For reasons that currently escape me, both days were played at Riata.
First day, limited pandas, but I was fired up, and played strong. I almost pulled a Scotty, and took a group of rooks to victory vs. a team with 3 vets. That's 3 on 1. But came up short. We were up 13-5, and they put 5 straight serves out to the right, and we lost. So the minimum number of players with experience required to win on a side remains 2. I did get to block a guy who was 6' 6" though.
Second day, lots of pandas, so lots more to write about.
That place is never going to be easy to run with any sort of effective command and control--too many people, too many ideas, too much drama.
At least we've got return business with a group of new residents up there who are trying to learn. And there have been some surprising results. I've already lost count of the "worst loss in history" results, where lots of vets get spanked, sometimes by new guys. The shame sucks, but their cheers are good for the league.
Notables--Gabber, and of all people, Shay, returned to the game on Sunday. Also, an injured Pat played well, as did nice Beth. A pleasant surprise visit from Chief Rob of Deerfield, who transitioned well to the bigger venue.
Other long absent players were also impressive. Ford was playing like he did in his first couple years in the league, by which I mean outstanding. Jess had an amazing reverse one handed shot that went back row to back row. I will remind him that the need for a trick shot meant he was beat on the play, and got just a bit lucky. He was also pleased to get some sets on we played in the one game that I won all day! Dub woke up about 2/3 of the way through the day and crushed. Tiff, one of the girls Jared brings out, may give me a run for point guard of the year. Fantastic sets.
Biggest disappointments--ME, and Mikey. We're rhythm and chemistry players, and a lot of that was missing, leading to repeated fail.
That's the tough part up there. How to manage games, and get in on a good one. LJ's habit of pulling shirts when you fill in on a game, sand style, speeds things up, but it really threw me off how to effectively get people in the pool you want to play with.
Another part of the "problem"--you put together a team that is supposed to win, and you don't. Then you're out for 2 or more games and may never get into a good rotation again. Well, then I guess the answer is not to lose when you should win, and not to "Lip" about it when you do.
The other tough one for me is when you're putting together a team. Everyone wants to be on it.
Apparently, I'm being too passive. Jared figured it out after a bit of Jager--"We have a team. You're not on it. Get out."
Here's the dilemma--how to not make a super team that wins all day and drives away potential players, how to make it not "us" vs "them" and be able to mix it up, and yet how to get the BBGs that we all want.
There's got to be a way. I just haven't figured it out yet.
And boy, I gotta tell ya, my last 2 years of limited play, due to the crazy woman and before that, a nearly season ending injury, haven't helped my conditioning. Back to back weekend ball days are hard.
I say this to those of you who have not been showing up. You're missing valuable trigger time. Let the pandas reconvene, and let the waters heal, wherever we may play.
As we all know, Riata plays on a short season. Maybe by the time they're done, we can get Deerfield up and running ship shape in Bristol fashion for the longer season we're used to, with less distraction and better battles.
One can only hope. With no plans coming out to the contrary, and with an invitation being made on Sunday, by Chief T Bone, I go back into the gates of hell July 4th.
_________________ Chief
Death from above! Fire down below!
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