And So It Begins

If I had to use but one word to describe last night's affair, that word would be "messy", which is suitably apt for the field conditions, our opponents' beards, Derek's MC Hammer-as-pirate pajama pants (?!), the bushels of cold wet disgusting grass later found between my toes, Tim's heaping post-game plate of bacon poutine and - last but not least - the play of the game. Yes, if you discount the five or so other adjectives buried in the previous run-on sentence, all could be described as "messy".

As for our play - first game messiness was to be expected, so don't get down, especially as this was the first ever Ultimate game for at least three Hammers. Plus, the thick fog, near-freezing temperatures, slippery grass and gusting winds obviously exacerbated things.

That being said (eesh, I hate that phrase), there were many positives to be found - Kevin caught everything thrown his way, including our first point of the season; the lack of experience of some of the newbies is clearly compensated by their athleticism; Dan seems to know what's up, is a positive communicator and is dedicated enough to play despite having a ~one week old back at home; I only swore out loud once; our females made it through the entire game, sans subs, in one piece (to be confirmed); the other team was good enough to offer a rematch; and our play was largely unaffected by the BP oil spill.

So, again, don't get down. Things will improve, I assureth. Next week let's work on those elusive "short, quick passes".

PS: And for future reference, a dog running loose on the field is apparently not an omen of good luck.