So Worlds have finished...
We Dingos were disappointed by our quarterfinals loss to GB. Despite our strong win over them in the rounds, they brought a better game to the quarter, and we played poorly.
It was immediately followed by the chance to see Southern Terra win a nail-biting come-from-behind game over Colombia on the showfield. Aussies through to a WUGC final! A first.
The two Friday wins were a bit of a slug but we prevailed over Finland (a strong run of Pommy zone helped) and Sweden (hot 4pm sun drained them) to take 5th. Other Aussie teams put strong efforts into their semis but none prevailed :(
Since then, its been photos, farewells, finals, dancing, mistaken identities, hangovers and missing teammates. Basically, busy!
Today is Captain Jonathan's birthday and we hope he is in good hands somewhere.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
End of the pool
At the end of Day 3, and 5 games into Worlds, the Dingos have finished top of Pool C.
Today we played Colombia, who were more muted than their fellow South Americans, Venezuela, who we played yesterday. The Colombians' earlier loss to the Venuezuelans may have been partly responsible. But it may just have been the clinical offence of the Dingos.
This was followed by the Great Britain match - always a crowd-drawing event, especially this time. The offense punched in all its first half possessions, and the D got stops. Half time score: 9-4 to the Aussies, and the Poms were busy talking about what to do. The second half saw more of the same - Dingos contesting the British long shots, and clogging their cutters, while punching in pretty long shots, perhaps more than most games to date. Mike Neild had a highlight game, and was seen grinning afterwards for quite a while. Or maybe he was just excited to see former Dingo Lachie "Kransky" Yates once again.
For post-game recovery, we have been down to the cool waters of nearby Wreck Beach, with its toe-stubbing submerged rocks, clothing optional dress standards and crowds of Canadians getting some sun. Others have rested in inflatable paddling pools of icy water in the showers.
Tomorrow we play Sweden at 12:30 and then, on the showcase field, we play the US at 4:30. They're going to be good games.
Some words from the mouths of Dingos...
Ken says "I like the creative use of the hallway in the dorm accommodation - hallway guts is a winner." Except for light fixtures.
Dingo Pup Tim Lavis has some observations from his first Worlds: "With the level of competition, you expect the opposition to be brilliant. But they've still got two legs and two arms just like everyone else." Not sure what limb count he was expecting...
Glover relates "So Ant has some damage to his right hand on an attempt at a greatest vs Germany. After an x-ray today, he came back with a cast on. Captain Pottsy was seen looking for a pocketknife to get that cast off and get his mate back on field. Phone calls have been made back to Oz, specifically, Dr Laird, for further advice. I don't know what will happen next. Oh, yeah, and that GB game was the most energy I have seen from the Dingos." I am sure our team physio (Bianca), team doctor (Katie) and team nurse (Emma) will ensure that nothing hasty is done, and that Ant will be looked after.
Gus offers his winning protein shake recipe: "3 bananas, 2 eggs, lots of protein powder, ice, milk and a touch of honey. Blend on ice-crusher setting until frothy - as high as it will go baby".
Today we played Colombia, who were more muted than their fellow South Americans, Venezuela, who we played yesterday. The Colombians' earlier loss to the Venuezuelans may have been partly responsible. But it may just have been the clinical offence of the Dingos.
This was followed by the Great Britain match - always a crowd-drawing event, especially this time. The offense punched in all its first half possessions, and the D got stops. Half time score: 9-4 to the Aussies, and the Poms were busy talking about what to do. The second half saw more of the same - Dingos contesting the British long shots, and clogging their cutters, while punching in pretty long shots, perhaps more than most games to date. Mike Neild had a highlight game, and was seen grinning afterwards for quite a while. Or maybe he was just excited to see former Dingo Lachie "Kransky" Yates once again.
For post-game recovery, we have been down to the cool waters of nearby Wreck Beach, with its toe-stubbing submerged rocks, clothing optional dress standards and crowds of Canadians getting some sun. Others have rested in inflatable paddling pools of icy water in the showers.
Tomorrow we play Sweden at 12:30 and then, on the showcase field, we play the US at 4:30. They're going to be good games.
Some words from the mouths of Dingos...
Ken says "I like the creative use of the hallway in the dorm accommodation - hallway guts is a winner." Except for light fixtures.
Dingo Pup Tim Lavis has some observations from his first Worlds: "With the level of competition, you expect the opposition to be brilliant. But they've still got two legs and two arms just like everyone else." Not sure what limb count he was expecting...
Glover relates "So Ant has some damage to his right hand on an attempt at a greatest vs Germany. After an x-ray today, he came back with a cast on. Captain Pottsy was seen looking for a pocketknife to get that cast off and get his mate back on field. Phone calls have been made back to Oz, specifically, Dr Laird, for further advice. I don't know what will happen next. Oh, yeah, and that GB game was the most energy I have seen from the Dingos." I am sure our team physio (Bianca), team doctor (Katie) and team nurse (Emma) will ensure that nothing hasty is done, and that Ant will be looked after.
Gus offers his winning protein shake recipe: "3 bananas, 2 eggs, lots of protein powder, ice, milk and a touch of honey. Blend on ice-crusher setting until frothy - as high as it will go baby".
Monday, August 04, 2008
Dingo day 1 vs Ireland
The Dingos are growing accustomed to our lodgings here at UBC. A sunny sunday greeted Australia's first day of play.
The Thunder and Barramundis played in the stadium this morning and there was a lot of Aussie cheering across both fields. France and Hong Kong suffered early losses. The Firetails also started their campaign before us against the USA.
We wandered across the campus to University Hill where a few teams were playing on fields nestled amongst some tall pines. Ireland was our first opposition and we were keen to get going. Both teams tested their vocal chords with a few songs before the game, a great way to kick start the championships.
With a full compliment of Dingos we began the game with a bang, reeling off the first 3 points. Ireland are a young crew of enthusiastic blokes and we had to play well to keep up with them.
Ant blocked a huck 5 metres from the thrower and then ran downfield to score to boost our lead. Ireland worked the disc short with many passes looking for a gap to huck long. Our defence was made to work and on several occasions we managed to keep them out of the endzone, force a turnover and then convert for scores.
The second half was also full of action. Tim Lavis and Andrew Glover were often running longs for goals. Tats was throwing goals and getting pretty excited about it. Relentless zone pressure resulted in a callahan to Paul Denyer. A memorable second half highlight was a long huck from the Irish which ended up just outside their endzone. The Dingos scrambled to defend the endzone as the receiver lined up a backhand to score the goal. Jonno Holmes loomed up on the far side, chasing his man and launched himself at the disc....
and completed a massive layout d, catching the disc in the process. There was a large and appreciative cheer from the crowd on the hill. Some more stifling defence closed out the game. End score 17-7.
Tomorrow we play Venezuela and Germany.
The Thunder and Barramundis played in the stadium this morning and there was a lot of Aussie cheering across both fields. France and Hong Kong suffered early losses. The Firetails also started their campaign before us against the USA.
We wandered across the campus to University Hill where a few teams were playing on fields nestled amongst some tall pines. Ireland was our first opposition and we were keen to get going. Both teams tested their vocal chords with a few songs before the game, a great way to kick start the championships.
With a full compliment of Dingos we began the game with a bang, reeling off the first 3 points. Ireland are a young crew of enthusiastic blokes and we had to play well to keep up with them.
Ant blocked a huck 5 metres from the thrower and then ran downfield to score to boost our lead. Ireland worked the disc short with many passes looking for a gap to huck long. Our defence was made to work and on several occasions we managed to keep them out of the endzone, force a turnover and then convert for scores.
The second half was also full of action. Tim Lavis and Andrew Glover were often running longs for goals. Tats was throwing goals and getting pretty excited about it. Relentless zone pressure resulted in a callahan to Paul Denyer. A memorable second half highlight was a long huck from the Irish which ended up just outside their endzone. The Dingos scrambled to defend the endzone as the receiver lined up a backhand to score the goal. Jonno Holmes loomed up on the far side, chasing his man and launched himself at the disc....
and completed a massive layout d, catching the disc in the process. There was a large and appreciative cheer from the crowd on the hill. Some more stifling defence closed out the game. End score 17-7.
Tomorrow we play Venezuela and Germany.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Opening Ceremony
Just about to head to bed after the first official day of Worlds. The Dingos all arrived in Vancouver yesterday and we had a light run through today and did some throwing on some of the fields. The entire Aussie contingent is staying at the Totem Residence at UBC and it is great to be together as a big unit: from the massive juniors troop complete with chaperones through to the Taipans with various children in tow.The opening ceremony was fantastic. The Australian teams were the first to enter the "Thunderbird Stadium" and there was a decent crowd of 500 or 600 people to cheer us in. The atmosphere grew and grew as more countries entered the stadium, filling up to several 1000 people by the time the massive Canadian crew had made their way in as the host nation taking up last place.
Preparing to enter the Stadium
The welcoming ceremony was an interesting mix of WFDF officials, local indigenous representatives welcoming us to the land, Brazilian dancers and Indian dancers from San Francisco. The latter were a hit when they taught the entire stadium some Bollywoodesque dance moves which we then went along with in time to some simple sitar riffs. Gold. These preliminaries finished up (eventually ... ) and the showcase game between Canada and GB (mixed division) began.
Most people were expecting a Canadian landslide, and the hosts started strongly. But the GB team was well drilled, athletic and didn't look overawed by the occasion. Canada got out to a bit of a lead and was in front 9-5 I think at half. However the Poms kept coming back and would not let go of the game. In the end though, the Canuks proved too strong and ground out a 17-15 win.
Tomorrow sees the Dingos play one game against the Irish in the afternoon. The Firetails are playing the USA in the morning, which should be a massive game, and then the Irish in the afternoon as well.
There will be a whole bunch of stuff going up on the official WUGC website so check it out - live score updates are happening I believe, so have a look if you like staying up late at night!
www.wugc2008.com
Jonno.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Telluride Training
I’m typing this as our ’08 Pontiac “Gutless Wonder”
makes its way up the mountain passes of Route 825 between Gunnison and Denver, Colorado. Chris “Hobbit” Warris is at
the helm and although the winding bends and spectacular scenery makes for many a Top Gear moment, the speed limit is being studiously adhered
to after our silver beast was pulled over by the Colorado State Troopers not half an hour ago. Luckily Hobbit turned on the Aussie charm and Trooper Krasniski (I kid you not, that real
ly is his name) let our 73 mph in a 65 zone off with a warning.
The "Courtesy Warning"Fellow passangers in the Gutless Wonder are Andrew Glover and Jonathan “Tats” Tatham. The four of us and an additional four Dingos (the Dowle twins, Paul Denyer and Mike Neild) have just finished up an intensive high-altitude (8750 feet or a touch over 2600 metres) training camp in Telluride Colorado. The little ski town that several of us have spent winter seasons at is arguably more spectacular in summer than in the winter months and we took good advantage of the sunny weather to complete some hikes and sprint sessions in the thin mountain air.
Housing the Aussie crowd was Greg Simpson, the Australian resident “snow shoveling pimp” that some of you may remember from my winter time communiques. Once again, Greg provided hospitality that would put a 75-camel-sheik from the UAE to shame. A wealth of local knowledge, all-area-access to Tuscan villa style Mountain Village mansions, the ability to spin a yarn like John Greenfield combined with an irrepressible enthusiasm for shennanigans large or small makes Greg what I title “a fully certified Aussie champ.”
After a relatively exhausting tour through the US south west and our final game against Johnny Bravo, we were keen for a relaxing few days in order to prepare for Worlds which kicks off this Sunday. Nonetheless we felt the need to put in several throwing and sprint sessions. All eight of us found the altitude to be a considerable factor as we gasped our way through the sessions. Hiking and sightseeing were a bit easier on the lungs, but not on my nasal passage which didn’t handle the thin, dry air very well and I managed to get what can only be described as an ‘explosive’ nose bleed that kept up for about 45 mins.
We are flying out to Vancouver tomorrow morning. Less than 72hrs until the first game at Worlds. Very exciting stuff folks!!Jonno
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Aussies with altitude
Yo!
This is Pottsy on Gussy's computer.
We are currently in Boulder, Colorado. Much has happened. We flew to Denver from a long but reasonably controlled night in Vegas. We came to play Johnny Bravo, runners up at UPA Nationals last year, and so one goal shy of representing the USA at worlds.
It was a tough game, we were warned (by our hosts) that the disc flies differently up here, and they weren't foxing. There were quite a few pulls and hucks that sailed well out of bounds.
In the end it was a pretty disappointing game for us. Many uncharacteristic turnovers from us, both short and long, and spread amongst our gun players. And we failed to effectively shut down Bravo's deep game.
We could blame the changed conditions and poor preparation (ie Vegas and all that went before), but I think a fair amount of credit needs to go to the Bravo defence, which was fast and unrelenting. A pressure defence creates unforced errors from the offence, as throwers suddenly become less certain of which players are free and want to get rid of the disc before the count gets high.
To our credit however, our defence had a similar effect on Bravo, and there were many points where their offence struggled to advance the disc. We actually came out strongly and were up 2-0 before Bravo rallied and got on D and took the lead from us. We managed to contain the half-time score to 9-5. It was looking a bit like our 2004 semi (vs Condors) all over again, but to our credit, we regrouped and the second half was a lot tighter. In fact, we had the disc after time cap to bring the score to 14-12, but failed, and in the end they took it out 16-11.
No excuses from us, we were beaten soundly by a better team, and we learnt a huge amount from this game, which is why we are spending so much time and money on this tour. Sadly we are still missing some top players (but so were they), we are confident that they will play an important role in Vancouver and I can say personally that I'm looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field of play.
Post-game the Boulder frisbee crew put on a killer party up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Played some fun party games with them till late in the night. A last hurrah for the Dingos party crew. We are each dedicated to putting in some more fitness work between now and worlds as we go our separate ways in the next week.
Those who've stayed in Boulder took in a 2 hour session at the track yesterday, followed by a creek swim and dinner at a local brew-pub and then BATMAN!
Today, 7 Dingos went up to 14000ft, twice. Man, that was the most demanding hike I've ever done. Walk 100m, heart rate in the mid 100s, just putting one foot ahead of the other, and then rest till you don't feel so dizzy any more. Repeat many times. I think there will be some good photos. We continue our altitude training over the next few days.
More later...
Pottsy.
This is Pottsy on Gussy's computer.
We are currently in Boulder, Colorado. Much has happened. We flew to Denver from a long but reasonably controlled night in Vegas. We came to play Johnny Bravo, runners up at UPA Nationals last year, and so one goal shy of representing the USA at worlds.
It was a tough game, we were warned (by our hosts) that the disc flies differently up here, and they weren't foxing. There were quite a few pulls and hucks that sailed well out of bounds.
In the end it was a pretty disappointing game for us. Many uncharacteristic turnovers from us, both short and long, and spread amongst our gun players. And we failed to effectively shut down Bravo's deep game.
We could blame the changed conditions and poor preparation (ie Vegas and all that went before), but I think a fair amount of credit needs to go to the Bravo defence, which was fast and unrelenting. A pressure defence creates unforced errors from the offence, as throwers suddenly become less certain of which players are free and want to get rid of the disc before the count gets high.
To our credit however, our defence had a similar effect on Bravo, and there were many points where their offence struggled to advance the disc. We actually came out strongly and were up 2-0 before Bravo rallied and got on D and took the lead from us. We managed to contain the half-time score to 9-5. It was looking a bit like our 2004 semi (vs Condors) all over again, but to our credit, we regrouped and the second half was a lot tighter. In fact, we had the disc after time cap to bring the score to 14-12, but failed, and in the end they took it out 16-11.
No excuses from us, we were beaten soundly by a better team, and we learnt a huge amount from this game, which is why we are spending so much time and money on this tour. Sadly we are still missing some top players (but so were they), we are confident that they will play an important role in Vancouver and I can say personally that I'm looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field of play.
Post-game the Boulder frisbee crew put on a killer party up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Played some fun party games with them till late in the night. A last hurrah for the Dingos party crew. We are each dedicated to putting in some more fitness work between now and worlds as we go our separate ways in the next week.
Those who've stayed in Boulder took in a 2 hour session at the track yesterday, followed by a creek swim and dinner at a local brew-pub and then BATMAN!
Today, 7 Dingos went up to 14000ft, twice. Man, that was the most demanding hike I've ever done. Walk 100m, heart rate in the mid 100s, just putting one foot ahead of the other, and then rest till you don't feel so dizzy any more. Repeat many times. I think there will be some good photos. We continue our altitude training over the next few days.
More later...
Pottsy.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Revenge of the Dingos
Best served cold, our revenge against the Condors was dished out on a platter of rubberised astroturf, surrounded by a running track of gold under the setting sun of a warm California sky.
We played the Condors under lights at the Occidental College sports fields in LA at 7pm on July 23rd. The Condors of '08 are a younger, less experienced team than that which we met in the semi-final at Worlds in Finland - only 2 of those Condors have survived in this team. The Dingos on the other hand have 12 returning players and for many of us, the semi of '04 was a disappointment that still niggles every now and then.
Coming out of the blocks fired up and hungry, the Dingos man-on-man defence was sensational, shutting down movement around the disc and generating turns through pressure across the field. Massive blocks from Tim Booth (high overhead contested block) and Gavin Moore (full length layout in the corner of the endzone) were standouts. The offensive machine looked like the Vogon Galaxy-Crusher Earth-Destroying Battleship fleet as the Condors were so much roadkill across the windscreens. Tats was on fire, bombing long with impunity and throwing cross field hammers for Glover to pluck from the air for goals. This was the first full game Glover played after fending off a back niggle, and he had a standout - cutting like a machine and backing up when needed. He also had a nice assist when he streaked long, jumped for the goal and managed to nubs it so that the disc bladed towards the ground. The ever aware Kenny Shepherd however was on hand, lurking as always, and made a massive layout to score - reminiscent of Gus' grab in the '06 Clubs Final.
Half was taken by the Dingos at 9-4 and things were looking comfortable. To their credit, the Condors came out hard after the break and began clawing their way back into the game. They started connecting with their long game, with Steve Dugan and Matt (a younger handler type) started smashing some backhands. The pressure slowly built and they finally leveled the scores at 15-15 (game was to 17, win by two). With a big crowd in attendance (and obviously Condors biased - there were only a couple of Aussie supporters including including Minh (ex Canberra) and some other connections) the US lads were looking fired up. Some tough points followed, and the Dingos offense stood tall and the D line managed to get the turnover when required, a forced throwaway. In the end the Dingos won 19-17.
This was our highest quality game of the tournament, and arguably our hardest. The come back from the Condors was impressive, and it put our entire line under pressure, it was a great game to test our ability against a committed and talented team who wouldn't just give us the game. The determination of the Dingos and the ability to remain focused at the crucial stages of the game was outstanding.
We are now in Boulder about to play Johnny Bravo.
Jonno, Tats, Chris and Glover.
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