Round 3 Preview

Round 3 of Townsville Ultimate action is almost upon us and now that we're two weeks in, it gives us a better idea of the teams and how they might perform. With that being said, here's an "expert's" predictions on this week's matches.

Game 1 - Django Unchained VS Cockwalas

Now this is an interesting game to watch. If you have been following this blog, you will know that, even though they lost in Round 1, James David's Django Unchained are a force to be reckoned with. But Cockwalas have two wins under their belt and they will look to continue their winning form.

With Rowan Hall and Gibbo back in the line-up after missing the first game and new addition Aaron Hynds, Django Unchained have a strong team in terms of physicality and athleticism. Defensively, Django Unchained will undoubtedly shut down Cockwalas' long game with captain and world-record high jumper James David sitting deep.

However Cockwalas are not without a few threats of their own. Big man Josh McIntyre is fast developing into an all-round Ultimate player that possesses speed, height, and physical prowess. Cockwalas also feature a hardworking female line-up with Laura Knecht bringing with her the experience of the previous semester and Chi MaGee's excellent reading of the game together with the engines Sheona, Biz, and Janelle. Cockwalas are capable of working the disc even without captain Dave Dehollander.

Prediction: This is a tough game to predict, if Cockwalas maintain their form, they will be "bringing it" and will be looking to upset Django Unchained. However, Django Unchained looks too formidable at the moment with James, Gibbo, Aaron, and Rowan and I predict a 13-8 victory for them.

Game 2 - Blue Crush VS Seagulls

Arguably the strongest team at the moment, Seagulls have blown away all their competition in the league thus far. The morale in the team will undoubtedly be extremely high this week following their previous two victories. Expect them to come out in force once again with captain Robert Dehollander and up-and-coming Australian Ultimate star Deanna Finn dictating the pace.

After a promising start to the season, Blue Crush succumbed to Fluro Fantasy in Round 2 after an exciting match that went down to the wire. I'm sure Timmy and his team will be looking to bounce back after last week's defeat. I predict a few long plays will be seen in this match with Timmy looking for the speedy Rob Davies on those puts. New players Torunn Lervik and Miguel Yagual look extremely promising for Blue Crush and you can expect them to bring their A-game.

Prediction: Blue Crush look determined to erase the memories of last week's defeat but I think Seagulls' excellent form will see them take this game 13-9.

Game 3 - Tie Dynosaurs VS Fluro Fantasy

A clash between the Tye Dynosaurs and Fluro Fantasy see two of the best handlers in the league Finny and Ash go up against each other. The Dynosaur's captain Finny will be looking to employ the short give-and-go game with his team, a play he has perfected over the years which many other teams still find difficult to beat. With the introduction of the zone, expect to find Finny sitting deep and cutting off the opponents' long plays whilst organising his defense. Josh Phipps of the Dynosaurs has been working on his handling game and inside sources reveal that he can throw a bullet of a flick; which will be useful if Dynosaurs' receivers manage to get on the end of them.

On the other hand, Fluro Fantasy captain Ash will have an array of tricks up his sleeves. Backhand, forehand, hammer, scoober, thumber; you name it and you can expect Ash to use it. Sabrina Beer, who scored five points in the first round but had to sit out against Blue Crush due to an illness is expected to make a comeback. Captain "Ash" has labelled her his "go-to-girl", and you don't need a cryptologist to tell you what that means

Prediction: Another tough game to predict, this game promises excitement for start to finish. I suspect the teams will match each other point for point but I think Finny's tactical experience will give Tie Dynosaurs the edge in this one. Dynosaurs to win 13-11.

Game 4 - Mitey Discs VS Purple Haze

With probably one of the strongest female line-ups in the league, Purple Haze will be looking to beat the Mitey Discs this week after their encouraging performance against Django Unchained in Round 2. There are no stand-out players in Purple Haze but as a team, they are certainly impressive. Aline and captain Swan will be looking to dominate Mitey Discs' female players. Purple Haze pack a pretty strong male line-up as well, featuring the speed of Shane, as well as the physical presence of James Murr and captain Ryan.

Physically, Mitey Discs aren't the best team in the league. However, Ultimate is not about physicality but more about skill, and teamwork; something which Mitey Discs possess in abundance. After last week's glorious victory against Tie Dynosaurs, Mitey Discs will want to ride on the euphoria of the previous week to another victory. In an exclusive interview, Purple Haze captain Swan revealed that she will be poaching a lot and the Mitey Discs will definitely want to take advantage of that.

Prediction: With the introduction of the zone defense, I think Purple Haze, with their slight height advantage, will be able to take this game 13-10.

Game 5 - Robust Fawn VS Grapists

Perhaps the most fortuitous match-up this week. The last game of Round 3 features two teams who have lost in the previous round. Expect Red, Andy, Nathan, and captain Kramer of Robust Fawn to come out playing this week after last week's unfortunate loss. Handling specialist Zane Quinn will once again look to utilise his experience and handling skills to swing this game in his team's favour.

After a disappointing start to the season with two losses, Grapists will want to erase the memories of their previous games and get their season started this week. Hopefully captain Chris "Jazzy McGee" Ende will have sorted out tactics for his team and be able to find one that suits Grapists best.

Prediction: Although I really want a Grapists victory, I can't see that happening this week. Robust Fawn to win it 13-6.

I look forward to another exciting week of Ultimate. If I didn't tip your team to win, it's because the laws of the great state of Queensland state that pundits must be "professional and impartial in their predictions". Remember, however, that everyone loves an underdog win so let's go and play some disc!