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!

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.