Today I tell a tale of courage, boldness and strength. A tale about putting bodies on the line, surpassing your limits, and discovering how well people called Nick can play with a hangover. I am of course, telling the story of the ultimate we played today.

Game 1: Essex Blades 7? - 2 DCU

With a delayed start due to everyone turning up late, we began our first game, and for Joanna and John, their first ever games for DCU. Down on beginners, we played 6's against their 7, and put in a strong performance.

John immediately (DCU curse?) got a sprain that prevented him running, so down to five and a half men, we carried on. The Blades used their extra man well, but a spirited and committed DCU defence prevented them from scoring for a good ten minutes. John then grabbed a couple of points from his "stand in the end zone" position forced on him. Although we fought hard, and with backup from Nick "I walked my bike here because I'm still drunk" Owen, we still went down to a sharp side.

Present: Tebbs, Tejas, Kat, Joanna, John, Kaustuv (sorry if I missed anyone :( )

Game 2: RUF (which does not stand for "frisbee, unicorns and frisbee" despite a cry of 'sunshine' 9 - 1 DCU

Much like the game with Essex blades, with no re-inforcements (-name removed- expected around this point) we were a man down. But a spirit filled RUF side allowed us to play 6's with them, which was nice. Everyone played well, but they played better (and had more subs).

The game saw the arrival of Nick SD (late, tsc tsc) and him wearing a ridiculously warm hat for the rest of the day (assuming I got his arrival time right)

Game 3: Drunk and Discoriented 5 - 5 DCU

A team in bright orange (I felt at home despite my hat) with the largest age range of any team there from 8-40's represented.

DCU (with Joanna and Kat leaving and bringing in Tom and I think Fraser at this point?) Got off to a rocketing start, and surged into an early lead. However at this point Kaustuv did something to his leg, and off the pitch he went.

A man down, D&D brought the game back with some great play, grabbing the equaliser just before the buzzer sounded the end of the game. Disapointed to draw with the lowest ranked team, but it was a great game anyway. With the arrival of -name removed- now unlikely due to messages about chundering everwhar, DCU had the top seeded team next.

Match 4: DCU 5 - 5 Aye-Aye
The arrival of Dan Janman and Beth brought much needed energy to a side that was feeling increasing tired (well, the people on time at least). Faced by an array of blinding yellow shirts, and a bad run of form, DCU looked doomed.

But lo, for unto the battlefiled...I mean pitch, came forth Fraser and Dan with their A game, and Kaustuv (recovered to face the foe) with his A+++ game saw DCU battle evening with Aye-Aye.

Sweet puts, sharp cutting and the introduction of Ho-stack saw DCU threaten to topple the top ranked seed. Being 4-3 up at one stage. Aye-Aye pulled it back to 5-4, as DCU legs began to cramp up real nice. But now it was DCU's turn to score just before the buzzer, and the Aye-Aye hail Mary throw was ended by Dan Janman.

Game 5 DCU 11 - 1 ARU Darkside

With John now sadly departing proceedings (he played well taking into account he could only run backwards), DCU faced a team that had consistantly beaten them in the past.

Fortunately, our 'beginners' (read Fraser and Dan Janman) decided it was time to rip their defence to pieces. And so they did. I lost count of the number of times they combined after loosing their marks with cheetah like speed.

Aside from one point scored by ARU, the result was never in doubt, and some of the more experienced players took a special joy from hard-capping the tornament hosts at their home venue. College league looks promising.

Overall, special props to the freshers who turned out today (Joanna, Tom, John and Beth) you were all awesome and got better and better as you played!

Thanks to our other beginners for allowing us to do really well, even with a lowish seed, and thanks to our 'experienced' hat wearing cadre who did what they've been doing for years.

Marks of shame for -name removed- you know who you are, and tears of remorse for Chris's legs (which caused him to be with us)

Serious recommendation to be there, it's super friendly, really fun and really great for your game. Beginners and Experienced people come tomorrow. Be there!

If I've missed anything I apologise!

Tebbs.