BUML Preview Round 1

Div 1 – Usain Bolt

Drop Bears v Bermuda Triangle

Kicking it off at Colmslie, last season’s beaten Div 1 finalists take on the newly upgraded Div 2 champs Bermuda Triangle. Last season these 2 teams had contrasting roads to their respective grand finals, with the Bears only just scraping into the finals in 4^th spot and Bermuda coasting through undefeated. This is a new season however and a step up in quality opposition for Bermuda Triangle. Bermuda’s roster hasn’t really changed over the winter break apart from the notable loss of tyro Tim Webb, while the Drop Bears have done a bit of recruiting, pulling in Sara Cargill, Julie Topp, Alex Chadwick and the boy who once famously declared “BUML is dead” Reece Stewart.

Drop Bears by 8 niceness points courtesy of Pete Allen.

Dypnoeics v UQ AUG

Last season’s minor premiers vs last season’s eventual winners. The hardest to pronounce name in Brisbane Ultimate vs the team who need only an acronym to announce themselves. Sensible haircuts vs homemade horrors. Ashlee vs Tyson. Mansauce vs Goose. Megz vs Notty. Atlas vs someone else. It’s a round 1 blockbuster!  These two teams have developed a strong and flavoursome rivalry over the last couple of seasons, which should only add some spice and tasty side dishes to tonight’s game. For the simple fact they have Myles McCallum on their team and two people named Bonnie, even if one is a guy according to AFDA, I’m tipping UQ by 2.

Poachers v Cadillac

Perennial Div 1 black sheep Poachers take on the newly formed Cadillac in my Div 1 match of the round tonight. Not only does Poacher’s core from last season remain, they’ve added the very tall James Morrell; a move that should only strengthen their chances this season. You could say Cadillac are an unknown force given they are a new team, however one look at their line-up dispels any such notion. A third of their line-up is what’s left of last season’s White Lantern, while the rest contain some AFDA numbers so low I could almost count them on my fingers…. If I was from Tasmania.

Cadillac by 5

Div 2 – Yohan Blake

Griffith Go-Gos v Heroes

Go-Gos versus Heroes. Kinda rolls off the tongue doesn’t it. The most successful team in Griffith Ultimate history step up to Div 2 this season and take on the team that started the green revolution that has swept Brisbane Ultimate, the Heroes. Having a look on AFDA and it appears JDR the Beloved isn’t the only person the Go-Gos have lost with their roster definitely leaning on the small side. Heroes on the other hand have recruited Firestorm star and goat appreciator, Chris Brown. I’m leaning toward winning culture getting the job done here.

Go-Gos by 4 wayward Chris Brown pulls.

Agents v Tsunami

Tsunami were one of the powerhouses of Div 2 last season, composing an imperious 10-3-1 record. Captained by the guy with the best Latin name in the league, Alejandro Gonzalez, Tsunami should again be there-abouts this season. Agents had a rough time of it last season, finishing 6^th and out of medal contention. They’ve added to their roster this season to try and arrest the slide and look better placed to make the finals. Their charge will have to wait till next week though.

Tsunami by 6.

UQ Applejack v What The Huck?

WTH? are a quality team. TJ has crafted a team with a strong work ethic over the course of the last few seasons. While it would be easy to talk about how great Trevor Lovering is and how many memes there could be about him, I think the real stars of WTH?’s success are their women. Talented females are worth their weight in Gold in a mixed team and WTH? are certainly doing better than the Aussies at the Olympics in that regard. WTH?’s opposition this week are the fruitfully named UQ Applejack. For those playing at home, Applejack is a strong alcoholic beverage produced from apples, popular in the American Colonial period. The only name I know on the currently all male list is Dingo Chris Cunliffe. For this reason alone WTH? should win by 10 rats tails.

Chimichangas v The Ghost the Walks

The Chimi’s have recruited well over the break with UQ expat Geoff Grundy donning the red this season. Expect plenty of hucks flying to long receivers with Geoff on the field. The Ghost Who Walks will fancy their chances however after enduring a tough time in Div 1 last season. Has the Div 1 experience turned Ghost into a battle hardened unit? Or will the scars from the past affect their ability to win?

Ghost by the strength of 4 Tigers.

Div 3 – Justin Gatlin

Griffith Oh Yeahs v Ultimate Apostles

The Apostles finished in second spot on the ladder last regular season with a points differential of 47. The Oh Yeahs on the other hand snuck into fourth with a PD of 41. Both of their rosters have remained largely the same. What this says to me is a nice even game where both teams will have their chances.

In honour of JDR the Mighty: Oh Yeahs by 3

Mellow Yellow v Dump and Burn

There’s not much to say about Mellow Yellow that hasn’t already been said. Led by the irresistible Rolo & Carla combo, the Bananas are a team that knows how to get the job done, both in and out of the pub. Dump and Burn had a hard time of it last season, finishing on the bottom of Div 2. Surely the bottom of Div 2 equals the top of Div 3? I hear you say. Mayhaps not. Though the name change can only help. Will D&B emerge as the Top Gun in this clash or will Mellow Yellow play Maverick to D&Bs Goose?

Mellow Yellow by 6.

Slipped Discs v UQ Fluttershy

In a fairly competitive Div 3 last season, Slipped Discs finished in 6^th with a 4-9-1 record. They’ll be looking improve on that this season and tonight will be an excellent chance to get a W on the board. UQ Fluttershy are another of the new UQ teams. This one has a penchant for My Little Ponys. The biggest pony on the team is undoubtedly Thomas Daley, a man who needs nothing more written about him. Fluttershy continue the UQ trend of having players with female names marked down as M on AFDA. I’m not sure if this is an ingenious ploy to put off their opponents, or merely the traditional UQ student laziness. The difference will be the connections of Slipped Discs.

Slipped Discs by 8 Honey Points.

Don’t forget to have a look on I Need a Team if you’re shy a couple of players. There are a few handy guys on there, most notably the Most Powerful Man in Firestorm, Mr Dave Warren.