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It was a moist, muggy morning. But the show must go on… and during game one against
Whoever (Czech Republic) the show began with team Zagreb taking the lead on a long
pass from Jan to Ana. This was deceiving, however, as the Boom would soon be lowered
on our unprepared game plan. A defensive switch to zone threw a monkey in the works,
the wheels came off, and we skidded into the rubbish heap of Frizbism. Our defence
failed to set effective marks and we forgot how to throw and catch the disk. That combined
with three dropped points sent us to a disappointing 4-11 result.
Game two against the B Bears was a lesson in humility. Zone defence killed our disk
movement effectively. Three dropped points and lack-lustre defence doomed us to 2-8,
with no mercy.
Game three against Hallod marked the greatest comeback since Meat Loaf’s Bat out of
Hell II: Back into Hell. A change in offensive strategy and a vigorous pep talk from our
coach and Guru, Dario, led to a solid 11-7 victory. It gave us the inner strength and
confidence that seemed to radiate from above. It was an old fashion butt-kicking as we
vented our frustration over the previous two losses. Offensively, Gabor was FDKZ’s
version of John Stockton, dishing out four assists, while catching one score. Chie had
an excellent game in the center, cutting and slicing more often than a teppanyaki chef.
Good defense was the cherry on top of this morale boosting triumph as our players had
seven blocks during the match.
Game four, a 7-10 loss against the Terrible Monkeys was not what you really want.
On the positive, we were able to move the disk and score. On the negative six bad
passes and four problem defensive plays stifled our attempts to maintain momentum.
Gabor again continued to dish out assists, with four, and Chie was in the end zone
early and often, with four scores. In the words of coach in his classic post game
breakdown, “we lost, but at least we lost OK”. With hopes
Game five sent our dreams of greatness crashing to the earth. FUJ was simply in another class. After quickly jumping to a 2-0 lead they put on white lab coats. The knee-length outfits did nothing to reduce their large speed advantage as they threw deep more often than Terry Bradshaw. As they built their lead towards their eventual 8-2 final, they seemed to relax and have real fun, knowing that we posed no real threat.
A night of drinking and general debauchery, punctuated by periods of memory loss and emotional outbursts, preceded game six against Hungarian Co-Ed. This was a classic back and fourth game against two evenly matched clubs. Offensively, Chie and Gabor starred again, while defensively Petja treated us to several spectacular interceptions and Frki became relevant with a clutch defensive series. This game required everyone to dig deep and lay it on the table. Not surprisingly, injuries became a problem as both Petja and Vjeko went down with leg injuries. This game was a true test of will power and concentration as our offence had to endure three travelling calls, all right after turnovers that resulted in their defence having time to regroup. We would not lose our focus or our resolve, even when time expired with a 10-10 score. In extra time, both teams had chances and great defensive plays, but in the end the best team won- FDKZ, 11-10.
Game seven saw our team playing for the 9th place certificate against that familiar if friendly foe, B Bears. Both teams were tired, sore, angry, and frustrated with depleted rosters due to injury. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and on this windy and grey day the B bears were forced to eat humble pie as our defence thoroughly dominated the day. Dario was the offensive star while Vjeran had several quality defensive plays that prevented any offensive continuity on their part. We scored early and often, turning a 2-2 tie into a 7-2 lead within a critical 15 minute segment of the game. With the outcome assured, we continued to play hard knowing that this is how we improve our game and hone our skills. With the end of play, the team was elated with a 10-5 victory and all the associated honour and glory. The show must go on…and it did, serving as testament to Man’s resilience and as evidence of the eternal persistence of hope.
Gordon Max Stewart
Players:
Girls: Marta Mrak, Chie Oshima, Ana Kriste, Mirna Janković, Lilla Tőkés
Boys: Dario Hanaftaler, Jan Kotevski,Vjeran Pavlaković, Gabor Boross, Tomislav Frković, Prán István - Petya, Vjekoslav
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