Arrive first and leave last...Finals Week 2 Review!

Firstly I’d just like to throw it out there and say that my predictions couldn’t have been any more wrong.  But I don’t think many predicted the one sided outcomes of this week. 

First big news is that Black Magic suffered their first loss of the season!  The Gold Diggers took it to the Magic, with some great throws from Stretch Armstrong Dehollander and a couple of sweet grabs from Stoffels.  The turning point(s) in the game was every time that the Magic opted to throw to their star receiver James Queef, who just couldn’t seem to get the hands going.  I’m told of the 100+ throws (possible exaggeration) that went to Weise, he only managed to get his hands on one…..and still dropped it.  Well played from the Gold Diggers, who despite being only able to go for the minor placings now managed a spirited effort overall!

I’m also told that Finny, perennial throw-away-erer for the The Amazing Technicolour Dream Discs sat out the games this week to better prepare his team for next week.  For those of you following at home, Finny is away next Wednesday…..interesting strategy there everyone, we’ll see if it pays off.  With Sean ‘Bevington’ Beveridge sure to fill in as the primary handler, was good to see him make some excellent decisions.  Not sure what the scores were, but I’m sure fun was the real winner.

Now on to the elimination finals!  Game 1 saw the The Highlanders take on the Green Goblins and Game 2 saw Mite-y Discs vs 100 Shades of Grey.

Game 1: The Highlanders vs Green Goblins

With some mixed fortunes last week, this game was sure to be a close contest and in some ways it provided this.  The Goblins exploded out of the gates, taking a commanding early lead and the half 7-2.  As ever, the Goblins had a well constructed offensive line and gave nothing to the Highlanders early.  After half time, the complexion of this game changed completely with the Highlanders producing a strong comeback to bring the game to 9-6 at one point.  I warned the Goblins that Cade would be a force on offence, and his quick give and go offence proved to be the spark the Highlanders needed.  With some quick girls and the two Robs causing problems, this is how they should have attacked from the start.  However, execution let the Highlanders down at some points, with the disc going to ground near the endzone too many times.  The Goblins through defensive confidence and some great throws managed to pull ahead once again.  It seems the Goblins structure was just too much for the Highlanders to contain.  Special mention for the Goblins goes to Matt McIntosh who scored about 100 and Leo BUD for being a great guy.  Special mention also goes to Liss, for once again getting injured.  

Final Score: Green Goblins keep up their good form and bring the Highlanders down, 13-9.

Game 2: Mite-y Discs vs 100 Shades of Grey

I’ve been wrong plenty of times…..not that I ever like to admit it.  But this game I honestly didn’t expect what happened at all.  With the Mite-y Discs looking to bounce back after a pretty heavy defeat last week and the welcome return of Dr Pete, the last-placed 100 Shades of Grey had their work cut out.  The Shades won the flip and took the pull, and to be honest never really looked back.  Mite-y Discs started well, with Mattie Hamilton working some great combinations with his handlers.  Unfortunately, tonight just wasn’t the night of the Mite-y’s. 100 Shades lead by their 8 foot Captain Duncan controlled the disc, set up a great defensive structure and executed most of their plays.  I predicted that the 1% plays would be the difference here, and they were.  100 Shades just wanted it that little bit more, and stuck to their plans very well.  Special mention for the Shades goes to Lena for taking an amazing catch to score and Rob Luke for being a dominant force in the end zone.  100 Shades played probably their most complete game of the season, with a great whole team performance.  Shout out to Scott Hamilton for being the better looking of the Hamilton brothers.  

Final Score: With the hammer out in force, 100 Shades of Grey took the victory 13-3.

With semi-finals next week, make sure you’re down supporting your favourite team that wears a grey shirt!  Also, there will be games next week for every team as the battle for the wooden spoon still rages on.  Until next week, I’ll leave you with a quote that I apparently said a couple of years ago…

“The best Ultimate player is not the fastest, fittest, strongest nor tallest. The best ultimate players are the ones who are the smartest. The player with the best strategies, mental attitude, motivation, awareness and overall knowledge of the game, are the ones who make it the furthest. For ultimate is all about being in the right place at the right time, so practice your throws and catches, but always be aware of the mental side of the game. Like in all games, the most successful players are the ones who arrive first, and leave last.”

So if you get there early and leave late you’re sure to win! Villain out.