulla possession at their line in the final five minutes of the half in a period that saw another flare-up when Michael Ennis congratulated Cam Smith after Smith fumbled a kick, which resulted in Ennis being knocked over by Jordan McLean.

The end result though was a heartening survival for Craig Bellamy's team in escaping further first-half damage on the score-board.



Cronulla's failure to press their advantage while they had it began to look more telling as attrition became a factor in the second half.

The Storm started to get a better share of possession, Sosaia Feki – who had been one of his team's best to that point – was taken from the field with a leg injury while another of Cronulla's best in Matt Prior went for a concussion check.

Losing both of those players within 10 minutes of the resumption was quickly followed by a try to Jesse Bromwich against the run of play as he spun through a goal-line tackle to plant the ball and suddenly at 8-6 the Storm were miraculously on a level pegging.

Jason Bukuya knocked himself out shortly after lowering his head awkwardly in a tackle leaving – temporarily – just a single fit player on the Sharks bench.

When Will Chambers stepped out of an attempted Gerard Beale tackle to score in the 64th minute the Storm earned the lead for the first time in the game and Cronulla were looking rattled.

But the game found a way to take another twist and a pair of penalties against the Storm – the second for a high shot against Christian Welch in front of the posts – gave Cronulla a free attacking set and Andrew Fifita found a way to crash over and regain the lead with a tense final 10 minutes remaining.

Both teams were out on their feet and when the Storm forced a line drop out had the chance to mount a final challenge but a Jesse Bromwich drop put the fire out.

The Storm however had a gilt-edged chance to steal the win when Chambers regathered his own grubber after a right-side break but he failed to spot a supporting Cooper Cronk and a premiership-winning try went begging.

In the frantic dying moments the Storm had one last chance with a play that went through countless pairs of hands and traversed both sides of the field but the Sharks defence scrambled one last time to hang on to a famous, drought-breaking win.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14 (Ben Barba, Andrew Fifita tries; James Maloney 3 goals) defeated Melbourne Storm 12 (Jesse Bromwich, Will Chambers tries; Cameron Smith 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Half time: Cronulla 8-0. Crowd: 83,625.