DD2 Match Report: LWL4

dD2 (6) - LSE (Equilibrium) (5)

dD2's first match of the day ended with the right result; Imperial's second team beating LSE's first team! The weather conditions meant that both teams played a lot of zone defence, however the experience gained from recent dD practices helped dD2 to win the downwind points quickly and put on the pressure on LSE's offence. There were great cuts and great runs from the whole team. Everyone put in a stellar performance and LSE were left a bit sore from the loss.
Even though the hypothermic temperatures and near gale force winds were a factor in the quality of play (It is little more of a challenge throwing discs into 40 mile an hour winds!), both teams had to endure the conditions and so ultimate respect goes to dD2 for winning the local derby.

6ffu (12) - dD2 (1)

The second match against 6ffu, a team of 6th formers, was obviously dD2's hardest game of the day. Their opponents had several national level handlers and more than eager high school runners to give dD2 a run around. They stuck to their strengths through out the entire match, allowing their experienced handlers throwing to their fast, capable receivers. dD2 put up a spirited fight and never gave up despite losing points a number of points due to their long hucks and quick flow offence.
However, both teams agreed the point of the match was a quick, smooth and down right sexy play from dD2! A long huck was thrown over the stack by Finny and was perfect for a sneaky cut from G. He was well supported by hard running from Lisa and Stas as they made up ground, giving him options in the end zone. An easy throw and a calm catch completed the well deserved move.
Please note that dD1 also lost to this team, only scoring one more point than dD2 in their match and if yours truly had caught a disc properly in the end zone, we would be on par with the first team! (And may I point out that dD1 only let them score 6, not 12 ;) - Ed) Well done to the team for never giving up, excellent team spirit.

dD2 (5) - KCL (Thrown) (4)

If the match against Equilibrium was big, dD2's match against Thrown was bigger! King's ultimate team practice with dD on a weekly basis and are good friends, which made the match even more important.
A vital error by Thrown, allowing dD2 to decide which end to begin, gifted dD2 the win. With Thrown attacking into the harsh wind, dD2's zone worked effectively and efficiently, allowing the doctors to intercept and score the first point. The downwind points were vital for both teams as the upwind points posed a lot of difficulties. Even though dD2 did manage to work it up the pitch very effectively during one upwind point, every point was scored by downwind team.
It was a great match and the game spirit was marvellous as jokes and encouragement were passed between teams. A thank you goes out to Thrown and yes, we will see you on Wednesday!

Curve (3) - dD2 (2)

This was dD2's third, hour long match in a row and legs were beginning to tire. The low score line was contributed to the worsening conditions which caused each point to play out for 10 minutes as each team found it harder to cope. The typical obscure British weather kicked in and at during one point it even started snowing!
Once more dD2 threw a zone defence initially but Curve's handlers showed confidence and patience as they worked it up the pitch to score the first point. That gave Curve the upper hand as dD2 now had to score upwind to stand a chance at winning.
There were many incidents of wasted throws as passes were hurried to an untidy stack and the equally tired cuts. Stas firmly felt that he was robbed of a score after a good move on an upwind point. A contested foul meant that the throw had to be replayed and the point was subsequently lost. Next time Stas… next time…
We were all feeling the muscle ache and the stomach empty as were ploughed on with the match. The tight score line was an accurate portrayal of the numerous chances both teams had. If the match was played earlier or if dD2 were allowed a break, the score line might have favoured Imperial's second team. Well, we like to think so!

All in all an excellent day for dD2, as we showed real grit and self-belief. It is clear that dD2 has real potential that was shown by all members attending London Winter League 4. It was the icing on the cake that dD2 finished in the top half of their group. It will be a sad time at the end of the year as many members of dD will be leaving, moving on to better things. Never fear, there are definitely more than a few quality players waiting to take over!

Written by Sui Chian Phang