Spring League Final

Despite only planning to "play a couple of games" in Spring league, it turned out that I only missed one, making it back in time for UTas's second league final in a row.  UTas started well, getting the turn and scoring through a surprise zone. We dropped the next point to an amazing and surprising layout to score from Andrew Wong, but weren't perturbed, as we felt we were playing more smoothly.  Despite this, we traded points to 3-3, then Gringos got the break to lead 4-3, then 5-3.  We were playing well against the zone, showing good patience and concentration, and consistently throwing accurately.  Pat (Neasey) was notable for a couple of crossfield throws through the cup that none of us expected.

Gringos held the break at 6-4, but UTas came back through some typical individual brilliance from Michael Dunne, then got the turn and score to level at 6-all.  Gringos were able to capitalise on a number of poor choices or poor exectution, scoring a number of soft points and 5 of the next 8 to lead 11-8.  UTas regrouped, and put a heavy focus on defence.  I was marking handlers at the time, so I couldn't see downfield, but as Eliza and I were frequently getting to stall counts of 7, 8, and 9, I can only assume that Jeram, Sophie and Grady were doing an amazing job of marking their players.  We got the turn, hucked long, lost it, got it back and saw a high percentage throw from Michael to solid cut from Grady to score.  We got an early turn in the next point, and with Eliza lifting her game, Michael again threw long for her to score toeing the line in front of Lefty.  Down by one, UTas got another turn, and worked it up patiently but swiftly.  Michael sent a give and go to me, and got it back as a low hammer into the front corner of the endzone, tying the score at 11-all with just a few minutes on the clock.

UTas sent the pull down, but despite pressure across the ground and best-option match-ups, were unable to prevent Felix's breakforce throw to Tim for a score, with the hooter sounding as we trudged back. Gringos won 12-11.  Well done to everyone from Gringos, it was a good team effort and spread, but particularly to Emma Pharo and Felix.  Felix played his usual exceptional game, and added a number of long throws that seemed to hit their target all too frequently.  Emma had a rock-solid game, quietly getting Ds, and holding onto pressured, D-ed catches throughout.  Gringos ability to stay focused and capitalise on our mistakes was the real difference in the game.

Another lost final can only spur the club on to better things next year.

UTas player of the match: Michael Dunne
Season MVP:                  Nic Jansen
Most improved:                Pat Neasey

Spring League, week 7 (semi-finals)

Last week's nailbiting loss to Whatever We're Called ensured UTas would meet that team for a second consecutive week in the 2nd vs. 3rd semi-final. We came dangerously close to being unable to field a full team, not being allowed pick-ups in the finals, but Sophie Edgar arrived as player #7 just as the game got underway. Without Huddy's usual leadership, Pat Dunne did an admirable job getting our plays organised and played as a handler most of the game. UTas scored the first quick point then went 2-0 up after a long battle which left the seven of us puffed out, but, without any subs, we kept up the intensity, leading 5-3 as the two teams traded points.

Following a confusion between Jeram, Sophie and Pat Neasey, UTas started communicating better and found it easier to keep possession as we moved up the field. Whatever We're Called threatened often but made a few more mistakes under pressure that enabled UTas to capitalise, stretching the margin little by little. Sophie repeatedly got herself into space, scoring from long throws by Mike Dunne and dropping a couple of unlucky ones as well. When unable to throw to cuts, UTas players were much better at using the dump or swing, rather than risking turnovers. Pat Neasey was more confident in throwing and most of his throws found their target, including one very dodgy huck that was saved by Mike.

With UTas leading 13-7 at the five-minute call, the seven brave warriors looked to have done the job. Whatever We're Called scored the last point once again, but this time it wasn't the victory clinching point and the tired UTas players celebrated a hard-fought victory.

With the news that Bread had an upset 2-point loss to Gringo in the other semi-final, we look forward to a UTas vs. Gringo spring league grand final next Monday!

Spring League, week 6

Week 6 saw UTas take on 'Whatever we're called' at Sandown in, once again, surprisingly still conditions for a Tasmanian Spring.  UTas started savage with 2 pick ups (Alice and Jack), with our 3 normal girls and a 4th stand-in unable to make the game.  UTas started on O, but allowed the turnover.  A second score to Whatever left UTas 0-2.  Some patient offence confidently guided by Pat Dunne got two points back, then a third to be up 3-2.  UTas were performing well on O, and getting turns on D, but choosing some silly options at times and allowing break-throws too often.  The ascendancy in the middle stretches of the game was with UTas, but they were unable to capatilise.  Whatever came back hard, and got some crucial points to lead UTas by 3, 10-7.

After Kieren went off with a blooded face, UTas used some smooth and patient offence to cut the lead, then equalise,  barely minutes remaining.  Whatever scored painfully quick, and knowing time was near, UTas sprinted to the line and were given an obligingly quick pull from Whatever.  However time was against us, and the controversial hard-cap rule foiled UTas when on O again. Final score 10-11

Special mentions to Alice and Jack, who made a seamless transition to intermediate after a bare handful of beginner games. Nice work!

Half Blue University Awards

On Friday 19th, Huddy and Eliza, (accompanied by Hannah Bartle) attended the Sports Council Awards afternoon.  Huddy was awarded a Half-Blue for captaining Bad Apples at the Australian University Championships, while Eliza was awarded a Half-Blue for being the Most Valuable (female) Player at the Southern University Games in Bendigo, as well as being presented with her Sports Council half-scholarship for excellence in sport.

The SUG team was mentioned for winning their Bronze medal.

UTUC has had a great year, and this has been recognised by the TUU and Sports Council.  We're all looking forward to next year being bigger and brighter.

week 5, vs Microwave Danger

The game started in deliciously wet conditions, perfect for a decent layout.  It turned out however, that drops rather than layouts were the order of the day.  Despite being too cute, UTas held on to more catches early on to lead Microwave Danger at what should be half, 8-3.  Microwave Danger had some very fine displays, particularly from Mark Verrall frequently finding the break throw, and Dave Langford holding onto solid catches up and down the ground.

UTas had an even spread of contributors, with everyone apart from Nic and Jeram managing to get the disc out of bounds on the Pull.  Michael Dunne starred with his usual quick style of play both middle and long.  Utas took the game 15-8, in a well spirited game albeit with a lack of layouts in perfect conditions.

Hungry for more Ultimate news?

Then check out the new Bread blog.  You'll be able to follow what all the Bread kids are up to.

Spring League, week 4

Week 4 saw UTas and Bread face off in a top of the table clash.  The weather once again turned it on, a warm evening with light gusts.  UTas started well, getting the first two points, and holding onto a decent lead to be up 6-3 well into the game.  UTas were playing really well on D, and utilising good and patient options on O.  After this, Bread regrouped and started effectively shutting down the in-cuts.  UTas went to a hit and miss long game, but failed to convert on the goal line a couple of crucial times.  Bread's well held structure and drilling proved telling as they slowly gained a lead and pushed it to two points, 9-7.

UTas picked it up again, pulling close off a fine intercept from Sophie off Bread's first throw, 8-9, dropped another one, 8-10, and then threw on a surprise zone near UTas's offensive endzone that put enough pressure to get the turn and score, 9-10.  The final point commenced, and after a series of turns was halted by the hard cap.  

Bread deservedly won in a tight and immaculately spirited game off the back of good defensive work and competent offence.  UTas had significantly improved defensive work, and Nic Jansen continued his sensational form to be one of UTas's best on the night.

Spring League, week 3

After the first three weeks, UTas stands at a respectable 3-0.

Week one consisted of a feet-finding game in which we trailed for large sections, but came back strongly in the second half.

Week two we showed a bit more cohesion, and after gaining an early lead, we extended it toward the end and took the game.

Week three started in fine conditions.  A balmy still spring night welcomed us at the Uni ground, and we took advantage of winning the toss to score the first point.  We quickly extended our lead to 4-1 on the back of some effective long throws, and our greater depth was telling.  We pulled out a zone for a couple of points, getting swift turnovers and scoring from them, then forgot about zone as we put decent pressure on Team 3, and made the most of the turnovers.

After a period of dominance, and being 7 points up at one point, UTas took their foot off the pedal and let some good flow from team 3 in to score a few points, but scored enough to hold on for a five point win, 12-7.  UTas had great input from everyone, but Nic Jansen in particular stood out with some solid D, great catches, and good positioning.  Sophie Edgar also had a great debut, effecting a turnover in the endzone that UTas took down the other end to score.

Tasmanian Two-Hat XII

A number of UTas staff and students attended the 12th Tasmanian Two Hat tournament.  With fantastic weather and a good number of mainlanders at the tournament, the UTas players performed well.  Staff Mike Baker and Joe Bailey helped Yolk to win the championship, while Pat Neasey continued his development in the runners-up, Egg-Cider-Bull.  

Other UTas club members to play were:

Huddy Fuller
Emma Pharo
Eliza Burke-Polden
David Cooke
Andy Cole
Mark Verrall
Reed Burgette
Ken Suber

Uni vs Workers

VS

After a nine month hiatus, Uni laid down the challenge to Workers.  As the teams gathered on a cold and gusty night, the Workers realised they didn't have any women, so Uni graciously lent them one of their talented students.   The game started with Uni on D, and after a few turns, Uni scored the first point.  Workers hit back, and then traded to 2 all.

Then Workers started a period of domination, scoring 6 of the next 8 points and taking half.  Everything they touched turned to gold, while Uni made some uncharacteristic and largely unforced errors.  Workers were using an effective hucking game, and any zone was attempted was shredded.

Uni regrouped after half, and became more patient.  Some quick and effective iso, combined with a crossfield hammer kickstarted the half for Uni. Uni then changed defensive tactics to a straight up force, frustrating the Workers long game. With Baker dropped back and added stability and control to the handling, Uni was able to string long series' of passes together and score time and again.  Joe and Joe had a friendly discussion on the finer points of the travel rule, and enjoyed it so much they continued on the sideline.  Pat Neasey was notable for his vastly improved game, working well as swing handler in a zone and assisting for the score in one point.  After pulling even at 9-9, points were traded to 10-10.  After a marathon point that included time cap, Workers eventually proved too persistent on O, and got the point, 11-10. Game to 12.

Uni stepped up to the challenge, equalising at 11-11 and looking to regain Edwina.  Uni quickly got the turn, but lost it again, and that loss proved decisive. Quick movement across to Joe Boyer for a straight forward open side throw from 3 metres out sealed the game, keeping Edwina in the clutches of the socialists for at least another month.

Great game from everyone, and a lot of fun. Uni will be challenging again soon, with one eye on Edwina.

Winter Indoor league, 2010

After a successful and team building Autumn League, UTasUC entered a team into the 2010 Winter Indoor league.  Although losing Tim Johnson and Jenn Lavers to injury, UTas picked up Michael Dunne, recent SUG bronze medalists Pat Neasey and Jarrah Rubinstein, and new recruit Alex Thom.  UTas started the season slowly, winning a couple and losing a couple, but as Utas found their feet, they became a cohesive and damaging team.  By the end of the round robin stages, UTas finished a credible 2nd (of 6), having defeated every team at least once.

The Semi final, played against 'Just black will do' was the best game UTas had played.  UTas produced free flowing and effective ultimate, with everything on O and D seeming to come off.  UTas started the game strongly, winning the first 3 points and never looking back. Although every member played well and lifted, Alex Thom made some amazing grabs and was easily player of the match.  The cohesion that had been growing through the season culminated in this game, UTas won by 10 points (16-6).

Progressing to the Final of the slippery lower court, UTas looked to continue the free flowing and cohesive ultimate.  They secured the first point off the break, then traded to 2-2.  'Gender Across' had other ideas though, and through good covering of UTas's long options, and effective pressure on the thrower, slowly pulled to the lead.  UTas fought hard to stay in the game, scoring the last point of the half and only two points down, 9-7.  Although dropping the first point after half, UTas mounted a come back, and drew to within a point at 12-11 with 5 minutes to go.  Despite desperately clambering on O and D, UTas couldn't manage the last couple of points needed, and went down 14-12 in a high quality final.

The team performed remarkably well to finish second.  The development and improvement of all the players was significant and bodes well for the club.

Season MVP:                   Michael Dunne
Season most improved:     Alex Thom


The Team:
Huddy Fuller (c)
Eliza Burke-Polden
Michael Dunne
Loren Atkins
Nick Starkey
Patrick Neasey
Pier Van Der Merwe
Alex Thom
Jarrah Rubinstein

With appearances from:
Siak Lee
David Buxton