The Reward

Hi all,

Sorry this has taken so long to put another post up. Been travelling around Europe and only just gotten home. The blog itself didn't really live up to the hype do to a lack of updates from the other teams and perhaps a complete lack of time to provide any other information other than the sparse updates that were done late at night before sleep. Seems funny that in a six day tournament with, at a maximum of, three 45 minute games per day that there is no time for anything else, but that was the case.

From the Mixed team point of view we were meeting 30 minutes before game time, which meant getting ready for the game up to an hour before that. Then warmups, then the game which almost always went to time cap and therefore was more like 55 minute games. Then the spirit circle, which was generally a lengthy affair, which was followed by a long stretching routine, sometimes preceded by a cooling swim. Normally we would have lunch straight after finishing our game routine, or dinner if it was a late game. If we played in the hellish 1 or 2pm timeslots generally there was only time to fill up water, go to the toilet, reload the sunscreen and then get back to the fields for the next game.

With games nightly at the Arena, people after dinner were always keen to leave immediately to go watch them. Otherwise there may have been physio appointments or the allure of some regenerating beers at the Beach Bar. Although I can gladly report that the seriousness of the tournament was not lost on players, and my maximum drinks per night (during the tournament) was three beers. Considering that it takes at least 10+ for me to notice feelings of euphoria (see pre-tournament party), I'd say it was a sober experience. Often we were in bed by 9:30pm, again something I would never do at home, but we were here to play as best we could and rest is important. The early bed was also indicative of the heat inside our accommodation where we had no airconditioning or airflow. Club 105 (Cupcake, Sarah, Notty, myself and Henry) moved all five of their beds out onto the balcony to sleep under the stars which made a massive difference for effective sleep. At least until the sun came up....

Anyway, here's what we were playing for at WCBU 2011:

Brings a tear to your eye doesn't it?

Also, there's some good media floating around peoples cameras. Would love to collect it all and put it somewhere (maybe this blog). Here's a few examples:

In the coming weeks there should be our streamed games, each Aussie team had one, will be formatted and uploaded online for your viewing pleasure. They were commentated by the crew at BlockStack.tv (hi Tom). In the meantime I only have one link to a very short passage of play by the Mixed team:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_v_ZWJjoE (way to go Lila).

Here's your latest Australian Ultimate medallists, The Aussie Breakers of WCBU2011:

 And because you've been good readers, here's a couple of photos of me flying around the place on the beach. Thanks to Richie for taking these great photos, one of which (the bottom one) is definitely going to win AFDA photo of the month...

Thanks for reading, see you next time (when Australian sends a Masters team).

Day 6 - Breakers

Whilst the chance of a shinier medal was gone, playing for a medal was a very big prize for us. Our opponents were Portugal, which included our very good friend, BULA president, Patrick. This was the first day that the weather wasn't perfect. There were clouds in the sky and a consistent strong breeze.

Our O line kicked off the game with a score, then the D ran off a couple more. It was cms away from 4 - 0. Anyway offense again righted the ship and the game was won by our outstanding defensive lines. The wind played a big part in our victory, as we continually got turns and then patiently worked the disc back up the field for scores. Final score was 11 - 3, and the bronze medal was ours.

After watching the USA defeat Germany in a very close game, the medal ceremony was well received by the large crowd at the beach stadium.

Thanks to Pete and Notty for captaining us to third place, and for the other Australian teams for cheering us on.

Bronze!!!

Day 5 - Breakers

The Breakers first game was the quarter final against Great Britain. The game was played in the middle of the day, which hopefully helped us who might be more used to the heat. The first point went for 10 minutes with a number of calls being made. Eventually our defense broke through and that started a good run for us. There was another long point not long afterwards. So when time cap went when the score was 6 - 3 it was no surprise. GB got 2 more points before our offence clicked to win the game and lock in a semi final berth.

Unfortunately that semi final game was against a team that had handily beat us less than 24 hours before. We were pumped for revenge, but it wasn't to be. Ze Germans were just too awesome for us and put the game away early. Final score 13 - 5.

Day 4 - Breakers

Another day, another three games in 36 degree heat. Whilst that doesn't sound that bad, Aussie summers can and regularly do get quite a lot hotter than that, the semi humid and bloody hot sand make for a nasty combination.

Our first game was against Currier Island, the ficticious land which many Ultimate nomads ply their trade. We started strong which included a 6 - 0 start. From there the game dragged on a bit as we were hoping for a quick game. Our D line got turns on every point but often had to get another D before they could score. The game finished after time cap, 11 - 5 (I think, sorry it's been a long day).

Our next game was against The Netherlands. Our good friend Hilco was injured, bit still managed a few points. This wad probably our best game of the tournament, as everything was clicking and running efficiently. We finished the game and then had a refreshing swim, 13 - 4.

Because of the big stadium game and the lateness of it, the team had a dinner together about halfway between the normal fields and the stadium. The food was about the same quality as what we have been getting at Ge Tur, which is to say quite good. We killed some time before moseying over to the stadium. Playing under lights at night was going to be different. At least we were out of the sun, but it was still hot.

Ze Germans had a large squad with extreme pace at every position. They were clinical, efficient and very fast. We made a few uncharacteristic mistakes which they capitalized on. And they used their pace to score a lot of points. We started playing better in the second half of the game, but by then it was too late. We went down 13 - 6.

Trade night happened after our game, so with a long walk back to our accommodation, people got their trade on. The Aussie gear, particularly the green shirts and travel shirt were hit items.

Tomorrow we have quarters and probably semis, plus finals to watch. Should be a good day.

Day 3 - Breakers - Games 2 & 3

Our first game this afternoon was against Italy. They fielded a fairly short (height wise) team, but full of young fresh legs. The Breakers offense scored at will, but it was the defensive lines that won the game. Turnover after turnover was forced whilst the O was looking sweet and converting at a high rate. The game was over before time cap, 13 - 5.

The last game of the day was against a much tougher opposition in Switzerland. Not the tallest team either but lots of good throwers and speed. The game was quite even with both teams having the lead. Our defense was getting turns early, but as the game wore on, it appeared that 3 games in the day had taken it's toll compared to the fresher legs of the Swiss. It was a well spirited game that just ran away from us. 11 - 7 loss.

That gives us 2 losses and a much harder route through the crossover pool play. Looking forward to another massive three game day, including a stadium game tomorrow night against the top seeded team in our pool, Germany.

See you tomorrow!

Day 3 - Breakers - Game 1

Our first 9am game was played in beautiful conditions, not too hot and little to no breeze. Our foe was Ireland. After our close loss last night, some team restructuring occurred to assist numbers in our D line. They appeared to work very well as our defense was all over the Irish cutters and made their throws very difficult. It seemed that we were getting turns on every D point, however some lapses in our offense (both lines) made things difficult for ourselves. We again were up by two near the end if the game but couldn't pull away. The game came down to universe point (again). We were on offense, had a drop in the end zone, got it back and scored to win.

Well played and spirited game.

Day 2 - Breakers

Day 2 at WCBU saw the Breakers only scheduled to play one game, due to Ugandans visa issues. We were drawn against Estonia. The later start helped with the heat, and there was a little more breeze than yesterday.

The game started with us trading points, we were playing welling offense and getting consistent turns on D. As the game wore on the Breakers built a three point lead. But after a mammoth D point with numerous turns at both ends, the Estonians managed to score. They were able to score 2 more points to seal the win in heartbreaking fashion.

Whilst we are dejected about our first loss, an exciting day tomorrow looms.

Games against Ireland, Italy and Switzerland will be a real test for us.

Day 1 - Breakers

The Aussie Breakers first game was against Poland in the blistering 2pm time slot. The heat from the sand emanated through everyone's sand socks. The Poles had some tall timber, particularly from their women and good looking skills.

They opened up a two point advantage early in the game. Early game nerves were evident. But some cool heads prevailed and all our training kicked in. Our offensive plays were working well and our defense kicked up a notch to open up a three point lead. At time cap the Breakers scored again to make it 9 - 6. Poland got two more before we finished them off, 10 - 8.

Poland were very spirited throughout the game and gave us all a hat pin and sang us a song. There were a few screwed up faces when they tried their spirit prize of Vegemite.

Game 2 was against Brazil in the much friendlier time slot of 5pm. Brazil were a fun team to play against. The were a little inexperienced, but gave us some good defensive practice and helped us work out dome kinks in our strategies. The score was 13 - 5 at the end. The spirit circle involved team members being danced around by the opposite sex and a humorous game with a dry dessert...

So 2 games, 2 wins. A pretty good start to the tournament. Up tomorrow - Estonia.

Opening ceremony

B'Giorno mate,

Well the tournament has officially begun. We've had the opening nations parade followed by the first showcase game (a semi-upset by Italy over our very good friends the Phillipines). It's been fantastic weather, it's 9:30pm and still 30 degrees.

Last night there was an unofficial party which was very well attended by the Aussies. There were crazy long fluro straws, friendly bar staff and important petitions. The usual riffraff were still out late and some of the usuals were kicked out early. There's only been reports of three upset stomachs this morning.

With all the teams populated, we had our first training runs this morning. We've found that the sand is extremely hot. Thankfully we were warned of this and sand socks have been ordered. It doesn't feel Australian to have to wear socks on the beach, but only a few brave, or deranged, souls are going to chance ruining their soles.

Tonight is very chilled as the first games start tomorrow for us. The fruits of our training and preparations is about to be realized. It's time for our game faces to be put on. Games for tomorrow:

Salties:
11am vs Denmark, 3pm vs Austria

Platypi:
10am vs Germany, 2pm vs Finland

Breakers:
2pm vs Poland, 5pm vs Brazil

Game reports should be coming in thick and strong starting tomorrow, so keep checking back for all the latest.

Game day approaches!!

Dov'e, Comé, Percha, Cosa, Quando

Boun journo blog readers, comé va?

WCBU 2011 plans to be the best social media supported World Championships yet. What does this mean? It means that there’s going to be an information overload clogging the Internet’s many pipelines to everywhere. But more specifically, for those us of in Italy and for those of you at home, it’s going to be easy to follow the action and keep updated with the latest goss.

Firstly, this blog, http://auswcbu2011.blogspot.com, has got you sorted for all the important coverage, and no doubt, some extraneous stories of fun and frivolity. We’ll have game reports from fantastic writers on each of the teams, and probably tidbits of information from team mates a plenty.

So here’s the basics: Australia has three teams with gold medals on the brain:

Open: Salties                     Women: Platypi                                Mixed: Breakers

The three teams playing slots are detailed in the official schedule:  http://www.beachultimate.org/blog/WCBU2011-schedule-FINAL.pdf. So, if you enjoy looking at colourful tables or have a fetish for large tournament organisation, this is vital information for you.

We will generally be playing between 2 and 3 times a day. Updates from the games, as well as the end results, will be broadcast on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/WCBU2011Results
http://twitter.com/#!/WCBU2011Open
http://twitter.com/#!/WCBU2011Women
http://twitter.com/#!/WCBU2011Mixed

But you may just want to use our Australian team Twitter feed, which will have all the pertinent information anyway:

@auswcbu2011 (http://twitter.com/#!/ausWCBU2011)

Now for something special, there will be live streamed video broadcasts of a number of games throughout the tournament. Both the Salties and the Breakers will have games available to watch, better than CSI or Sunrise, through the initial pool play. No doubt there will be further games as we progress through the finals process. The games will be viewable from: http://live.iamultimate.com

And timezone converted for the Aussie viewing audience, here are the games:

Tue Aug 23, 21:00 EST:   Canada vs Australia (Open)
Fri Aug 26, 05:00 EST:      Germany vs Australia (Mixed)

Last but not least, here is the official tournament website http://wcbu2011.org, which will hopefully have updates from the whole tournament, pictures, links to other blogs, links to other video, ...., the list goes on and on.

So there’s not too much more left to say but we’re getting close to the opening ceremony and first games. 3 more sleeps!!!

Ciao.

Arrival

For some of us, these World Champs are a great excuse to get in some additional travelling around Italy and Europe. Quite a few adventurers are here already soaking in the sun and warm weather.

I arrived in Venice yesterday and met up with Richie who'd been in Finland for the day. For dinner, we had Calzones and litre steins of sweet sweet Peroni. The calzone was basic but still tasty, due mostly to the cheese quotient. I had forgotten how much love the artichoke gets in this part of the world.

The weather is awesome. 30 degrees with low wind and last night was warm and comforting. For those of us who are making the trip, be prepared to crack out the shorts after a long winter at home. Anyone who is stuck in the southern part of the southern hemisphere, I'm afraid you'll just have to wait.

Richie and I are off to Florence today to recreate some scenes from AC2. See you all soon.

Ciao for now.

Welcome

G'day mate,

This blog's intention is to provide you, the avid fan at home, with up to date information on what is happening on the other side of the world during the week of August 21 - 28, 2011. Three teams of true blue Aussies are travelling to Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy to test their skills and mental fortitude against the best in the world. We're playing in the World Championships of Beach Ultimate.

We'll try to keep you up to date with each teams (Open, Womens and Mixed) progress through the tournament, as well as some enjoyable tales of calzone and chianti. Hopefully there will be some additional photo and videographic evidence of our conquests (sporting wise only) as the week progresses.

So sit back, relax with a ciotola di spaghetti (apparently that's bowl of spaghetti) and let the the good times roll...