Townsville Ultimate Finals: The Holy Grail

Once again we’ve reached the final week of Wednesday ultimate for the semester.  As they say, all good things must come to an end.  Don’t know who ‘they’ are, but definitely have some wise words to say.  Five games determine the final standings for the semester. Most of the teams remaining are only playing for pride, but for two teams have much more at stake.

3^rd Place Playoff – Firetrucking Red Team vs Pinky and the Brain

“We lost the semi, does this still matter?”

Sadly I’ve played in a few of these games and I can tell you from experience; it matters.  Plenty of pride on the line, plus there’s probably some sort of recognition for coming third.  Third place playoff expert Andrew Gosbee once told me “even the best teams sometimes play for third”.  He obviously is very confused and should seek some kind of assistance.  Either way, this game is sure to be fun and good luck to both teams!  Hopefully you guys get certificates or something.

Tip: Pinky and the Brain should win this, Rob Dehollander will most likely be drunk.

5^th Place Playoff – Pancakes vs Green Street Elite

“If we win this we’re top half of the table!”

Something about playing for one of the lower places is never really that appealing.  Not for these two though.  These teams I have no doubt will bring some quality ultimate to the table.  GSE have been solid throughout the whole season and the Pancakes have impressed throughout the finals, even taking down one of the finalists in the first round!  Also happy birthday to GSE member Deanna Finn! Hello Deanna. 

Tip: I’m backing Pancakes for the victory for one reason: Mark Genge, The Gengine.  I don’t even care if he doesn’t play, just the idea of him being there will put feat into any opponent.

Now we come to the two games with the most importance for the night.  Just because they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, doesn’t mean that this first games is any less important.


7^th Place Playoff – Phantasm vs Huck Buddies

“Do you know what place we get if we win?”

Congratulations firstly should go to the Huck Buddies.  They were short on victories throughout the season but still managed to avoid the spoon playoff!  Well done!  This game is always that ‘should we be serious’ game, because there’s a fair bit of pride to play for.   The way both teams are playing this should be a fairly even contest.  I heard Phil has even purchased new wristbands for the occasion.  Hopefully a fun game for everyone is the result!

Tip: Huck Buddies to win this game.  Big game from Eric Lee to shut everyone up would be nice.

WOODEN SPOON PLAYOFF – Dream Team (feat. Weise) vs #YOLO

“Even if we lose still get a trophy!”

Fuck.  The wooden spoon battle is generally a game I try to avoid.  I mean, no one really enjoys coming last.  Let’s be honest with ourselves.  Unfortunately for either #YOLO or The Dream Team, one team will walk away with the trophy that no one really wants.  Each team brings some top-level chat throwers, with the mental battle going a long way to determining the result.  #YOLO have the one they call ‘Mansauce’ (funny story, ask him to tell it) while The Dream Team have the man himself, James ‘doglas’ Weise and Riley ‘definitely no small man syndrome here’ Smith.

Tip: Weise told me that the only reason The Dream Team is playing for the spoon is because he hasn’t been handling.  He also said he can beat Mansauce one on one.  Legend.

The Grand Final – Robust Fawn vs Ducks Tie Together

“One game to rule them all”

After however many weeks it’s been, we have two teams left.  Robust Fawn vs Ducks Tie Together.  If you told me this would be our grand final a few weeks ago, I would have been a bit surprised to be honest.  Just goes to show how much can change in the finals!  Fawn have finally struck the form that everyone has been expecting of them every semester.  I read that team list and always think they should do well.  It’s nice to see it become a reality.  A big part of that has been Christian, some of the things he does on the field are incredible.  On the other side we have the Emilio Estevez fans, Ducks Tie Together.  Finny leads this team from the front, I always know they’re going well when he is on the sideline.  Strong contributors all around the park, they know how to get it done.

Tip: This will be a close game for sure.  The key for Fawn is to keep Finny quiet.  It’s obvious, yet it’s amazing how many teams just can’t seem to do it.  The Ducks on the other hand need a big defensive game.  Throw a zone, contain the handlers and keep the Zane to Christian backhand huck under control.  Too close to call*

 

*Go Fawn!