Report by Nick Karunaratne (TD)

3^rd-4^th October 2009


Core Players

David Booker (c)
William Martin
Nicholas Karunaratne
Phil Kelly
Ross Mills
Jeff (Henry) Hogg
Kate Nicholas – Beginner
Dave Ramsden – Beginner

Pick Ups

Derek (Fusion West player)

Seeded 15^th out of 16

Day 1 Report

From the moment we set foot on the beautiful football pitches of Stirling university at 9am the wind was intense and very choppy. With only 2 players in our team with moderate experience throwing in the wind and two beginners we knew that this was going to be a hard day…and then it started to rain heavily. Welcome to Stirling Tune up!

Match Report

First game: Pies 6 - Chase 9
An anticipated hard game with aggressive play and big hucks from Chase. Despite gaining a few points/ turnovers from arrowhead they quickly adapted to take upwind point and lead. Well fought and spirited.

Second game: Pies 7- Flatball 8
Wind increased by 12pm and winning the toss would decide outcome it seemed. However we lost the toss and from the onset the game was all about trading. We played arrowhead extremely well slowing their game down dramatically but we just couldn’t score on the upwind. Brilliant play by all and enjoyable regardless of conditions!  

Third game: Pies 5- Hammerheads 4 (Derek joins team as pick up)
As we thought the wind couldn’t get worse it intensified making even the most experienced wind hardened veterans shiver. The game outcome all depended on the toss in which we were fortunate to win and quickly slot in a score downwind. From here the wind limited play to the edge of the downwind endzone. Derek, Will and Booker showed great skill in hucking the disc upwind in our attempt to score upwind which was so close.

End of day 1 we were 3^rd in pool and 11^th seed overall. Party Time!!!

Day 2 Report

9am again with slight hangovers this time round but no wind! In fact the weather was glorious sun shine and cooling morning dew! Being able to throw more increased our moral sky high as we prepared for 6-11 crossover.

First game- Pies (11^th seed) 7- Mojo Two (6^th seed) 6
Excellent play from both teams throughout with huge grabs and great cuts! We played our offence and defence to our highest peak but by no means can we rule out some amazing play from Mojo! Beginners started to show some real confidence and played a large part in winning this important game. One of the most enjoyable and well spirited games I have ever played!

Second game Pies (6^th seed) 6- Chase (3^rd seed) 9
Chase again and without wind there play increased substantially. Hard cuts and fast continuation broke our zone and the lack of fresh legs started to take its toll! Again some brilliant handling by Derek, Will, Booker and Jeff with some great cuts from both beginners and experienced alike to  make the game close. Without the wind it made the game so much more enjoyable than Saturday.

Third game- Pies (6^th seed) 11- Flatball (7^th seed) 5
What a weird turn of events, yet again playing a pool team! However we showed dominance with our zone and offence that was limited with the wind the day before. Everyone played amazing and couldn’t pick out a fault with anyone! Despite only playing together for the first time that weekend our flow of play was incredible! One game left.

Forth game- Pies (6^th seed) 13- Blaze one (5^th seed) 7  Hard cap reached
Final game against the hosts of the tournament and what a game it was. Our zone worked wonders with several turnovers and scores occurring in quick succession giving a large lead! Once again the Beginners played to such a high standard and made a massive difference to the line! In the end our handlers and cutters tidied up the game by reaching the hardcap. Great game to end the tournament J

Player Reports;
Booker; Solid handler all weekend with little time off the pitch, Worked deep in the zone extremely well and stopped many teams long game. Yet he gave hammerheads a Callahan! Great job bud!

Will- Played amazing all weekend with safe hands and brilliant long play on offence. Completely deserved MVP!

Phil- Showed us all how he has improved in the summer with some great defence and big grabs in the end zone. Made it known why height is such an advantage! J

Ross- Ran flat out all weekend with some great bids and long cuts! Worked chase position in zone all weekend with no lack in performance. Where does he get the energy from?! Great addition to the team!

Jeff- Always there when needed with some high quality handling and defence. Another vital contributor to the team with a sweet Callahan against Chase!

Kate- While being the only girl on the team and a beginner she took on zone defence incredibly and towards the end of the weekend became one of our best receivers. Amazing in all respects and deserved MIP!

Dave- Again yet another beginner who showed high level play with cutting and always looking up field for a pass instead of dumping straight away. Caught some amazing discs and worked horizontal stack extremely well making the other team work hard in deep.  


Final standing- 5^th Seed
MVP of team- William
MIP of team- Kate

Party award- Dundee Stars
Spirit award- Hammerheads
Spoon- Hammerheads
Plate- Ro Sham Bo 2
Winners of Stirling 09- Ro Sham Bo 1