Birmingham’s Ultimate Frisbee 2nd team got their BUCS campaign off to a very strong start proving too strong for the Coventry 1st team under the lights on the Bournbrook 3G on Wednesday evening.
After a slow start from the hosts, Coventry looked to punish the home side, taking the lead and silencing the healthy home support. However, it didn’t take long for Birmingham to get into their stride, quickly finding themselves four goals to one up as the men in red got the bit between their teeth. It was apparent that Birmingham had more bite and menace in their offensive play, suitably illustrated when Amin Sidahmed flung a piercing, 45 meter pass to the outstretching Calum Alexander in the end zone, wiping smiles off Coventry faces.
Coventry’s mistakes combined with Birmingham’s consistent attacking threat reflected in the score line as bit by bit Birmingham pulled away from Coventry, going into half time with a comfortable 7-2 lead. Birmingham’s Thomas Whittal had a particularly impressive first half in both attack and defence, with his performance injecting energy into the home crowd’s Mexican wave during the break.
That said, Coventry’s half time team talk worked effectively, as they came out of the blocks too quickly for Birmingham’s defence, narrowing the lead with two goals in quick succession. Unfortunately, for the away side, they didn’t have the consistency to really put UoB under any pressure. Birmingham continued to add to their lead, in total control, entertaining the home crowd with some expansive Ultimate Frisbee, eventually amassing fithteen goals to Coventry’s seven.
Birmingham can be pleased with their dominant display at home. That said, when faced with more ruthless opposition they will have to eradicate little errors that began creeping up in the second half. These errors allowed the away side to gain seven points which Birmingham will be disappointed with.
However, all in all it was an encouraging start for the UoB side, who will look to add to their ideal start when they travel to Warwick next week.
