The CULT - Week 1 Preview

Wondering about the title? You should be. JDR decided that our league should be called the "Cairns Ultimate League, Thanks", purely so that we could be called "The CULT". After slight modification to The "Cairns Ultimate League (on) Tuesdays", we're away!

So anyway, about the Week 1 preview. I don't think I'll ever be the journalist Mr Sparkles is (Townsville Ultimate Blog), but I'll do my best unless someone else wants the job.

This week is really going to set the standard for the CULT and I'm pumped to see all four teams bringing their "A-Game". There will be a proverbial sifting of the wheat from the chaff as teams strive for the early phychological advantage and early-season bragging rights.

Game 1: 6pm
The Incredible Huck vs The Empire Strikes Backhand

This is no doubt going to be a close game and to say that it could go either way is a no-brainer. I think that the real question is whether either team is going to field a full-strength side this week.

Empire has an extremely strong experience base, centered around captain Liam Gillions, but a mix of somewhat erratic International talent and players traveling from as far away as Mareeba and Kuranda means that this guys need to make sure they are getting some ill communication on and representing each week. What can we expect to see from Empire this week? Big Hucks and Long cuts, with Wetnose looking to find Jacob and Jason D in the endzone.

On the other hand, the team formerly known as "RIP Incredibly Phony Katy Hucks Discy Business" have the potential for some extreme 'freakability' in terms of sheer height and physical prowess. I think the real question with this team is whether Jeff and Jamie can convince their players to dispense of personal displays of athleticism and work as a team. If they don't; I think that Liam's superior strategy will edge them out in the later stages of the game.

Mr Ed's prediction: Despite a mid-game comeback ... Empire to take the win 15-11

Game 2, 7pm
Boomstick vs Apocalypse Meow

With nought but enthusiasm on their side, nobody is going to be betting heavily on Boomstick to win this one. With two thirds of the Cairns representative squad coming out to play for Apocalypse, they are understandably confident coming up against a team where only two players actually know what the game is about.

Having said that, here are the breakdowns:

Oozing with well deserved confidence, expect to see the 'old man of strategy' trying out a series of bizzare set plays (often followed by a wry "Sorry team"). Key offensive combinations will be Jay as primary handler offloading to Alecha or Suttsie Quattro. With his speed, look to see Dylan making razor sharp cuts before dumping to Jay and Alecha. Expect to see new recruit Cephas Chinfat heading deep into the endzone where his height and reach will stymie all but the most determined Boomstick Defenders. The key to putting egg on the face of this experienced and talented team? Shut down the handlers and make Jay throw long.

So, what of Boomstick? Are they really ready to be relegated to the league's whipping boys? I say "Nay". With a strong experience base in a range of other sports, there will be a certain 'settling in time' ... but expect Boomstick to improve rapidly as players transfer their fitness and innate sporting understanding into cold hard points. What to look for this week? Short cuts, lots of dumps and dogged determination.

Mr Ed's prediction: Experience will out ... Apocalypse to win 15-4.

And that's it from me ... look to see the week in review after the inaugural game on Tuesday.