Ruritanian Scouting Force In Lionia Attempts To Return To Base

The Ruritanians have launched into their first colonial adventure but things could get sticky. The scenario I have taken from One Hour Wargames by Neil Thomas but with our own variations. In the scenario six regiments a side are mentioned. In our version their are eight Ruritanian regiments plus to guns and a Gatling. The Lionians have eleven units plus two guns.

The Scenario:

Mat and I rolled dice to determine which scenario out of thirty we would choose and then rolled again to decide who was in which situation.

 The Ruritanian force arrives from the North via the road in the center of the field,which runs South. The force is attempting to return to base with a minimum victory game requirement of five units leaving the Southern end. (Guns with crews count as units).

Three units of Lionians are blocking the way in the central Southern sector. In turn two a further three units arrive on the North Eastern hill. There is forest in the central Western area. Above this four Lionian units will arrive move four. An additional six units will arrive from the Southern board edge on move six.

The game will go for fifteen moves.

Forces:                                                              
         
Ruritanians:
Commander with three mtd staff
two staff on foot to appoint to units for extra morale
                                      
Elite lancers
Lancers
Cavalry
Guard infantry
Rifles
Infantry
Infantry
Naval regiment
Naval Gatling
2 six pounders (horse artillery)

Lionians:
Commander with mounted rifle armed bodyguard of eight
2 priests to attach to units for extra morale.
6 shield and sword or spear armed units
3 rifle armed units
2 elite sword and shield (one being a particularly large unit)
6 pdr
12 pdr

Any suggestions of strategy, especially for the Ruritanians (which I command) are welcome!
A report will follow tomorrow after the game.