Day Two

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Lauren Chambers, Michael E. Iacovella, Heidi Kalmari

Open Division

Match of the day: Sweden vs. Canada. Though the game was not a model for Spirited play, fellow players and spectators packed the sidelines for a view of this entertaining match-up. Sweden trailed the entire game, failing to take advantage early on Canadian turnovers. Canada’s (#19) Jeff Cruickshank kept Sweden honest deep, and was instrumental in keeping the offense moving during a late surge by the Swedes (Final score: Sweden 12, Canada 15). Great Britain, Japan, USA, Canada and Germany all remain undefeated in pool play. Canada faces Germany and Great Britain meets Japan in a battle of unbeatens tomorrow morning.

Mixed Division

The Mixed US “machine” has given up an average of only 6 points a game, but has to be worried about undefeated New Zealand, who share the same ratio. The Kiwi game has proved wellpracticed and precise, and their defense will take advantage of any stray throws. Germany bested Australia 17-14 and proved also in the morning game against USA that they are in the running for the top four. Japan beat Czech Republic by two points, but the upstart East European team is still in the fight to advance into the competitive bracket later today.

Junior Women

Monday morning in the Junior Women’s division included two hot rivalries. The USA girls, a combined team of players from the eastern and western coasts, fought tooth and nail to claw by North American rival Canada. Excellent defense and strong team spirit US led to a score of15-11. The Canadian girls took out Japan 17-7 in the next round, showing their determination to see the USA again in the elimination round. The home team Finland faced a rival first thing in the morning. The yellow shirts of Sweden gave a real fight to the Finns, but Suomi out-ran their neighbors, 17-12.

USA Junior Rohre Titcomb (#16) on the mark against Canada. USA won the match, and remain undefeated. (Photo by Jesse Weisz)

Open Juniors

Today saw another blow-out day for the Canadians who allowed three points in two games. The Great Britain - Australia game was the tightest of the day, pushing time all the way to 7 p.m. It ended with G.B. coming from behind to win 18-17. The G.B. Squad visibly improved during the course of the game and gave the Aussies a good run. Both squads played a clean and spirited game. In other games the U.S. allowed South Africa 2 points and G.B. 4. Tomorrow’s game between the U.S.A and Canada should be close and exciting to watch.

Master’s Division

It was tight, heated, tense and exciting. Just as most had anticipated, the USA - Canada Master’s match lived up to everyone’s expectations and provided some real excitement. With some points running to 10 minutes and many delays, the game ran to soft cap with the score at 13-12 in favor of USA. Canada went on to score the next two points and win 14-13. Other games today saw G.B. winning over both Germany and Japan and the USA over Sweden, 17-9. Game of interest today: Germany vs. Finland - the teams look evenly matched, and Germany needs a win to stay in the running for the fourth spot in the competitive bracket.