John's Lomo

John sent me some great shots of the Tournament that he took with a Lomo. For those unfamiliar with this style of photography, these are multiple exposures on the one film which are captured moments apart. The result speaks for itself I think!

Tournament Results

It had been a while since we last 'got serious' about our Bike Polo in Brisbane and staged a proper tournament. So Shifty picked a date, Gypsy drew a flyer and the weather gods provided a sunny Brisbane winter's day for some great Polo action!

15 players turned up at noon to dip their names in the hat, and the teams were drawn at random, with a nice mixture of abilities and experience spread throughout. The teams elected names and were pitted against each other in 20 minutes matches.

Teams:
Swift and Shift - Shifty, Gypsy, Ben
Slightly Average - Antmandan, Jamie, Kenny
Sheeet - Erik, Brett, Johnson
Squatters - Simon, Mace, Karl
Racquateers - Dave, Marty, Andy

For the initial rounds it was first to 3, highest score at the buzzer, and if scores were drawn at the buzzer a penalty shootout from halfway. As it turned out the 20 minute time limit was plenty with most games going between 10-15 minutes. Although one game was finished in under 3 minutes!

After the initial rounds Squatters were 4w-0l, Swift and Shift 3w-1l, and the rest 1w-3l. Sheet had a slightly better number of goals scored/conceded so it went to a deathmatch (first to 5) between Slightly Average and Racqueteers to determine who would be cut. In a hard fought battle Slightly Average made it through 5 - 3.

The semi-final was first to 5 with extra time allocated (30 minutes) 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, winners through to the final, losers to the battle fro 3rd. First up was Shift and Swift vs. Sheet. Swift and Shift won with a convincing 5 - 1. The next game between Squatters and Slightly Average went the same way at 5 - 1.

The minor final (from left): Jamie, Kenny, Dan, Johnson, Brett, Erik

The stage was set for the battle for 3rd, with Sheet pitted against Slightly Average. Sheeet had put up a massive defence throughout the day with a combination of Erik's power hits from halfway, Brett's awesome acceleration and Johnson blocking goals. However, having not converted goals for most of the day it was Slightly Average Jamie's time to shine. At 3-3 he made a stunning goal from half way, subsequently dismounting his bike and playing his mallet like a guitar. I dare say had a can of petrol been on hand he would have poured it over his bike and lit it on fire in true rockstar fashion! This put Slightly Average ahead at 4 - 3 and it wasn't long before the fifth goal was made.

The grand final (from left): Karl, Simon, Mace, Gypsy, Shifty, Ben

There was no doubt that the final would be hard fought, and we all lost count of how many times bikes went down. Mace had already earned his place as MVP for his standard of play throughout the rest of the day, and it was incredible to watch how he could materialise in front of the Shift and Swift players almost any time they went for a goal. Ben, Karl and Shifty played forward as well and there were some great clashes between these players during the game. Simon and Gypsy positioned themselves back at times which proved to be a good tactic when a loose ball found its way to them. All six players looked equally at home on the court and every single one played right until the last goal. However, having proved themselves throughout the day it was the Squatters that reined supreme.The final score 5 - 3.

The final (from left): Karl, Shifty, Gypsy, Ben, Mace (photo courtesy of JB)

Thanks to all for coming down, particularly the spectators who were there throughout the day, also a special mention to Paul for the eskies full of food and drink!

Final Placings:
1st Squatters
2nd Swift and Shift
3rd Slightly Average
4th Sheeet
5th Racquateers

Game rules:
No Mallet throwing (penalty - concede goal).
Let players retrieve ball from fence line if stuck (ball can be played to self to restart if required).
Goals are only scored off end of mallet.
Goals deflected off opposition count, deflections off team mates (unless end of mallet) do not count.
After scoring, attacking team must return to own goals and can then immediately play on.
After conceding, defending team can immediately play on.
If a player foots down, wheel out and touch fence on any side (don't interrupt play in doing so).
Attacking side may not dribble or pass ball through opposition goal from behind.
No mallets in wheels or other unsportsmanlike behaviour.

EDIT: Photos online thanks to Johnson and JB

Tournament this weekend!

Photos: Amelia Shaw

We've been very fortunate to have the services of professional photographer Amelia Shaw for our last few games. Amelia has taken some simply stunning shots of the Brisbane crew in action (on and off the court). I've put a few here to give you a taste but to be honest you have to click through to see them all!

Night game

Our first night game is on for Wednesday 12th November. Location is the carpark slightly north of Central station, corner of Wickham tce and Edward st. 7:30pm start time.

Also this coming Sunday is game weekend. 16th November, 3pm at the courts.

Some video of the last game:



Some more photos.

Bike Polo has arrived in Brisbane!

First game is 5th October at 3pm in Musgrave Park. Check back here for information on upcoming games.