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.

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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