Southern University Women’s Indoor Regionals 2008 – Cardiff

Skunks – seeded first

Saturday – Pool games

Skunks vs Shimmy 2 – 11-0 to Skunks
We kicked off the first game of the day against Shimmy 2, the second team of our old rivals from Bristol. A team of freshers and beginners, we had no problem putting away easy points in this game, but we still worked hard on defence to force them to make as many errors as possible. An easy first game, but credit to Bristol for being able to field a second team, and to Megan for sucking it up and playing despite feeling really ill.

Skunks vs Pickup team – 15-0 to Skunks by default, actual score was about 8-1 to the pickups
A blessing in disguise, our pool had the pickup team in it, which meant we had the chance to practice some hard defence against various pickups (such as Jackie and Kaleigh from Thrown, both great players) and some of the Skunks and Squaws sideline. We dabbled briefly with ISO but abandoned it in this game and focussed instead on our cutting which really became stellar over the course of the weekend. Great work from all the ladies.

Skunks vs Sublime – 8-1 to Skunks
Local rivals Sublime only managed to bring 6 players to Regionals including (I think) 2 beginners, but still made us work. It proved important to shut down their main players, but we did so confidently. Lots of nice long discs in this game and improved flow on offence from the last game. Despite only playing 3 games we walked out with heads high and showing why we’re seeded first.

Saturday night party:
We had a good meal at Gassy Jack’s, waited for the abysmal rain to stop (which it did thankfully) then headed to the Cardiff SU for the party. The theme was ‘Crazy Hats’. We had a pretty good time and an epic hour and a half long game of Bunnies which turned to pure filth by the end. Thank you ladies for agreeing not to drink.

Sunday:

1v8 vs Brunel – 7-3 to Skunks
We knew Brunel had been out partying hard but still tried to approach this game as though they were as fresh as we were. We took a 3-nil lead but still needed to start stepping up the pace – unfortunately we didn’t rise to the occasion quickly enough and began conceding points. We then started playing ISO with Louise doing a great job upfield and secured a further lead. The second half of this game really allowed us to stretch our wings with fantastic cutting from all the upfield players, and some great team defence – Lilja and Ellie H both secured several stall-outs between them. Lockdown defence! I feel we started really putting the pressure on defence in this game. Ellie G and myself also had some hot run-through Ds to please the crowd and I think everyone embraced the new defence mantra. Cocks in pockets!!

1v4 vs Urielle – 4-2 to Skunks
Arguably our toughest game, and definitely the most intense; the battle of GB Junior Women. Urielle had a lot of athletic, enthusiastic new players and a few old hands so we had to work really hard in this game. A few near misses in the endzone cost us. However once again our defence proved our strength – Urielle kept throwing away long and we forced them under to cut out the threat. This game was full of calls unfortunately but overall was sorted out pretty well. Every person on the team was solid and reliable in this game and that is what we need to be able to rely on to emulate this success at Nationals.

Final vs Squaws – 7-3 to Skunks
A great game this one: both teams obviously with a lot to prove. We started on defence but a few turnovers later they’d put the first point in. Squaws then started playing a zone against us, which we didn’t feel too challenged by – our patience with the disc and great overhead throws allowed us to work through the zone with confidence. There were a lot of great overhead throws from both teams in this game but our superior defence meant we secured far more completion, including the final point, a huge hammer to Megan in the endzone. Well done to Louise for being awarded MVP of the final from the tournament directors, well deserved- you were on fire in this game.

Second team:
Our wonderful beginners – Katie, Jayne, Daisy and Em – teamed up with 3 girls from Sussex to create a combined second team with Bob (recent Sussex graduate and general legend) coaching and leading them. Our Skunks beginners continually impressed with their efforts, each of them contributing a lot. Jayne’s handling and confidence throwing overheads, Daisy’s sticky fingers and Katie and Em’s hard work on cutting and always getting free were a real testament to how hard all four of them have been working over the last few weeks. Well done all of you for being so awesome. 

All in all, a fantastic weekend for everybody.
Huge thanks to Maisey for driving us there at stupid o’clock in the morning and to him and Smatt for sidelining for us all weekend, thanks as well to Lilja for driving us back. And thank you to all my beautiful Skunks Ladies for being HOT!

MVP: As always, a tough call because of how hard everyone worked, but my MVP of the weekend goes to Ellie Handley. She impressed me every time she got on the pitch, working as both a handler and cutter wherever she was needed and always putting in 100%- working to get free upfield, spectacularly patient with the disc and working exceptionally hard on defence. Congratulations for your hammer assist as well, your very first one in a game! Keep up the amazing work Ellie.

Thank you everybody- I can’t wait for Nationals!!!

Lauren