Today we saw our Australian contingent take to the field once more for a slightly different day. Both the Mundis and the Dingoes played just the one game, while the Firetails braved the heat twice to continue their rampant streak in pool play. Our on the ground sources have been immensely helpful in providing us with updates so far in the tournament and today they are taking a bit of a break to no doubt focus on their recovery and make sure they are in the best place possible for tomorrow's games. However, we were graced with our first live streamed game today so there is still plenty to talk about!
MIXED
Game 1: Australia 8 - Philippines 15
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the stream. Or rather, the Dingo in the stream that was definitely supposed to be a Barramundi. For whatever reason, the commentator had their team names muddled and there was seemingly no one around to point out the confusion. But oh well, it did make me laugh when the actual Dingoes appeared in the background of the stream to warm up for their game.
As for the game itself, it was a very close first half against the home nation. Some excellent defensive efforts from the likes of Kevin Dang, as well as consistent front row pressure from Ynez Ruiz, Kaede Yoshida and Ben Powlay meant that the Mundis were able to generate turns downfield as the Philippine players tried to squeeze some tough inside shots. Mike Kelly and James Osmond both used their height to their advantage on offense and defense, you’ve really got to feel for some of the smaller players who quite literally might have been half Osmond’s size.
The Philippines took the first half 8-6, with some handy stats from Ultiworld telling us that both teams had had five clean holds; however, the difference being that the home nation had created six break chances, one that they were able to convert on.
The second half was unfortunately not what the Mundis had hoped for. The Philippines continued to cause problems with their very impressive small ball, swinging the disc back and forth continuously until a shot opened up. With that said, there were still plenty of positive take-aways for our comrades. Timocles Copland managed to get a great block in the deep space after some patient Aussie defense forced a rogue hammer. Kaede Yoshida could possibly start a housing construction company after absolutely roofing a bloke (it was an uncontested foul, but I am told that the crowd “strongly disagreed” with the outcome). And on the offensive side of things, Max Halden was playing some signature fris, deconstructing zones as casually as a child plays with lego. Holly Reeve was clinical behind the disc, and also managed to sneak downfield to score. Also one to point out is Maddie Owens who made the seamless switch to the O line today to fill in following an unfortunate injury - racking up a goal, a few assists, and a monster layout block.
Last note for mixed. Jeremy Ha’s greatest attempt really exemplified the spirit of the Australian teams, I feel. Realistically, he wasn’t very close to the disc; but you never know! I commend his hunger for trying. The commentator also got a good giggle out of it.
WOMENS
Game 1: Australia 15 - Singapore 10
As mentioned, the Firetails ventured into the sweltering Manila heat for two games today. Game one against Singapore was, “a GAME”. The Singaporen women started out strong with two clean offensive points and utilised their handlers with heaps of small ball and quick movement to channel the disc down the field. I am told it was incredibly hard to defend, even with so many long arms flailing about. Trying to stop the creative insides and unders was quite the task for the Australians, but in the end, the height and athleticism of the Firetails was enough to grind out into the lead and take half at 8-3.
The second half was yet another step up with the Singaporean women fighting till the end. The game had a few monster points with long lengthy discussions on the field, particularly regarding contested catches. And just to make this clear for people, the weather in Manila at the moment is brutal. We are talking 30 degrees in the morning getting up to mid-30s in the afternoon: with approximately 75% humidity. The amount of fluid people must be losing is insane, I really hope athletes invested in more than one kit.
Anyway, back to it, our Firetails were able to finish the game 15-10 but I’m told from sources on the ground that, “it felt a lot closer and was by far our toughest opponent in this division so far”. Players such as ex-Stingray Deb Lee and Sydney-known faces such as JJ and Janice were also present, which apparently made the sideline banter even better. It is great to hear that our athletes are finding the time to smile while in the thick of it!
Game 2: Australia 15 - Malaysia 1
The Firetails took on Malaysia at 3pm in a game that featured more of the same as far as handler weaves and inside shots were concerned. Having had the opportunity to play against the Singaporean team that did this so well, the Firetails had seemingly refined the art of defending it and were able to take half fairly convincingly 8-0.
Here is where the drama starts. As many would recall, 2019 AOUGC saw frequent delays as a result of the tumultuous weather conditions. As ominous clouds started rolling over the fields with thunderstorms on the horizon, it was almost a race against time to get through the game. I have no evidence or information to back this, but for drama’s sake, let’s imagine that someone got a layout block on the endzone line (probably Angela Pidgeon, I’m told she got four layout Ds in this game), and right as the disc was released from Lyra Meehan’s canon of an arm, play was canceled. Pick your favourite player to pull down the disc and, done, the Firetails win the game. Play was in fact canceled, but maybe after the goal - you decide.
I am also told that Sally Yu played a ripper game and got some big blocks. Congrats on a very successful day, Firetails!
Opens
Game 1: Australia 15 - Malaysia 9
I have nothing to go off for this game which is perfectly okay with me because I told myself this was going to be done half an hour ago. Some quick words though, the Dingoes have been playing some class ultimate so far and are looking incredibly strong. A 15-9 win is convincing to say the least and I am sure it was another good performance from the Pack.
Maybe the only drama I can point to in the Dingoes camp comes in the form of some photos floating around from today that feature Jono Keyes making a layout grab as well as another one of a serious looking Oliver Loughnan. But if you take a closer look you will see that they are wearing different hats: Jono favouring his U24 Goannas Fractel (not sponsored) cap on this occasion over the new Dingoes, also Fractel, cap being sported by Olly and several others. Trouble in paradise for these two stars, perhaps? There isn’t a whole lot that separates them on the field, but this is a big help.
Tune in tomorrow for another update! The Barramundis will play in a crossover game against Chinese Taipei; the Firetails have two games against Chinese Taipei also, as well as Japan; and the Dingoes are taking on the Republic of Korea and, you will never guess, Chinese Taipei.
Good luck Team Australia! We are all cheering for you from home and beyond.
Thank you again to the athletes/coaches who have been so generous in sharing information with us. It is greatly appreciated!
Editors note: Though the Fractel references were not sponsored we are open for business for an official IOU hat provider.