RXL
Most exciting game to watch – ??????
I
honestly cannot pick a match to list as the most exciting. I have run-through
the list of matches several times to no avail. I have two definitions of what
makes an exciting match. One is the situation where the teams are well-paired
in talent and it is almost difficult to know the outcome until the buzzer has
sounded. The other is when a lower ranked team takes on a challenging
competitor and comes out with a surprising number of points - the so-called “upsets”
of the paintball world. At this event, neither of these situations played out.
In fact, with the exception of the Vipers Vs. Extreme game, the closest matches
had a minimum of a four point spread. Feel free to comment with your vote for
the most exciting match!
Most surprising game – Dundas Demolition Vs. Guelph Silence, Niagara Aces
Vs. Joyceville Venom
Dundas
went into this event sitting fourth in the ranks. They were on the bubble for a
NAX spot but were looking forward to some of their most challenging matches
(Aces and Distortion). I had them pegged as the winners of their match against
Silence because of their strong matches throughout the rest of the season and
the fact that they came into Event 3 with the potential to earn a position at
NAX. Demolition had something to prove but unfortunately fell short this
weekend. Guelph confidently took this match winning with a score of 11-5,
sealing Dundas’ fate and ending their season.
Guelph's Alex Bondi
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
It
is no surprise at all that Aces won their match over Joyceville Venom. Instead,
the surprising factor in this match was the fact that Venom showed up with only
3 players. Thanks to a little help from a friend, the three Joyceville players
were partnered with two CX4 guests giving them enough team-members to actually
play the match. It seems that this unlikely band of characters was no match for
Niagara Aces and suffered a devastating 19-0 loss. As one can imagine, this
point spread was also devastating to Mississauga Hate as it allowed Aces to
pull ahead in plus/minus thus giving them the season win.
Most Impressive team at this event – It may seem like a cop out but I’ve decided that this
is a three way tie. Niagara Aces, Mississauga Hate, and Essex Distortion.
Hate's Cole Symon
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
The
top three teams in the RXL division were all deserving of their positions this
season. Hate and Aces proved to be the strongest all season long but Essex came
out at Event 3 and showed everyone that they too could be exceptional
competitors. All three teams won every match that they played at this event by
a minimum of 4 points and a maximum of 19. It will be a very exciting
championship when we mix in the talent from the Eastern and Atlantic divisions.
The paintball season is far from over for these three gifted teams. Best of
luck to you all as you represent the Central conference at NAX!
Niagara Aces
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
Weakest team – Vaughn Vipers
Vaughn
lost every match they played this season with the exception of their match
against Joyceville, their closest competitors, which they tied. As I’ve said
before, the teams at the bottom of the ranks earn their spots in the same way
as those at the top. I hope Vipers are able to take away some critical tips
that they can work on in the “off-season” to bring them up to speed by the 2013
season.
Vipers' Jonathan Lalata
Photo Credit: Sheldon Carless
Team to watch out for at NAX and team
to most surpass expectations – Essex Distortion
Distortion
is a newer team with young, less-experienced players and yet they had a very
strong season, losing matches only to Mississauga and Niagara. Few expected to
see this team as NAX competitors in their very first season at the RXL level
but their hard work and dedication to the sport have allowed them to grow as a
team, coming out stronger than ever at Event 3. I trust that they will continue
to develop as players in preparation for NAX. They’ve surpassed expectations
from day 1 so those of you who are doubting their ability to compete at the
championship may be in for a surprise.
Essex Distortion
Photo Credit: Helen Grose
Signing off,
The Paintball Wife
2 comments:
the photo of essex is from Helen Grose!! thanks niki!!
Dundas started its weekend with only 7 rostered players and 1 guest , and ended against Niagara with 4 rostered and 2 guests. I'm proud of how well we played shorthanded, but upset at the lack of commitment across the whole league. It is a factor that plagues the whole league and is sad to see so many uncommitted players jumping ship for selfish reasons year after year.
Post a Comment