2013/14 University Rugby Preview - Week 8

With less than 24 hours to go before another BUCS Rugby Wednesday afternoon kicks off around the country, we at Talking Rugby Union can’t wait for the next round of University rugby action.

After a number of important victories in both the Northern and Southern divisions, the University rugby competition is beginning to really heat up, as we creep deeper into the final months of the year.

In the Northern Premier A League, reigning champions Durham return to action tomorrow, after a week’s absence.

Durham, who are still top of the league with five wins from as many games and 22 points, host second place Loughborough in an eagerly anticipated clash.

The men in purple, although undefeated, struggled in their last game two weeks ago – just edging past local rivals Northumbria, 30-27.

On the other hand, Loughborough will be in high spirits after a string of good results; most recently beating the University of Leeds, 46-20 last week.

The Midlands side are just five points behind the leaders and will be looking to continue their surge to the top of the table in the North East.

One thing is certain – it’s set to be a great game!

Elsewhere, third place Leeds Met Carnegie host Northumbria at their Headingley Campus ground.

The Yorkshire side, who started the season well, will be looking to pick themselves up after last Wednesday shock defeat to the former bottom side of the league, Nottingham.

On the other hand Northumbria, who are an undeserved fifth (with just one win to their name), will take a lot of confidence from their close-fought run-in with the current champions Durham two weeks ago.

Finally, fourth place Newcastle welcome bottom of the league Leeds University to the North East.

After another great start to the season – going three games undefeated – Newcastle have lost their way recently, with two losses in a row. However, the home side will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Leeds, who have disappointed so far this season.

In the Premier B League undefeated league leaders Birmingham travel to Sheffield Hallam University, who are bottom of the league with just one win so far this season.

Also, sixth place Edinburgh host third place Durham seconds; seventh place York host Nottingham Trent and the University of Manchester travel to the Midlands to face Durham seconds.

 

In the Southern half of the University rugby competition, clear league leaders Hartpury – who sit top of the pile with 26 points after six games – host Cardiff Met University.

Hartpury recovered from a shock defeat to Exeter two weeks ago in an emphatic style with a 51-5 drubbing of Bath last Wednesday.

Cardiff Met have not lived up to expectation this year, as they currently sit fourth. However, the Welsh side beat Swansea 28-17 last week and will be in high spirits as they take on the leaders.

Also, third place Bath host bottom of the league Swansea. The English side will be incredibly disheartened after the hammering they received from Hartpury; though, the home side will see Swansea – who have just one win to their name – as the perfect fixture to restart their season.

Finally in the Southern Premier B League, second place Exeter travel to Cardiff to play the University side at Cardiff Arms Park.

Exeter comfortably beat Bristol last week 39-17, but Cardiff did not play.

Lastly, in the southern Premier B league, there are four fixtures this Wednesday. Both Cardiff sides clash as the Met seconds host the University seconds at Hartland Road.

Also, former leaders St Mary’s host current table toppers Bath seconds in an eagerly awaited encounter. And finally, Exeter seconds welcome Reading and Hartpury seconds host the University of South Wales.

Be sure to follow Talking Rugby Union online and on twitter for all the latest scores, news, reaction, pictures and videos from BUCS rugby.

Make sure Talking Rugby Union is your home for all things University Rugby.