Per the scenario rules the Ethiopian player sets up first, they chose to occupy several hexes of the main village on map 87 with one platoon defending the village near the eastern map edge (hex 0516). This setup would give the Ethiopian forces the opportunity to deny the villages to the Italian forces and if they had to retreat they could try for the minor victory conditions provide they had the forces left to meet the requirements.

After the Ethiopian setup the Italians divided their forces into 2 attack groups, a reinforced company would attack the village in hex 0516, while two company’s would attack the main village, the goal to take control of all village hexes.

On the east side the Italians had a tough time capturing the village in hex 0516, the lone Ethiopian platoon put up fierce resistance for four turns before succumbing to superior forces. The Italians left a reduced platoon to guard the village while the rest of the company headed down the trail to attack the main village from the rear, could they arrive in time to tip the battle in the Italians favor?

When the Italians entered the main village they were met with accurate Op Fire from two Ethiopian platoons that disrupted and demoralized two units, this caused a delay in the Italian planned assault for the next turn as the Sergente (9-1-1) tried to rally these platoons. The Italian advance in the village was slow but steady, every time they had the advantage the Ethiopians would inflict a disruption here, a demoralization there and the Italian dice got cold with a no effect die roll on the DF or Assault table, very frustrating for the Italian forces.

The timely arrival of the tankette section, though not decisive, helped clear one town hex but with time running out it was the arrival of the east Banda Company that turned the tide of battle when they attacked the Ethiopian rear. This was just too much for the Provincial Irregulars, what platoons that were not eliminated fled out of the village demoralized leaving the Italians in control of all village hexes.

Another scenario that went down to the wire, the Ethiopians put up a good fight that could have gone their way, maybe if they gave the east village another platoon they might have pulled off a victory.