Semi-final Friday - by Marco

Emotions are running high as it’s getting down to crunch time. Australia and Japan are playing right now. Ryley Batt (the Aussie 3.5) is a one-man wrecking crew on offense and defense; he’s truly a man amongst boys! Japan was playing for last goal in the 1st but they have difficulty playing keep away because of their lack of height. However, they more than make up for it in speed, but in a specialty situation like that they struggle. Many things will be written and said about standout Batt, but the fact of the matter remains that he’s eligible to play and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Australia is up after 1 (12-11). When in doubt, chuck it up the middle! Ryley will chase it down! Japan is similar with speedsters Shimakawa and Fujishima (class 3.0). Japan triples Batt with a release after the in-bound but Aussie role players answer the call. Batt out of another triple and the Aussie’s regain the lead. Batt is slowing down a little and wants a sub (at 4:20 of the 2nd), with Coach Dubberley urging his young star to push through it.

Yesterday was a very time consuming day with our protest of our game vs. Australia, which was a protest that was won but overturned after video evidence showed the correct procedure wasn’t followed by Canada. One could wonder when video evidence was voted into the rules and if said video was inconclusive where the scorekeeper’s table isn’t really visible but what can you do but think of what could have been. ;) Maybe someday we might even find out who was the person was behind the grassy knoll.

Japan is rolling with the starters Shimakawa (3.0), Tamura (2.5), Murohashi (2.0) and Takahashi (0.5) to end the 2nd. Australia goes up by two with the ball to start the 3rd. Australia is rolling with Batt (3.5), Alman & Vitale (2.0) with Erdem 0.5. Japan answers with Fujishima, Misaka and Sato 2.0 with Koichi “The Brain” Ogino. Batt is working hard but battling fatigue. Ozzie’s back in the key forcing Japan to call their last time out.

Dubberley’s leadership is shining through and his urging of Batt in the 2nd has paid huge dividends as Australia has built up a 4-goal lead late in the 3rd. Batt creating havoc and forcing another turnover, Fosbrook, sorry I meant Wilmoth; damn I really meant Batt is a monster. Did I just say that, I’m gonna get in trouble ;)

Australia pulling away up by 7 with the ball and 2:51 left in the 4th. Up by 8, Batt is taken off the floor and the Aussie’s will go to the gold medal match.

See U after the CAN-NZ game!

- Marco