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!