User blog:NJGW/Series 9, Heat A rundown

With the first heat of the new series of Robot Wars fast approaching, it's time to jump on the bandwagon of predictions, so let's scrabble some thoughts down and see if I even get one battle's outcome correct by the time the episode has finished airing.

Terrorhurtz vs. Nuts 2 vs. Rapid vs. Jellyfish
I've already been rather vocal in my fear of how Terrorhurtz's first round battle will play out after the rise of Rapid became apparent, and I can easily see it going the way I predict, with Terrorhurtz failing to do any damage against Jellyfish and Nuts 2's resolute armour against axes. However, I'll trust John Reid to stay out of trouble long enough for Jellyfish and Nuts 2 to be picked off. Terrorhurtz to pit Jellyfish or immobilise it after enough internal trauma, with Rapid throwing Nuts 2 out of the arena.

Qualified: Terrorhurtz and Rapid

Aftershock vs. Crank-E vs. TMHWK vs. Sabretooth
This battle looks rather clear cut on paper, with Aftershock and Sabretooth looking far and beyond the other two robots in this melee (yes, I don't like the term 'Group Battle' if you haven't guessed), however, this battle could very much depend on if Aftershock wants to exploit Sabretooth's sides while it is preoccupied. Luckily for Gabe, Will Thomas is a nice guy and knows his first round struggles as much as anybody - both machines to progress after an exhibition in damage.

Qualified: Aftershock and Sabretooth

Terrorhurtz vs Aftershock
Terrorhurtz has quickly gained a reputation as a spinner killer after its impressing showing against Carbide last series, but with Aftershock's attack range varying depending on where the tooth strikes during its spin, it can throw Terrorhurtz around with the right contact - especially if it hits Terrorhurtz while its airbone after it fires its axe. John Reid will try and will initially force Aftershock around, but after trying to strike with Terrorhurtz's axe, Aftershock will come in with a significant hit or two, immobilising Terrorhurtz.

I'm intrigued as to whether Aftershock would be fitted with its extra armour in this battle as well.

Winner: Aftershock via KO (3 points)

Rapid vs. Sabretooth
Sabretooth will nag away and cause shards to fly from Rapid's side armour at the start, before Rapid tries to force the issue in a too aggressive manner, suffering big damage to the front of its flipper as a result. Sabretooth will continue to cause damage throughout, with Rapid flipping Sabretooth with a broadside attack once or twice. Despite the damage, Rapid will survive to a Judges' decision, although that won't be enough to get any points.

Winner: Sabretooth via Judges' decision (2 points)

Terrorhurtz vs. Rapid
I really fear for Terrorhurtz staying in the arena in a melee against something like Rapid, but one-on-one, this'll be a fast paced tactical watch which Terrorhurtz will last the battle in. I can see Terrorhurtz forcing Rapid back for good periods, but it'll struggle to land an axe hit. Rapid will come in with a couple of flips itself, and that'll be enough to take a close judges' decision.

Let's just hope Terrorhurtz doesn't have an anti-climatic failure to self-right due to cold temperatures.

Winner: Rapid via Judges' decision (2 points)

Sabretooth vs. Aftershock
No mercy this time for Sabretooth. Gabe will try to go to the sides of Aftershock as quickly as possible, but will sustain a big hit from either the side or head on. Aftershock will continue its assault from this point on and will immobilise Sabretooth.

Winner: Aftershock via KO (3 points)

Aftershock vs. Rapid
Once again, I can only see Rapid being too aggressive for its own good in trying to throw Aftershock over as soon as possible. It'll suffer serious damage in an early attack, and won't be able to recover. This will end in a brutal KO.

Winner: Aftershock via KO (3 points)

Terrorhurtz vs. Sabretooth
Another battle where Terrorhurtz will try use its significant pushing power to force the small Sabretooth around the arena, but some chunky hits from Sabretooth will cause damage to Terrorhurtz at some point, and will be significant enough to take a Judges' decision.

Winner: Sabretooth via Judges' decision (2 points)

Aftershock vs. Sabretooth
Gabe will be wary of the battle in the Head-to-Heads and will draw out the battle with a nervy start, but will eventually suffer terminal damage again once Aftershock closes in. Aftershock to win the heat with another explosive KO.

Episode Winner: Aftershock

Conclusion
Well there you have it. Of course, a lot depends on the Head-to-Heads order and I've mainly considered the outcome of Head-to-Heads as individual battles more than a developing mini-league - with the obvious potential of a robot having an off-battle, not performing as well because of its current points total or suffering from previous damage not being factored in, as such. It'll be impressive if Aftershock does win every battle via KO to say the least! Let's hope I'm just being overly negative on Terrorhurtz as well, but I struggle to see it being able to use many of its attributes in a decisive manner against nippy machines and vertical spinners. Either way, only three more days to go, and it's shaping up to be a wonderful opening heat.