So here's a one-eyed report from Saturday night's QUDA Bash. I was sort of busy being the MC for the evening, and then went home relatively early (I'd been renovating all day and was buggered). If I get anything wrong, blame the bacardis. But updates, corrections and additions welcome – just use that comments button at the bottom.
About 50 people descended on the Ashgrove Golf Club on Saturday 24 November for a bit of an end of year get together. Many people had dressed themselves up real pretty like, although the most fashionable accessory to be sporting was some sunburn picked up at the McTournament: New Tastes event earlier in the day. Most useful accessory was Cath's radio, from which she was able to pass on results from the Federal Election as the evening progressed.
Some fine food was laid on and the barstaff kept busy as chief organisers Maylin and Peta welcomed everyone at the door. Some enjoyed the deck area, and several social butterflies flutters around for the first hour or two.
Eventually, MC Jase (ie me), got the group assembled and relatively quiet for the presentation of a series of Awards. A few 'Who Am I' quiz questions livened things up and got the crowd a-thinkin'.
Queensland Club of the Year 2007
First up was Queensland Club of the Year 2007. As discussed elsewhere on this blog, the idea was to reflect the continuing growth of ongoing clubs in Queensland (and northern NSW) and their tournament results usings a fairly 'objective' set of rules to award points and such.
While there was only one winner, it was good to go through the efforts of the various clubs through the year. Check out tomorrow's Brisbane Ultimate Blog for the full results and analysis, but particular note should be made of the Gold Coast's GU-nit (props to Stef!), and Byron Bay's The Pass for their exceptional grooviness this year.
Congratulations were thus extended to the UQ Lovers who were named Queensland Club of the Year 2007. The Lovers had a great year, winning AUGs of course, plus hosting and winning Lovefest, getting a lot of rookies to Halibut, having the fab-est shirts at AUGs, and winning one BPL season and coming runners-up in another. The delightful Bree received the award on behalf of the Lovers. Yeah Lovers!
Little Miss Tickle
Next up was the first of the Sultry Awards, this one presented by the delightful Emma Bendall. It had a proper name but sorry I forget. Something to do with Mr Tickle and orang tang arms and recognising the awesomeness that is Maylin Chua! Yeah Maylin!
Brisbane League Director of the Year
The third award for the night was Brisbane League Director of the Year. Four League Directors (plus their helpers) were nominated:
Already-a-legend Brett Matzuka for his enthusiasm in that most venerable of Queensland Leagues, the UQ League (UQL);
Eireann Gilligan, who's been running the Women's Ultimate Frisbee League (WUFL), currently on Tuesday's at Toowong. Perhaps the highlight of the League has been that it generated two teams of women who went down to Melbourne for Nationals in April;
Jon Good, who took on the Brisbane Premier League (BPL) at the start of the Year. The BPL has grown from four to six teams during 2007, while maintaining what's arguably the highest standard of Open League in the country; and
Mark Malloy (and his sidekicks Adilia Murabito and Dan Blacklock) for the Monday night Mixed Yeronga Ultimate Frisbee League continues to be the most popular league in Brisbane, having to (unfortunately!) turn teams and players away as it exceeds capacity!
This all indicated a great year for Leagues in Brisbane - thanks to these fabulous League Directors!
The tension built as delightful Maylin Chua opened the Oscars-style envelope – to report that the judges (after several days of struggle) had agreed to a four-way tie! Congrats Brett, Eirrean, Jon and Malloy&Adilia&Dan!
Roger, Over
The Sultry brains-trust again took the stage to pass out a big THANK YOU to Roger Church for his efforts in coaching the two squads to Nationals this year. Well done Roger!
Outfit of the Year
Somewhere in the flow of things, there was also the Outfit of the Year Award. There were three nominations:
- Liam Gilliam's Mankini from Nationals, AUGs and Surfers Paradise Police Watch-house;
- Dusty Czok's Blue Lizard from Mixed Nationals; and,
- Peta McNaughton's Queen's Frock from Halibut.
The decision was made by the crowd screaming for each nominee … and the winner was Peta McNaughton! Yeah Pete!
Queensland Arse of the Year
The QUDA Bash then saw Brisbane adopt a prize originating from Newcastle Ultimate (first they take our Halibut trophy, now this!). So blame Notty.
First, through a convoluted process involving sex, drinking and coin-flipping, Ange Connellan was selected as the Judge.
Next, all the menfolk in the room were made to face a wall, with much joviality ensuing, particularly from Sean Flanagan, for whom this all seemed very familiar.
Judge Ange was then blindfolded and led down the line, pausing for a professional feel of each male arse. With advice from Steph, Maylin, Emma and Eireann, Ange appeared to be using a complicated scale considering such qualities as size, firmness, curvature and whether and what sort of noise the owner made while his arse was being grappled with.
After a second feel, the Best Arse in Queensland was announced as Heather's boyfriend Dave, who doesn't even play Ultimate (but may start now).
Mike Neild, Matt Eastburn and Al Don voiced some protest and appeared to be ready to call for a re-grope, but giggling generally prevailed. Next year the Arse of the Year may well be an all-female category, so start asking for those 2008 QUDA Bash tickets now!
Volunteer of the Year 2007
QUDA Treasurer Bruce McNaughton then stepped up to speak on a great year for Ultimate in Queensland, and present the Volunteer of the Year award. A lot of great stuff had already come up through the evening, but a few others were mentioned here:
- Biggest Halibut ever
- Bootius Maximus winning Mixed Nationals
- Yeronga Disc Golf Course
- Capalaba League kicking off
- more teachers becoming accredited coaches
- Indoor tournament in Brisbane
- Townsville leading a team to Nationals
- and a bunch of other stuff.
Bruce also introduced the new QUDA Volunteer of the Year Award, noting that, compared to other sports, volunteers in Ultimate have an extra load, as they are usually players too.
Brett Matzuka and I were recognised for our volunteer efforts in 2007, and Bruce said lots of nice stuff about us. Thanks Bruce!
That wound up the awards, and dessert arrived, but I've rambled enough for now.
Readers, if you have some photos from the night, send them to me to post, or send me the link.
Overall, a great night out, and to summarise those awards again:
Club of the Year - UQ Lovers
Special Sultry Award for Maylin
League Director of the Year - Four Way Tie!
Special Sultry Thanks Award for Roger
Outfit of the Year - Peta McNaughton
Arse of the Year - Heather's bf Dave
Volunteers of the Year - Brett Matzuka and Jason de Rooy
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