Firestorm: Stripes

The NATO forces took up defensive positions across the river near a bridgehead and an industrial complex. Meanwhile, Soviet forces rushed to conduct a two pronged ambush utilizing their BMP formations to advance along the flanks, supported by T-72s. The initial advance scored a few casualties, including the enemy artillery observer and one of three enemy APCs. A second APC was pinned by an initial volley from the Hail battery.

The Soviet advance was going according to plan until the Germans ambushed the left flank with their Leopard-1 company, and had their Leopard-2 company arrive as reinforcements behind the right flank. Although they opened fire on the right flank, the Leopard-2 company failed to destroy any of the BMP-2's, only managing to disable the commander's BMP-1. However, he survived the vehicle's destruction and mounted into on of the BMP-2's. On the left flank, the opening volley was more effective. It destroyed four of the lead BMP's, turning their route of advance into a choke point.

In response to the surprise attack on the left flank, the Motor Company dismounted and sent their vehicles forward to counter attack against the Leopards. Meanwhile on the right flank, the BMP-2 formation counterattacked and annihilated the Leopard platoon. Additionally, the advancing T-72s managed to destroy the enemy command tank while denying the enemy commander the chance to escape. Despite losses, victory was still anticipated.

Enemy reinforcements arrived, and engaged the Hail battery. Two vehicles were destroyed, leading the third to flee. Meanwhile, the enemy engaged the T-72s and Spandrels, slowing movement on the left flank.

As the battle continued, a series of tactical missteps in the movement of vehicles may well have cost the Soviet forces the battle. Eager for victory, the T-72's were pushed forward into a position where they were unfortunately unable to fire on their prime target, while the Spandrels were driven into the jaws of the enemy to threaten the objective. This, however, would prove disastrous for that means of egress. On the right flank, however, the advance continued much more successfully, with the elimination of the enemy artillery and resumed advance of the BMP-2's.

Dusk continued as the West Germans moved to counter overzealous Soviet advances. While both Spandrels were destroyed, the Soviet Observer was left to threaten the objective. However, with the enemy Leopard in range to contest it and the T-72s out of position it was unlikely the flank would be claimed. Additionally, German infantry held buildings on either side of the objective on the right flank, denying the Soviets victory. Although victory may have been claimed in time, due to time constraints the battle was called early. Both players agreed that the match had ended in a draw, with moderate losses reported on both sides.