BUML 17-9A Preview: Here We Remain

So this Monday brings the first half of the AUGs/AMUC inspired split round, which gives us previewers a bit of a break, and a chance to run a bit of other business in this space.

Best of luck to all the gang from Griffith, QUT and of course UQ at the Australian University Games, which huck off next Monday at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.

Most importantly, apparently whomever is available of the two Griffith teams are going to the Beachhouse at Garden City for a few quiet ones. This means that folks visiting the Griffith campus for once will not be overly confused by the number of people running around in red shirts, nor by JdR’s inconsistent timekeeping and rambling about how it’s the only field he’s played Ultimate on this year, aside from Townsville.

Rumours about the Queensland Hat abound, particularly with news that Badman is going under the knife in November meaning his birthday will be more bummer than bash. The QH is flagged for 27-28 November in Brisbane.

Division 1

Poachers vs Heroes – Annerley 3A
The Poachers will be desperate to win this one, as Myall and Kalin have put the word out amongst the team that they’ll accept nothing less than a Semi-Final berth, or they’ll be quitting Ultimate for Disc Golf. The Poachers are currently two points out of the top four, and face the Dyspnoeics next week before finishing against Bermuda Triangle, so the opportunity to dark horse their way in is there.

Of course, the proud women and men in green are standing in their way, and will be hoping to pull an Ireland against the Wallabies on Monday night. Guarin remains in the Brian O’Driscoll role, while Sean is more of your Michael Flatley and Carl is more Westlife. Hmm, maybe next time we profile the Heroes we’ll match them all to heroic Irishmen and women …

Our tip: Poachers by 2.

Bermuda Triangle vs Wuxi Finger Hold – Annerley 5A
We’re not sure that its harsh to remind everyone that in its long and storied history, Bermuda Triangle has always had trouble scoring. Maybe it’s the whole ‘being full of married people and teenagers’ thing, but then again some of them grew up in the sixties and no doubt have made a few trips to Nimbin in their time. Anyway, we can only suggest hucking to the endzone from receiving the pull and then zoning like a mutha was always the BT way.

Wuxi meanwhile are so packed with stars … well its sort of something to say that Pete Allen is probably their worst player, both on the field and off. This probably why they rank amongst the best scorers of the entire BUML competiton, but have a relatively shabby defence, particularly when George is overseas and can’t clean up. You’d think they’ve have booked their place for the Semis by now, but their remaining games are against fellow top 4 teams UQ and Co-Mingled, and of course there may be player injuries and such from AUGs and AMUC to consider.

Our tip: Wuxi by 7.

Dyspnoeics vs Co-Mingled – Griffith 1
Well, this is a clash of the titans.

Speaking of For and Against, we pause to note that Dyspnoeics have the most miserly defence in the League, having only let in 51 points across 8 games so far this season (although the stats are slightly skewed by the Poachers’ forfeit back in Round 3). Indeed, its only been twice that the Blue D’s have let anyone score more than 6 on them in a game, and that was in their loss to UQ and draw with Wuxi. This game against Co-Mingled will either set them up for the Semis, or knock them on their asses before they face the Poachers and TGWW finish out their season. Despite some poll-bombing by UQ, the Dysponeics remain the favourites, based on the poll on the right there.

Co-Mingled meanwhile will presumably lose Abra to AUGs (although there’s a chance he’ll slip back up for the game), but this will just mean that the rest of the Co-cos will have to step up a bit … nothing new for the likes of Molly and Pres Boevink of course.

Our tip: Dyspnoeics by 3.

Division 2

Discheads vs Tsunami – Annerley 3B
Earlier in the season, we thought we wouldn’t need to talk about the Discheads in these previews. And how right we were, as their rampant egos and constant self-promotion have saved us from typing many words. But we’re starting to get to the business end of the season, and its not clear whether this crew still have the shop open. This game will be the big test.

Tsunami meanwhile have spent the week recovering from their first loss in a while, against the unpredictable but always-running What the Huck?

After this week the Discheads have Mellow Yellow and Plastic Scourgery, while Tsunami have Plastic Scourgery and the QUTies, so you’d assume on form they are both well in contention in a tight Semi-Finals race (although stranger things have happened), and will need to start practicing keeping their throats clear.

Our tip: Tsunami by 2.

Agent Orange vs Disc-iples – Griffith 2
Speaking of the upcoming Finals series, is this the Grand Final preview? While this previewer hasn’t had a chance to observe AO at all this season, the numbers speak for themselves – top of the table, only one draw to marr a perfect record, highest scoring offence and second toughest defence, plus outstanding spirit. But, perhaps AO are vulnerable this round, having to leave their halcyon heights home ground at the Gap and venture forth to the far south for the first time this season. Will this be beyond the reach of their local talent, and will they be able to find the easier carpark?

It’s a big call, as they’re up against the Disc-iples, who haven’t lost a game since their one point cliffhanger against the Discheads back in August, and have been semi-regulars on flat Griffith track.

Our tip: Disc-iples by 2.

What the Huck? Vs Plastic Scourgery – Griffith 3

Scourgery have the opportunity to get all River Song on us for the remainder of the season, with a chance to release some spoilers as their remaining games are all against potential Semi-Finalists.

Our tip: What the Huck? By 5.