Before I present the marks I'd just like to say that the overall quality of posts in this match was excellent. Can we just leave it at that? No?? Ah well, here we go then ...
AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS
Spot The Leader (700 words)
Gorilla
A good idea for an article - I didn't know most of these guys. An interesting and funny read.
Score: 84
And the drugs don't work ... (750 words)
Black Kitty
A well written and accurate description of the pitfalls of drugs. Nice build-up and a solid finish. Well done!
Score: 89
One last game (709 words)
Pistol
This post seemed to be missing something, but I can't quite put my finger on it. The Webcke and Lazarus pieces seemed too brief, maybe it would have been best to focus on one and leave the second for a sequel. Still, a good summary of some legendary careers.
Score: 84
The Unholy Matrimony (747 words)
Azkatro
This one confused me a bit as it jumped from international eligibility to media reporting without really resolving either issue. Some good points made though.
Score: 82
The worst decade ever? (750 words)
Willow
Posts on a similar topic may have tried to put a positive cliched spin on the future, but this writer provides a more realistic view that works much better. A good read, and an interesting history lesson as well.
Score: 87
TOTAL SCORE: 426
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND LIONS
Rehab (746 words)
edabomb
Some very interesting ideas that would probably be well supported by most fans. An enjoyable piece.
Score: 86
The Late Show (753 words)
Bumble
It's sometimes tricky to portray wildly differing emotions, but I think you've managed it well here. I loved your summary of Merritt v Byrne.
Score: 84 (was 86, but had to take off a 2-point penalty for the word count)
Note: The title is always included in the total word count.
Swinging Willies (750 words)
bartman
Some very valid points made throughout the article, combined with an interesting and eerily accurate analogy.
Score: 86
Victories and victories (749 words)
Cheesie-the-Pirate
Both sides of the debate are briefly presented, but I felt it was somewhat restricted by the allowed word count. Still a good read though.
Score: 83
International Rugby League - Joke or threat? (750 words)
Big Mick
Make this man the RLIF boss and we'll be fine. The dramas of internationl eligibility have given us plenty of fodder for rants, and this one summarises everything nicely.
Score: 85
TOTAL SCORE: 424
AUSTRALIA 426 DEFEATS GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND 424
POTM: Black Kitty (Australia) 
Congrats to everyone involved on producing a match worthy of a final. :thumn
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