So the mixed outdoor season kicked things off this weekend as Shakedown returned to Cardiff for the event formerly known as Mixed Tour 1 – Y Ddraig Goch. The squad consisted of Luke, Sophie (C), Becky, Hannah, Luke, Cathy, George, Katie, Lizi, Chubb (C), Luke, JB (C), Mop, Hector, Luke, Horse, Mike Elliott, Mike O’Sullivan, Steve, and Rob and Luke.
Seeded 22nd out of 56, We knew we had a good squad and could piggyback off the success of the indoor season. However we were in a tough pool with Guildford and Cosmic Manatees.
Game 1 – GU Mixed 1
We’ve faced Guildford many times over the years and they’re a quality outfit. This year was no exception and they swiftly showed us what teams can do when they train together regularly. Despite practically no real defensive pressure from GU, we managed to fall victim to soft turnovers time and time again. GU were absolutely methodical in converting the turns and went up 8-0 to take the half within what seemed a matter of minutes. However, everyone on the squad knew it was just teething troubles and we remained positive. We came out in the second half and stomped in a score. They answered right back, we put another in and they nullified it with another of their own before cruising to an easy victory. a disappointing performance from us, but we knew what to work on.
Game 2 – Cosmic Manatees
The Brighton squad had dispatched GU1 with relative ease and we expected an ass-kicking. However, the game played out as a gritty scrap that saw us click into our usual style of play. noting it being far more successful than turning ourselves over with zero pressure, we worked hard and remained within a point or two of Manatees for most of the game. The second half saw the gap extend, but again there was plenty for us to be positive about – especially after Lizi showed us what we should have been doing from 9.00am that day when she lobbed a disc over her mark into space for a receiver. We lost the match 15-9 in the end, finishing last in the pool of 3, holding seed at 22 and putting us into a crossover with the team that finished second in group H.
Game 3 – Black Sheep 1
The Manchester side did well last year and finished above us. Considering our track record against them, we were confident and had now found our mojo (figuratively, not Joe). They sowed zero issue in banging in the first score but we put our foot down and ran away with it. The girls took their opportunities to shred them, primarily due to Becky’s I/O breaks, Hannah’s stamina and Sophie’s choice to poach the other half of the pitch to her mark and STILL get back in time whenever she got the disc. With the guys putting in the points on O, we relaxed a little in the second half and Sheep seized the opportunities given. Clawing away at the deficit wasn’t enough – the damage was done and we ran out victorious 12-8. Mop took Katie and Ed home during the break and didn’t come back until Sunday. Having made the top 20, we headed off to our respective places of stay-ment.
Game 4 – EXƎ
Greg and Jess’ Exeter team were in the way of our progression on Sunday morning. With the weather having turned, we appeared a little sluggish and the errors returned. They punished our weak forcing and showed composure, racing ahead. After about 4 points where I’d continually cocked up, I opted to not go back on and to let the rest of our many guys do their thing. in the second half, we turned a corner after more I/O breaks and some nice hucks. It wasn’t enough though and we all felt it as the game descended into comedy between the two friendly teams. They won 12-5.
Game 5 – MUC
We always seem to play MUC and it’s always a really well spirited fun game – the sort of matches that you start playing the sport for. This was no exception. The Merseyside outfit had done well on the Saturday and e were ready for them. They kicked proceedings off with a score and immediately slapped us with a zone which we promptly ripped to bits. The game was level throughout, pretty much but with them always trading up. Towards the end of the match they push ahead, then we take the lead. The game levelled out as proceedings entered sudden death. Their Chevron handler Penny caught the pull and flung the disc out the side of the pitch, only for it to drift towards the back corner of the our zone where on of their receivers secured it with a superb full-stretch layout. Spectacular stuff. MUC won this tight game 10-9.
Game 6 – GU Mixed 1
A rematch against GU marked our final match of the weekend. Having kicked things of spectacularly badly at the start of the tournament, we knew we were a little better oiled this time. We marked intelligently and played what we were given. This time, the match was a far close affair. Still, a weekend’s worth of running took its toll compared to the big GU squad and we eventually ran out of steam as some thrown went out of reach when they wouldn’t have earlier in the day. GU went ahead 3-0 to begin before we answered right back. For the the most part, it was neck and neck before we crept in front. They equalised and managed to pull away just as our tanks emptied. The final score was 11-6 to GU but we knew it could have gone the other way under different circumstances. A great game nevertheless and well spirited. The loss put us in 20th position for the tournament.
Thanks to everyone for their hard work throughout the weekend. MVPs were Sophie and Mop – despite the latter not being present when we did win a game. Still, his tenacity to try and get a D was insane – especially when he shot EXƎ players a look that said, “How very DARE you not let me get a block!” #alunwyngiggstrevarthen
As for Sophie, her work rate was exceptional. She showed unyielding speed and stamina on D by poaching on the opposite side of the field! Also, against black Sheep, they hucked it, caught it just shy of the end zone line and Soph hared it downfield and got a block in front of the intended receiver. I don’t know how she did it but it was jaw dropping. A great performance considering she has ZERO protein in her diet.
The rest of you were all amazing too. Massive thanks to Lizi for playing and actually reminding us how we normally play – despite this being her first event with us. Thanks also to George for coming out of retirement. We finished 8th in spirit as well which is a huge step up from 52nd. Well done, all.