The return match between me and Tom saw some deadly shooting from the Spanish. No, really.
To start the battle, French infantry advanced in the centre to establish a solid line ("Grande Manoeuvre"), just out of range of their Spanish counterparts. The Spanish Grenadiers moved forward, General Cuesta joining them, and engaged the left flank of that row of French (actually light infantry) with some accurate musketry, aided by accurate fire from the artillery.
A wholesale French attack was thwarted by guerilla action, but their left wing heavy cavalry moved up to threaten the Spanish Grenadiers. Spanish light infantry moved up to support the Grenadiers. More good shooting finished off the light infantry in the French centre and forced the cavalry to retire. 1:0
The French line infantry then attacked in the centre, moving forward en masse and doing some damage with their fire. However, the Spanish line stood firm. They replied with interest and artillery support, removing one French line infantry and making a second retreat at speed (two flags!). 2:0
The French threw some more troops forward while the British on the Spanish left moved up, General Campbell joining the Grenadier Guards.
A probe from the forward French infantry saw them finish off a damaged Spanish line unit. 2:1
However, the Allies responded with a Bayonet Charge, bringing the Grenadier Guards and British line infantry right into the action alongside Spanish units that eliminated another French line infantry. 3:1
A French line infantry took on the Guards. When the smoke cleared, the Guards were still there and the French unit wasn't (4 hits in a battle back!). 4:1
British and Spanish musketry finished off more French line in the centre, some Spanish light cavalry moving up to join in the fun. 5:1
A French move on their left wing did nothing to stop the Grenadier Guards removing a battered French light infantry unit trying to hide in the woods. 6:1
And a very satisfying return to form for me with an aggregate victory 11:7.
Pevans