Sports Scholars Glen Newell and Anastasia Riordan-Eva (centre in white) on defence

Sport scholars, staff and Sussex alumni teamed up to take on the New Zealand Ultimate Frisbee side in an exhibition match last Tuesday (14 June).

Brighton Breezy, a mixed Ultimate Frisbee team whose players include Sussex staff and current and former members of the University’s Frisbee club the Sussex Mohawks, organised the match against New Zealand’s national side ahead of this week’s World Ultimate Championships in London.

Wet and windy weather at the Falmer grounds meant that both teams struggled to score up-wind, but New Zealand secured a crucial couple of points to ensure a 9-7 lead at half time.

New Zealand extended their advantage in the second half, with Brighton Breezy fighting back to bring it within one point late in the game. But New Zealand's calibre dominated, finishing the game with an up-wind point to win 15-13.

John Maule, Sussex coach and a Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, captained Brighton Breezy alongside Miles Tinknell and Hannah Brew, both graduates of Brighton University.

The team also featured three current Sussex Sport Scholars: Anastasia Riordan-Eva (BSMS); Glen Newell (BMEc) and Maxine Tink (Global Studies), who all performed very well; proving their ability to compete against international-level competition.

Sport Scholar Glen said: “Playing against a team of international calibre was a great experience, and giving them a tight, tough competition shows the level that Ultimate Frisbee is at in Brighton right now.”

Sussex alumnus and long-serving Mohawks coach Felix Shardlow, (COGS, 2003), was recognised as the Most Valuable Male player for his phenomenal throwing in spite of the windy conditions. And Rebecca Easey (HAHP, 2013) received the Most Valuable Female award. Felix commended the team’s performance, praising the “great composure and depth” of the Brighton squad.

Team captain John also applauded the level of performance displayed by Brighton. He said: “The whole team played well and we were pleased to give New Zealand a close game.

“Our Sussex Sport Scholars performed really well at this very high level, showing the talent we have coming through our connections to the university. I'm excited to see what the whole squad has to offer as our competitive season continues."

The match was the first spectator event of its kind to be held in Brighton. And the game was live streamed online, with viewers from all over the world tuning in.

Brighton Breezy are now preparing for the UK Club Nationals in August, aiming to qualify for the European Club Championships in October.

To find out more about Ultimate Frisbee and to get involved locally, visit Ultimate Frisbee Brighton.

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