THRILLING BRONZE MEDAL GAME
This morning Canada dashed any hopes that Australia might make it the finals. After that game, Australia’s captain Jonathan Holmes had to go to hospital because of playing in this terrible humidity and heat. The day had really got off to a terrible start for Australia but they bounced back and won a convincing win against Canada to take a well-deserved bronze medal.
This year WFDF has introduced line assistants to help communicate player calls to the spectators. Their fancy choreography to get into position for the start of the game adds a little extra something to the sense of occasion. The camera men are also out in force to give the crowd an array of action close up shots – forget soccer or football. With these people working, Ultimate is really THE best game to watch and enjoy.
These teams like to huck and the crowd is loving the end to end action. Jonathan Holmes and Derek Alexander start the game with some excellent hucks for the score. Not everyone is quite yet on form but despite the high number of turnovers, the points are racking up quickly. Elizabeth Edye rescues a badly thrown Australian disc, whose quick throw to the open Peter Blakeley makes it 3:2 Australia. These teams have superb receivers in the air – John Hassell for Canada and Michael Nield for Australia have made great grabs. Both teams are throwing big cross field hammers which is what the crowd loves to see. Matthew Dowle’s great run in the endzone seal the half for Australia. They lead 7:5.
Victoria Chow gets a great defence for Canada but they are struggling to keep possession. Nield is forced to rescue wayward throws from his team – they keep possession and go on a point scoring run. There has been a bad collision in the endzone which leaves Australia’s Keah Molomby needing medical assistance. She has to go to hospital and one must only hope it’s not too serious. At 11:7 to Australia it looks like Canada have left it too late. Australia’s offence is ticking over nicely it’s not long before Jonathan Holmes throws a bronze medal winning pass to Peter Blakeley. Game is over 13:8 to Australia.
report by melissa zloch, photos by scobel wiggins photography
