Worlds Day 1 – Revolver

Found a few fans for Revolver all the way in Osaka

Worlds, finally here… off and running. Running quite fast actually, since the fields here are fairway quality grass on a fast and hard surface. With half an inch of grass cut perfectly level and a drainage system that can keep up with yesterday afternoon’s downpour, the complex here so far has definitely impressed us with its quality. We found some new fans at the opening ceremony… Bolstered by them and our excitement to reunite (after the long and various stories of travel and sightseeing), we were excited to be awake at 6:05am and off to our first game:

Italy, 17-2

We very much looked forward to our reunion with Davide; we enjoyed his character while he was with us in San Francisco and were certain the game was going to be a good time. Italy seemed to be incorporating the side-stack offense and a few new defenses into their arsenal, presumably coming back from Davide’s time with us, and were a bit out of sync throughout the game. Their handler movement worked well, but they never got into a good rhythm and their deep cutting wasn’t effective yet. We got things off right with a run-through D by Eric Greenwood, a Mac sky D on a high huck from Davide, as well as several coverage sacks leading to high-stall turnovers. After Joel (who usually goes entire tournaments without a turnover) breaks the turnover seal by having a disc squirt through his hands, our offense cleans up and – following a Davide huck goal – answers Italy’s 4 person cup with 5 consecutive hammers – culminating in Beau’s 20 yard wobbler to Cassidy for the score. The D never lets up and we consistently punch in turnovers with good clean offense. Ashlin ends the game with 6 thrown goals, but Kanner takes away the MVP honors for some tight defense and several big bids throughout the game. Feeling like we were lucky in the result due to Italy’s offensive kinks, we are happy to get through game 1 and go in search of food before round 2.

South Africa, 17-1

South Africa definitely impressed for an up and coming ultimate program with a big obstacle to overcome in the distance travelled to get to Osaka. They play hard all game long but are undone by occasional miscues and consistent tight coverage by our defense. They start the game with a 4 person cup which is effectively slowing down our offense. The O shows good patience to start the game, works the disc around steadily and scores after a clean and sharp series of short passes. The defense gets a hold of the disc and doesn’t let go – until the highlight of the day that is, when a huck goes up to Beau’s man (O players having been doing some defense duty to give D legs a break) who out-runs and out-positions Beau to the endzone for South Africa’s only goal. Well done, team Mamba. The offense converts their possession and the D doesn’t give the disc back until the end of the game. Chicken gets a D and throws a few nice hucks, showing he is none the worse for wear after his potlatch injury. TJ, Mac, or Ashlin factor in all but 3 of the D’s goals, but Kanner again walks away with the spirit-circle MVP honors after presumably impressing the South Africans with the quality of his mustache. 2 for 2 on MVP’s for the youth from Carleton. On to Osaka Castle for some sightseeing and dinner, and the home early to prep for Germany tomorrow. So far so good…