BUML Round 13 Preview

Div. 1:

White Lantern vs. Drop Bears
Right so there is only 3 weeks left till finals start, and White Lantern needs a win to secure a finals birth. Drop Bears could easily claim any reward for the best recruiters but have to win the rest of their games to progress. Just one win and the Lanterns progress. Therefore, the stage is set for a massive face off.

Key Players:
White Lanterns, classic Heroes: no strike player, all competent.
Drop Bears, Buzz and Pete Allen (according to afda anyways)

White Lantern, by 4

Other games:
Lovers vs. Poachers - Poachers by 4
Dyspnoeics vs. Ghost -Dyspnoeics by 10

Div. 2:

Baby Chimi vs. Heroes

All season we bloggers have been writing off these Baby Chimichangas, but as it stands they seem to be improving - given they are only 1 win off fifth placed Heroes. Heroes should watch themselves, and bring it and keep themselves in the chase for a top 4 place.

Key Players:
Heroes: Sean, Meagan, Brad and Nathaniel
Baby Chimi: Arrlann, Matt Stubbs

Heroes, by 5

Bermuda Triangle vs. Discheads
Bermuda as per usual, are undefeated in division 2 - wait for them to go back into div1 and that will change. Discheads are pushing hard to keep the tag of 4th on the ladder. I'm not sure Discheads haven’t the firepower to beat BT. My biggest tip, scoobers are awesome, and get chicks - they're also useful to throw over cups.

BT, by 5

What the Huck? Vs. Agents
WTH are solidly in the finals already, but how high up the ladder they finish is still up in the air. I'd imagine 2nd is likely, as for Agents I feel as though a playoff game for 5th is on the cards. So then, both teams have got something worth playing for. I reckon the easiest way to shut down WTH has to be learning early which of the boys you can poach off on and then go help the girls. Seemed to help in the grand final last season (Yeah Discheads)

WTH by 6

Tsunami vs. Disc-iples - Tsunami by 6

Div. 3:

I generally don't comment on Div3 but meh.

Ultimate Apostles vs. QUTies - UA by a couple
Mellow Yellow vs. Ultimate Yeast - Yellow by several
Go-Gos vs. FC - Go Gos by many.
Oh Yeahs vs. Slipped Discs - Oh Yeahs by many

Elimination Final: Come support!

What time is it? -Its Game Time- 

Tonight sees the Heroes BPL team, face off against Blitz.  Winner takes all, and progresses to the finals series. Its gonna get hectic! So get down to Annerley, and support your BPL team!

Game on at 7.30.

PS: Happy Birthday Carl. Hope you've had a great day... (I can't make any promises about tonight)

BPL Winter League: Registrations

Registrations are now open.

http://www.afda.com/rego/showcompetition.php?competitionid=1245
If your a male, looking to be coached by some great players, want to improve your game, and want to get scouted to a mens team in the biggest (and best) open league in the country - then register!

BUML Round 12

Div 2

This week sees a tough draw for each of the Club's teams, but as finals loom - anything can happen.

Bermuda Triangle vs. Heroes – Easts 2

Well, this is 1st plays 5th. BT aren't gonna pull any punches, and rightly so. With that said, there aren't many people getting around Brisbane that don't know the BT zone. The real question will be how the Heroes handlers and poppers work together. Let’s hope they get a full line.

BT win by many.

What the Huck vs. Discheads – Easts 3

Discheads are probably 3 wins from booking a place deep in the finals. I had great hopes for this team this season, and they haven't disappointed. I've watched a couple of their games, and when they don't slack off and play quite pretty ultimate. However, what WTH? lack in flowing under based offense; they more than make up in 'bombs'. Regular puts from Trev and TJ are usually brought down for the score.

WTH win by a couple

Tsunami vs. Agents – Gap 1

3rd vs. 6th, and so likely to be a very hard game for the Agents. Tsunami heavily rely Heather and Erik, but still manage to use the whole line. Nice one guys! With that said so do the Agents, I'm just not sure they can quite challenge the Big Waves.

Tsunami win like it’s going out of style.

Div 1

UQ Lovers vs. White Lantern – Gap 2

I love playing against (and with) Lovers. They are great fun, and play hard. Lanterns are also great, that’s why I play with them. However, both teams are in a race for third and (in theory anyways) easier game in the first week of finals. Gref, as usual, will play a major role in determining the result of the game.  Hmmm, but other than that I think both teams are even across the board. I'm eager to get a win (and ease some pain from Thursday night).

WL by just a sprinkle.

BPL Logo, Go Vote!

BPL is on a quest to be taken more seriously, and be more professional. How to do this?? A logo. Definitely a Logo. 

You can go vote on it, here.

Personally, as a designer myself and one with some working knowledge of graphic design, I like options 2 and 3 the best.  I'd change the layout of option 2 and go with that, in 4 easy steps! 

1) Get rid of the BPL text in the top.

2) Make the shield shape shorter

3) Enlarge the Brisbane wheel silhouette, over more of the orange shape at top. 

4) Enjoy a kick ass logo for years to come.

Also here is a fun vid on drawing.(oldie but an goodie!)

Ultimate exposure on Fox Sports

Ultimate frisbee doesn't get a lot of exposure in Australia, but after seeing this it's hard to know why. Hit up the image below to see this sick layout courtesy of Fox Sports.

Round 11

Division 1

White Lantern vs. Poachers

The last time these teams met was way back in round 6, and since both teams have had ups and downs. Poachers lost their first game, and Lanterns got shown up by Dyspnoeics. However, I still think the Poachers standard game plan is something that is effective against teams like White Lantern. Girls love running away from Kalin, right?

Poachers by 5

Division 2

Tsunami vs. Discheads

Tsunami have been playing well of late, Discheads have as well.  This should be much closer than last time they met, where the big waves won by 8. I reckon this will be a fairly good game to watch, but only with a beer (or similar) as well.

Also Tsunami are improving as a team, and could be real challengers for the title - if they can learn to by offense against zones that Triangle or Ghost would put on.

Tsunami by 6

What the Huck? vs. Heroes

In what should be a very well spirited game, Trevor and TJ are going to control exactly where the disc goes and who gets it. What the Huck? are again at the top end of ladder, but Heroes are also working well albeit inconsistent in both performance and numbers.

What the Huck? by 6

Baby Chimis vs. Agents

Agents hold the best chance for the club to get a W on the 'board this week. Baby Chimis are definitely not the quality of team that I remember dreading, which is understandable when players like Al Don aren't there. This is a development season then. Agents should relish the chance presented to them, and continue to jump up the table - possibly up to 5th!

Agents by 8

Ladies, please...

Recently, I had someone tell me that I should be more inclusive of the happenings of women's ultimate while blogging here. I humbly agreed, and asked her to let go of my arm. 

Now that nationals has come and gone, and everyone has done some post-season recovery (and rehab), there is suddenly a lot more time available for ultimate that needs to be filled in. To do this, the prominent ladies in Brisbane Ultimate have got together and organised another season of the Women Ultimate Frisbee League (now, and forever known as WUFL). 

Registrations are open on afda- so, ladies, put your name down now! By all accounts women playing this league enjoy it more than the mixed leagues in Brisbane (no smelly boys, yelling and generally being jerks to deal with).

There is also a facebook group! Join the group for all the details. Get involved and make the most of this opportunity. I'm looking at HUC girls like, Jodie Dickson, Lauren Hillier, Lisa Roxborough and Helena Lambert, just a name a few. If you see these wonderful women around then encourage them to come on down, and give it a go!

Men of Brisbane, BPL wants you!

While the regular season of BPL still has 4 weeks left, there is already noise being made about the Interim Winter League. The exactly details of the league are yet to be confirmed, however it will be a great chance for any male player looking to crack into BPL. 

If your someone like Brad Dull, Andy Thamm, Luke Stark or Sam Billingham (this is NOT definitely exhaustive), then keep your ears to the ground and hit up one of the Heroes (or any other team) BPL boys and keep hassling them about this!

Get excited for this, its shaping up as a great chance to learn from of the best ultimate players in Brisbane - and see how you shape up!

BUML Round 10

Only 6 rounds left, and it’s definitely starting to feel a lot like finals season.

Div2:

Heroes (6th) vs. Disc-iples (8th)

Heroes last 5: L W L W L (nice pattern)

Disc-iples last 5: L forfeit L L L

With some brand new uniforms being given out, and with a loss last week, Heroes are in line for a good win. Hopefully they have enough numbers to claim it, because this is a great chance to chalk a W up. Look out for the usual suspects, Nathaniel; a rookie that’s impressing around the club, Jodie; who catches everything and makes good decisions and Luke Stark to hold the team together. For the Disc-iples I'd be look out for one of the Cootes -it’s like half the team (Behrendorff style in White Lantern).

Heroes by 9 (or 3 for each girl sub)

Discheads (4th) vs. Agents (5th)

Discheads last 5: L W L L W

Agents last 5: L L W W W (moving on up the ladder)

-Insert intra-club G-up- blah blah blah... scroggin

Given that this game, as with all the other Intra-club games, is at the Gap SHS - everyone will be late. This is annoying because I was hoping to make a big song and dance about handing out the newly arrived uniforms. Yeah we got uniforms in btw. Get keen!

Anyways, back to the game. Agents have been going through a renewed period of winning, bringing back thoughts of yester-season (minor premiers). But Discheads have always had the Agents number, and from my glorious treehouse, and look to have taken on the 'big brother' role within the Div2 teams and don't like letting the siblings win. 

Discheads by 4

Div1

White Lantern v Ghost

White Lanterns last 5: W D W W L

Ghost last 5: L L L L L

Over on the Brisbane Ultimate Blog, the writers have tipped the Ghost in what would be the biggest upset of the season. By 3 over White Lanterns even though we lost last week, that just isn’t gonna happen. We got this, so turn up and out play them, like we all know we can.

Nothing more to say really, 

White Lantern by 9

BPL, and the race for the last finals spot!

Basically, its a 2 horse race. Cobras are currently at the bottom of the table, and have the top 3 teams left to play. Therefore I will ignore them in this post.

The 2 teams with real possibility of reaching the finals are Heroes, and Blitz - who are only separated on points difference for 4th and 5th respectfully. However, this is where things get interesting. Heroes will have to beat either Dojo Mojo next week, Buggers the week after or Blitz in the final round. All in all a difficult, but not insurmountable, task.  In comparison, Blitz face Buggers next week, Slamtown and finish with Heroes.

Fairly even right? 1 game each with a chance of an upset win, 1 game that both teams aren't expected to win at all, and the last game against eachother. Definitely an exciting end to the regular season. Although the 'glass half empty' people that we all know (me) will remind you that regardless of which team does claim 4th will get a heavy duty team first week in, and probably lose.

But don't let that get in the way, after all 4th and playing finals is better than finishing 5th and watching on the sidelines (and heckling), so there is plenty of pride on the line to play for.

I don't think I can give an unbiased post about the game, that would decide the last finals spot - given I play for  Blitz (by choice btw). So I'm not even gonna try. Maybe Carl or Rick could give one side of the story, than I reply from me? Who knows.

Comment with how you think these team's seasons are going to end up.

BPL goes very GC

Tonight the BPL goes on a road trip, to the Gold Coast. Alright!

The core of the Heroes team has just left headquarters (3 Yarrimbah Street, formerly the Boys House) and currently en route to the game. Go forth and take the Gold Coast by conquest !

Stupid blogger speak aside, the boys are gonna have a tough one tonight. They play Slamtown, in Slamtown! Holy Cow! Thats never been said before!

I'm excited to be going down really soon (in, like, 10 minutes) and represent my own team (Blitz, against Northside Cobras), in a different (and neutral) place - and smash it.

Wish us luck!

A Call for Authors

This blog has 17 authors. Surprised?

If you'd like to be one of these people, and would also like to post, then comment away!

More writers would surely spice up the HUC's treehouse.

BUML round 8

Open Ultimate has finished up for another year, which means its mixed season now baby! With many players now taking a well deserved break after nationals last week, and allowing themselves to rest for a couple weeks before refocusing on Mixed Nationals later this year in Perth. Expect several games to involve dominate players and energised players....

Division 1:

White Lantern vs Drop Bears.

Last time these teams meet was in round 3, and Drop Bears have found themselves some more depth with Buz joining the ranks. This frees up Pete Allen to cut and be a massive target downfield. With this addition even the once seemingly infallible Dyspnoeics have struggled, coming up with a 13 all draw.

It seems that Drop Bears have laid there claim as a real competitive division 1 force.

However, White Lantern does stand currently in third place on the ladder; and now also have several players with Nationals experience - renewing their vigor.
Past games mean nothing when rosters change.
White Lanterns by 2.

Division 2:

Heroes vs Discheads.

WOOHOO! Intra Club Battle! I love these games.
Heroes should be well rested, or could that then mean rusty? Who knows?
Surprisingly these two teams haven't met yet this season. These teams are really quite even, 5th and 4th respectfully. Apparently that tips the scales slightly in favor of Discheads.
I expect a close game with several turns, either team with a potent offense will prevail in this game. Looking at you, Brad Dull, Luke Stark.

Discheads by 4

Agents vs Disc-iples

And the award for the worst team name goes to... (Hint: they wear black). Anyways despite the name, the Disc-iples haven't been playing good ultimate of late - opening the door for a Agent win. The once Orange fortress of the Gap SHS, has been under siege this season (thankfully the White Lanterns have restored some of the fortress' glory).

Get pumped Agents, this is a great opportunity!

Agents by 5

Nationals next week!

In a pleasant change for this blogger, I wont be mentioning BUML once. This years premier tourney is on in Newcastle, from the 22nd to 25th. Although the Heroes Club does have a team representing at AUC this year, there are several club members playing for Firestorm, Wombats, Firestorm Ignition and of Black Betty. They are as follows:

Opens:
Firestorm: Chris Brown.
Wombats: George Salisbury
Firestorm Ignition: Carl Behrendorff, Craig Behrendorff, Sebastian Brown, Myall Hingee, Guarin Owen and Dan Strelan (almost half the team!)


Women:
Black Betty: Jo Ashdown, Brianna Fyffe and Sandra Poon.

Congrats to all these players! Brisbane Ultimate really does care how we all play and how we represent. Bring it on.

Ways that you can (and should be) support your teams at Nationals:
1) Hit the website up! it here. Its got everything, draw, team profiles etc

2) Follow Firestorm Ultimate on Twitter. @firestormulti

3) Like Nationals Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Australian-Ultimate-Championship/277866728942943

4) Check out  http://ulti.tv/ for game footage.

5) Look out for facebook updates from the people listed above

BUML Rd 7: Because anonymous asked for it

Div1

This week in the top division marks the second phase of round robin style draw that we have got going. Most teams will probably feel confident about there chances for making the finals now that they've played each team once.

Poachers have unexpectedly found themselves on top of the table, being undefeated - albeit with 2 draws. Draws suck. Kalin is the real driving force here. UQ have also gone without losing a game, sitting just 1 point behind in second place. This was cemented last week with a win against Dysponoeics. Particularly, impressive as they were savage the whole game and had a 3:4 guy:girl split. Dysponoeics do however have the best +/- of the division (20) suggesting that they could have suffered from big game nerves or got too comfortable after beating lower raked teams. Coming up in fourth place is HUCs own White Lantern, who have been improving each week and are looking at clawing up the board in this second half of the season. Some of our games have also been lost from winnable positions, suggesting that we're not far from being right at the top. Fifth and Sixth are both teams that have disappointing starts to the season, with only 1 win between them - in a game played against each other.

Come finals time, I really do feel like any of the top 4 teams these teams could win against any of the other 3. Should be a very interesting finals series (when it gets here).

WL vs UQ

Ok, so now for an actual match preview.
White Lantern v. UQ. WL had a draw last week, UQ put in a dark blue assault of a game. Point 1 to UQ. UQ won in a second half comeback last time we met. Another point to UQ. White Lanterns have been improving throughout the season, WL gets one back. WL also will come out with a changed attitude, toward the spirit of the game and personal enjoyment, 1 point for WL.

Thats 2 all. Therefore this game will probably be a tightly contested one, full of Gref and BW playmaking and Carl and Chaddy shenanigans.

WL by 3. (almost obligatory)

Div2

This is where I think a second writer would be good, someone that actually plays in the division would be sweet. But that hasn't stopped me so far, ... so  tally ho!
 

Heroes vs Tsunami

Tsunami are at top of the table, but from what I have seen of them (a limited sample) they do still turn the disc over a fair bit. Heroes should therefore concentrate on solid fundamentals. Minimise drops, throwaways and try to convert on offense.

Tsunami by 6

Baby Chimis vs Discheads

Discheads have come off, oh wait its not on the BUML website (Rick? or is that a LD or a ground director issue?). I'll assume my tip was correct and Discheads lost, sorry guys. The good news is that this week should be different, your playing Chimis.

Discheads by 5

Bermuda vs Agents

Unfortunately this isn't going to be a close, or high quality game. Agents have been found wanting this season and Bermuda are doing what Agents did last season and by that I mean, winning everything. But were ever positive and hopefully in the tent fort, from which I write this blog post (literally).

Bermuda by 8

BUML Round 6.

Div2:

The word around the club is that all the div2 teams are going to struggle for numbers. Just a side note for BUML LDs (from the most supportive guy ever) maybe not schedule games on Easter Monday. Perhaps just rock a pickup game? I feel like this would result in less games with not many players. Just saying.

Baby Chimis vs Heroes

I'd ordinary say Heroes are gonna win this, and today is no different. This is despite Heroes being down a couple players. Chimis have struggled this season to win games, however this could be blooding new players. Not a lot to say about this game, hey.

Heroes by 6

Triangle vs Discheads

Again, Discheads are gonna be down several guys and ladies. Triangle are probably gonna win this one. Unfortunately, Triangle haven't been challenged at all this season - not even by WTH.

Expect Triangle run down in a massive 5 person cup. I still dont get that... Handlers just swing it and wait for the whole team to run out of breath.

BT by 8

What the Huck? vs Agents

Agents have been down on numbers lately, hopefully tonight is gonna be different. I'm still hopeful for a Agents win. WTH having been getting good results in each game, I expect this to be no different.

WTH by 6

Div1:

White Lantern vs Poachers

This is where I get the say the BUB is behind the times. In line with several other teams, Poachers should be down a couple key players i.e. Myall, Jmac. Making an already slim line very small. White Lanterns actually should be quite a full strength team, and should run hard all night.  I'm looking forward to this game, should be really fun.

White Lanterns by 5

BUML Round 5: Preview

White Lantern vs Ghost Who Walks - Gap2

After last weeks games, both of these teams will be looking to chalk up a win. Lanterns in previous weeks have been  improving with each game, getting stronger and faster and more cohesive. Whereas I haven't seen the Ghostys play this season - I will assume that the same game plan is order (as for the last 3 seasons). Send ladies long and let play flow through Luke's flick. Solution: zone, don't poach deep.

Rumours have also surfaced of a magic lantern that WL will use to recharge their powers before the game to come out hot, and on the money.

On googling 'Ghost That Walks', I found its a debut album of Karen Elson (relevance?) Anyways ...

Using Dyspnoeics as a yardstick,
White Lanterns by 6

 

Discheads vs WTH - Annerley3B

This looks like a hot game,  4th taking on 2nd separated only by goal difference (5 and 15, respectfully). The Discheads got shown up last week this a loss to Tsunami (could be a following the old Discheads tactic of 'walking quietly and holding a big stick'). WTH sweep aside the Green Heroes last week, but from what I saw from across the field (whilst struggling to get a point!) was not convincing - so WTH had better bring it all they could be be facing another loss and slipping down the ladder.

David Warren. yep the guy that invented to black box, its up to you to lead the troops!

While genuinely trying to find a picture for this part of the post, I found this (on google):

Nice mullet Luke Stark!

WTH by 4

 

Heroes vs Triangle - Easts 3

Heroes will have a tough game. Triangle will naturally come in a massive cup (its up to 6 now right?) and granted its hard to throw through that, but around it, well that is something else entirely.

Cheat Sheet on how to beat a cup:
Fast and confident handler cuts and disc movement.
Get the dishy if its there to be had!
Make sure Bradley goes deep and takes Geoff out of the picture, this will open space up.
and finally,
Offense is easy, chill out and walk it in.

How to defend against Triangle:
Watch out for Geoff's double, triple, 4-peat etc cuts. If he is not touching the disc flow will dry up.
If Geoff does get the disc, he generally doesn't break the mark (despite being able to), mark the open side religiously. Give them nothing.

Step three is take half, followed closely by step 4 (win the game)

Walkthrough compete. Give this a watch before the game, and get pumped up!

Triangle by 5

 

Agents vs Tsunami - Gap2

Whereas Agents are winless, they have played a sample of the top half of the ladder. But the Big Waves are on the march, after good wins in previous rounds. Things that I've learnt from playing Tsunami, Erik is taller than you think. This sounds dump, but when your deciding if you should throw the bomb deep make sure its super - crazy - ridiculously on before you throw it.  Gavin could be making a comeback tonight, but that remains to be seen (I should asked him when I saw him). Agents will surely win more games with that kinda guy on the lines.


Tsunami by 4