Wednesday, 6th of February, 2008 saw the first game of the Open League for the year versus NAU. The strange timing of Div 2 meant that a lot of people wanted to play div 1, and a whole bunch more are missing out for a few weeks, but it also meant that UE could pick a squad from the available players. Or, it would mean that, if there weren’t injuries (Sando, Morgan) and other commitments (Denis). Still, that left us with 10 players, so everyone could put in 100% at all times and still have a rest.
I can’t remember who got the first point, but things seemed pretty even until I looked at the scoreboard and the score was 4-1, with us being down. Then things started happening. I really don’t remember exactly in what order things happened, but I asked around and there were lots of memorable plays from the game. It was a little windy, with gusts and then periods of stillness, but our handlers did a fantastic effort. One particular point I remember watching from the sidelines saw us catch the pull and handle the disc all the way up the field for the score, not a single huck, and no turnovers. There were at least 10 passes of less than a meter from people busting through the cup and giving the handlers a little bit of gain and a reset on the stall count. There were swings everywhere and every single one of them on target. It really was a glorious point and shows the potential of the team this year.
Other highlights from the game include a couple of layout Ds. I got one on John, a new player with a lot of experience, D-ing him in the end zone to deny the score and Muffler got one near the end zone later in the game. Muff also managed a hand block at some point. Scrote sent a huge forehand down the line for an easy catch and pass for score downwind, taking advantage of a slightly lame deep defender. I managed to grab an outside in forehand from K with my toes on the line and taco’d the disc on the landing. K pulled off some sexy passes that probably shouldn’t have been on but he just makes them happen. Chris saved at least one wayward disc with an awesome dive and Fid somehow stopped a wobbly, blading disc from hitting the ground.
All in all it was a stellar effort from UE. We took half at 8-6 and were on offence and downwind to resume. From there we took out the game 13-9 after I tried to kill Huy in the dying minutes.
NAU were very well spirited the whole game and were a pleasure to play against. There were a lot of good plays from them and they would have done a lot better had they had a full contingent of players. Special mention to Brian for playing with an injury. New recruit John is also an awesome pickup for them. One of his pulls upwind was mesmerizing; it hung in the air for ages.
We should also say something about our sideline support from the ladies. Thanks girls for all the cheering and the new name, Sexy Leprechauns, although I think we might drop the sexy bit. Also a big thanks to Sando for doing the coaching duties.
