Tuesday night saw the mundis play two games against local teams Orc$hack and Triceratops. Our first game was against Orc$hack, a well established team that has many skillful players (the Orc stands for old and retired with children). Our D team came out firing, with the mundis away to a quick lead. Vickie Saye played amazingly, getting two layout scores, one toeing the sideline, the other with heaps of air at the back of the endzone. Final score, 14-5 to the mundis.
The second game was against Triceratops, a newly formed team of mostly younger players. As our billets for the last few days have been from Triceratops, both teams were eagerly anticipating the game. The game was closer, with both teams moving the disc quickly up the field. It was exciting to see the mundis put numerous hucks up to their women, with Bec Carman and Andy Wang making some good long runs. Mention should also go to Laina who got 2 D's in the same point! Final score, 11-6 (?).
Despite the good wins, the team is pretty bummed at the moment as Sweet As (Brett Middleton) was injured in the first game and is out for Worlds. In laying out on D against Orc$hack, Sweet As tore his PCL. Everyone is in shock that this has happened and there is a sense of disbelief that he won't be leaping around in his usual style at Worlds. Hopefully, the PCL tear won't interfere too much with Brett's dance moves, as he has been the leader of the all male mundi dance troop who have some pretty snazzy hand actions to the Vengaboys hit "We like to party". Sweet, we love you lots and are thinking of you. I'm sure everyone back in Oz is thinking of you too, so please send Sweet As some pep up messages.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The other side of the pre-tour
okay, so I know it is all about the ultimate but when you are in places like SF, Yosemite and Portland it is good to get out and explore a bit. Thought I'd give a few updates on other activities.
First stop in SF involved a fabulous bike ride across the Golden Gate and down to Sausolito, where it was so much warmer and where Cath and I discovered the joys of green apple on sandwiches, yum.
Yosemite saw me joining the anti-phaf bus and heading into the park very early for a full day hike up Half Dome. Yosemite was beautiful and one of those places where every corner you turn there is a more awesome view. The swim half way back in the crystal clear water was probably one of the best swims I have ever had.
We drove from SF to Santa Barbara and then to Yosemite so there were many car games, lots of singing and quite a few delirious moments, but I guess that is all part of team binding right?
Back in SF and we met up with our billets. They were all really lovely and accommodating. Cath and I have also been talking about claiming some of the trip on tax in relation to work so Cath has been taking photos of buildings (she is an architect) and I have been readin lots of signs about historic places. We did howeever make a concerted effort and went, with Gaby, to teh de Young Museum in Golden Gate park. The park itself is wonderful and the museum was great. Managed to see the Chihuly exhibit. I don;t know why but looking at his work just makes me happy. One od the exhitbits showcased his collection of Native American basktes amongst his own work inspired by the craft. Really interesting relationship.
WE then traipsed Haight street found some great second hand shop and an amazing collection of vintage hats.
Onto Portland which claims to be the city of roses, but I think yo can add dogs and subarus to that. Again we are being billeted but last night took over the house we are staying in and had a bbq. The house provides instant entertainment in the form of table tennis, pool and fussball. Awesome. think of that said in an American accent.
There has also been a fair amount of shopping going on with lots of people visiting REI the outdoors shop. Mel, Cath and I ended up visiting a whole lot of vintage shops on Hawthorne St near where we are staying and had a very successful morning. Tim you may need to bring another bag over!
Anyway, apparently we have some ultimate games this evening, but thought I'd let you know how hard we have all been working :)
Not long to go now and the big time begins.
Take care.
Laina
First stop in SF involved a fabulous bike ride across the Golden Gate and down to Sausolito, where it was so much warmer and where Cath and I discovered the joys of green apple on sandwiches, yum.
Yosemite saw me joining the anti-phaf bus and heading into the park very early for a full day hike up Half Dome. Yosemite was beautiful and one of those places where every corner you turn there is a more awesome view. The swim half way back in the crystal clear water was probably one of the best swims I have ever had.
We drove from SF to Santa Barbara and then to Yosemite so there were many car games, lots of singing and quite a few delirious moments, but I guess that is all part of team binding right?
Back in SF and we met up with our billets. They were all really lovely and accommodating. Cath and I have also been talking about claiming some of the trip on tax in relation to work so Cath has been taking photos of buildings (she is an architect) and I have been readin lots of signs about historic places. We did howeever make a concerted effort and went, with Gaby, to teh de Young Museum in Golden Gate park. The park itself is wonderful and the museum was great. Managed to see the Chihuly exhibit. I don;t know why but looking at his work just makes me happy. One od the exhitbits showcased his collection of Native American basktes amongst his own work inspired by the craft. Really interesting relationship.
WE then traipsed Haight street found some great second hand shop and an amazing collection of vintage hats.
Onto Portland which claims to be the city of roses, but I think yo can add dogs and subarus to that. Again we are being billeted but last night took over the house we are staying in and had a bbq. The house provides instant entertainment in the form of table tennis, pool and fussball. Awesome. think of that said in an American accent.
There has also been a fair amount of shopping going on with lots of people visiting REI the outdoors shop. Mel, Cath and I ended up visiting a whole lot of vintage shops on Hawthorne St near where we are staying and had a very successful morning. Tim you may need to bring another bag over!
Anyway, apparently we have some ultimate games this evening, but thought I'd let you know how hard we have all been working :)
Not long to go now and the big time begins.
Take care.
Laina
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tournament in San Francisco
(From Al with assistance from Mel and Notty)
After surviving Yosemite, we travelled back to San Francisco on Friday to prepare for our tournament on the weekend. There were seven teams from the Bay Area and LA out for a days fun in the sun (a nice change after the cool fog of our earlier time in SF).
First game saw us up against newly formed LA team "Brown Chicken, Brown Cow" featuring the familiar face of Minh Huynh (ex-Canberra). Mundis were starting to put their offence together, but a few turnovers capitalised on by Brown Chicken, Brown Cow's efficient play saw us go down 15-11.
The second game of the day saw us taking on the well established team Mischief, a team that regularly features in the business end of UPA nationals over the past four or five years. Efficient offence combined with some real intensity and cohesion from the D-line in ever increasing wind saw us take the half 8-5(?). We managed to maintain form in the second half and ran out with a very satisfactory victory 15-7.
The strength of wind was highlighted when on the same field a large children's jumping castle, complete with small children inside and diesel generator attached, blew over and started rolling down the field (don't fret, no small children, animals or players were hurt). It was in these conditions that our last game of the day against Brass Monkey, who were finalists at WUCC 2006 in Perth, was played. Brass Monkey came out a little flat against a fired up Mundi team who were looking to continue on from the success of the earlier game. The mundis took the half 8-2 before a spirited come back from Brass in the second half. Soft cap was called at 11-6, before the mundis took out the game 13-7.
Special mention should go to the efforts of our D-line who were down a couple of sets of legs due to dodgy ankles, tender calves and overly colourful knees (the timing of our physio Mike's arrival was impeccable). Yorston and Freise ran all day as key players marking in the Pommie and Max, along with impressing the ladies on the other team with his looks, ran like a machine all day. Brett (aka Sweet As) also deserves mention for a couple of awesome grabs that he took on both O and D during the day.
After the day's play, we headed into the city for dinner with the other teams. The Venga boys (Seb, Sweet As, Tex, Huy) impressed and made a little loose change with their dancing efforts outside the pub after closing time.
We are now in Portland for the last games of our warm up against an exciting young new team, Triceratops, and the old hands of Horseshack. Portland is beautiful and sunny and our hosts have been incredibly hospitable.
Bring on Vancouver (only 6 sleeps to go).
After surviving Yosemite, we travelled back to San Francisco on Friday to prepare for our tournament on the weekend. There were seven teams from the Bay Area and LA out for a days fun in the sun (a nice change after the cool fog of our earlier time in SF).
First game saw us up against newly formed LA team "Brown Chicken, Brown Cow" featuring the familiar face of Minh Huynh (ex-Canberra). Mundis were starting to put their offence together, but a few turnovers capitalised on by Brown Chicken, Brown Cow's efficient play saw us go down 15-11.
The second game of the day saw us taking on the well established team Mischief, a team that regularly features in the business end of UPA nationals over the past four or five years. Efficient offence combined with some real intensity and cohesion from the D-line in ever increasing wind saw us take the half 8-5(?). We managed to maintain form in the second half and ran out with a very satisfactory victory 15-7.
The strength of wind was highlighted when on the same field a large children's jumping castle, complete with small children inside and diesel generator attached, blew over and started rolling down the field (don't fret, no small children, animals or players were hurt). It was in these conditions that our last game of the day against Brass Monkey, who were finalists at WUCC 2006 in Perth, was played. Brass Monkey came out a little flat against a fired up Mundi team who were looking to continue on from the success of the earlier game. The mundis took the half 8-2 before a spirited come back from Brass in the second half. Soft cap was called at 11-6, before the mundis took out the game 13-7.
Special mention should go to the efforts of our D-line who were down a couple of sets of legs due to dodgy ankles, tender calves and overly colourful knees (the timing of our physio Mike's arrival was impeccable). Yorston and Freise ran all day as key players marking in the Pommie and Max, along with impressing the ladies on the other team with his looks, ran like a machine all day. Brett (aka Sweet As) also deserves mention for a couple of awesome grabs that he took on both O and D during the day.
After the day's play, we headed into the city for dinner with the other teams. The Venga boys (Seb, Sweet As, Tex, Huy) impressed and made a little loose change with their dancing efforts outside the pub after closing time.
We are now in Portland for the last games of our warm up against an exciting young new team, Triceratops, and the old hands of Horseshack. Portland is beautiful and sunny and our hosts have been incredibly hospitable.
Bring on Vancouver (only 6 sleeps to go).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Barramundis v Gendors
Meeting on a sunny University of Santa Barbara field with a backdrop remininscent of the Kaimana mountainous skyline silhoutted by the setting sun, and only 90 minutes late this time (after a long drive from San Fran), the 'mundis warmed up with vigour, excitement and a little nervousness. There were many familiar faces on the opposition including current Jam players Greg Husak, Princess, Condors' Steve Dugan and kiwi Kim van Berkel and Fury's Jenn, who played a dominant role against the firetails in San Francisco on Sunday.
Lee sat this game out nursing his ankle, whilst Steve, Notty and Vickie all donned tracksuits early to manage their injuries also.
Australia started the game upwind on offence and after a few simple combination errors, were burning a timeout at 0-3. The play then mostly traded to half at 6-9, with the 'mundis D team converting a few, even reclaiming one upwind point. Our transition zones were working fluidly and offence against the zone was a strong point also. Our line management was thrown off a little playing lots of offense as we cycled many D players through to get everyone experienceing field time versus some quality opposition. Even captain Al didn't realise he was chasing Husak around for the first couple of points. Sweet As showed him how it should be done, pulling one down over the big man. Standouts for the Barra's included Max, Leanne and JD whilst Tex and Bec showed their speed will be a huge part of the 'Mundi's arsenal come worlds.
The Gendors closed the game out 10-17 after a few soft turns gifted them possession close to our line. We came away with some definite points to work on and knowing that cleaning up the basic errors will remove a majority of our turnovers.
We then headed to Jen's house for some pizza, brew and 'Go Juice', a local favourite cocktail with herbs fresh from the garden. A spot of croquet and ping pong rounded the evening before we bunkered down for the long trip back up to Yosemite. The next day or two will see some recreation time in the hills before returning to San Fran for games against Brass Monkey and Mischief.
Lee sat this game out nursing his ankle, whilst Steve, Notty and Vickie all donned tracksuits early to manage their injuries also.
Australia started the game upwind on offence and after a few simple combination errors, were burning a timeout at 0-3. The play then mostly traded to half at 6-9, with the 'mundis D team converting a few, even reclaiming one upwind point. Our transition zones were working fluidly and offence against the zone was a strong point also. Our line management was thrown off a little playing lots of offense as we cycled many D players through to get everyone experienceing field time versus some quality opposition. Even captain Al didn't realise he was chasing Husak around for the first couple of points. Sweet As showed him how it should be done, pulling one down over the big man. Standouts for the Barra's included Max, Leanne and JD whilst Tex and Bec showed their speed will be a huge part of the 'Mundi's arsenal come worlds.
The Gendors closed the game out 10-17 after a few soft turns gifted them possession close to our line. We came away with some definite points to work on and knowing that cleaning up the basic errors will remove a majority of our turnovers.
We then headed to Jen's house for some pizza, brew and 'Go Juice', a local favourite cocktail with herbs fresh from the garden. A spot of croquet and ping pong rounded the evening before we bunkered down for the long trip back up to Yosemite. The next day or two will see some recreation time in the hills before returning to San Fran for games against Brass Monkey and Mischief.
Monday, July 21, 2008
'Mundis hit the US of A
After arriving in dribs and drabs over a few days with Laina and James the last 'Mundis to touch down on foreign soil, the Barramundis are now ready to begin the next phase of our tilt at a world championship title. Gathered excitingly in San Francisco, we went out to watch the dingos and firetails play their opening tour matches. The reality of the pre-tour kicked in, knowing that come Tuesday it would be us fronting essentially anonymous opposition.
We've managed to squeeze some sights in, including the baseball, sampling the alcoholic delights of the tenderloin district where our hostel is located (JD even struck up conversation with a lovely young lady on the street) and ran up the hills to Alamo Square to see the Full House house.
On sunday afternoon we headed down to Golden Gate Park for our last intra-team scrimmage, which was primarily to run out some jetlag, which plagued the other aussie teams in the their first games. Our 3pm start (ok, so 5pm) saw us finish late with a feed of Mexican and a night of cocktails, dancing, pool and backroom poker...
We're off to see the traditional sights of San Fran today - the bridge, the hilly streets, the fast food spots and Sebbo is off to find a jumping leatherbar, as last night he missed his slot at the local amateur night at the neon club just around the corner.
So, til we check in again after our game with the Gendors in Santa Barbara, 'ooroo.
We've managed to squeeze some sights in, including the baseball, sampling the alcoholic delights of the tenderloin district where our hostel is located (JD even struck up conversation with a lovely young lady on the street) and ran up the hills to Alamo Square to see the Full House house.
On sunday afternoon we headed down to Golden Gate Park for our last intra-team scrimmage, which was primarily to run out some jetlag, which plagued the other aussie teams in the their first games. Our 3pm start (ok, so 5pm) saw us finish late with a feed of Mexican and a night of cocktails, dancing, pool and backroom poker...
We're off to see the traditional sights of San Fran today - the bridge, the hilly streets, the fast food spots and Sebbo is off to find a jumping leatherbar, as last night he missed his slot at the local amateur night at the neon club just around the corner.
So, til we check in again after our game with the Gendors in Santa Barbara, 'ooroo.
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