Warwick Bears roar to victory in Varsity ultimate frisbee

Warwick Bears (Team Warwick’s Ultimate Frisbee roster) are unbeaten in the history of Varsity, but faced adversity from the off on Sunday. The waterlogged pitch at The Place relocated the final day clash to Westwood Hall, an indoor venue small enough to benefit Coventry’s trademark zone defence. After months of training for an outdoor game, the team was in an uncomfortable position, but an improvised roster still ran out 9-5 winners after the half-hour limit.

With a much-confined playing space, Warwick’s well-balanced squad had to adapt to overcome a Coventry team happy to sit deep when out of possession. The Warwick offensive faced a bus-like defence for much of the contest, with the visitors more than content to control the space in their defensive zone in the hope to control the pace of the game.

The visitors controlled the pace of the game through a more rigid formation

Nonetheless, Warwick’s players made the most of the last-minute switch to five-a-side. President, Lara Nash handled well around the pitch, racking up a host of interceptions and two well-weighted assists. No.46, Ben Young also caught two goals in an advanced position. Warwick adapted to an aerial game, but could still rely on Graham Kemp – perhaps the fastest cutter of the game. Jessie Liu and Jasmine Brian-Boys exchanged time in central distribution roles, although the entire roster rotated excellently in both directions. They controlled the pace of the game through a more rigid formation, unusual for Ultimate at college sport level.

Without the NCAA-rule halftime break, the game was played in one period. The post-game spirit circle was respectful, but the Warwick Bears’ win was all the sweeter for circumstance. Last minute alterations to the game’s format worked in Coventry’s favour, but a confident performance from Warwick proved too much for the visitors to contain. Team Warwick remains undefeated in Ultimate Frisbee at Varsity.