2013/14 University Rugby Preview - Week 9

A week on from one of University Rugby’s biggest shocks and it’s nearly that time of the week again – a BUCS Rugby Wednesday.

Last week, reigning champions Durham lost for the first time in over forty league games, 5-13, at home to Loughborough.

The impressive road victory for the Midlands side still sees them second in the league; just one point shy from leaders Durham.

This week we have action from both the North and South of the country, when the men from the North East travel to Nottingham.

Nottingham, although bottom of the league, have been in good form of late and will look to provide a much stiffer challenge to Durham than many expect.

The Midlands side did the double over both Leeds Universities in the last two weeks, beating the University 29-24 and the Metropolitan side 24-22.

However, the reigning champions, although not used to losing, will look to return better than ever in tomorrow’s fixture.

Elsewhere, now serious title contenders Loughborough again travel to the north of England to face Newcastle.

After a brilliant start to the season, Newcastle have slumped in form recently, losing their last three games.

A win for the home side is greatly needed, but another victory a long way from home for Loughborough would get plenty talking about their prospects come the end of the season.

Finally, Northumbria University travel to the University of Leeds. Both sides are locked at the bottom of the table, in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

Both sides are coming off the back of wins last week, with Leeds beating Newcastle 20-8 and Northumbria beating Leeds Met 22-21 in an incredibly close affair.

When the two sides clash tomorrow afternoon it’s sure to be another great game.

In the premier B league there are no fixtures this week, as all eight teams have a break and begin again next Wednesday.

In the Southern Premier A league there are just three games this week.

Firstly, clear league leaders Hartpury – who are six points ahead of Exeter in second place – travel across the border to Cardiff University.

After a shock defeat to Exeter for Hartpury three weeks ago, the table toppers have recovered in emphatic fashion with a thumping 51-5 victory over Bath and a 30-5 victory over Cardiff Met University.

Cardiff sit sixth in the league with just eight points from six games.

Second place Exeter also travel across the border to Swansea, who are rooted to the bottom of the league with just five points.

A win for the English side will keep their title hopes alive; however, a loss may see them fall too far off the pace.

The third and final game takes place in Bristol as Cardiff Met travel to Coombe Lane.

The Welsh side are fourth in the southern Premier B league, just one place and one point ahead of Bristol.

The mid-table clash will hand the winner some breathing room and pull them away from the dangers of the relegation zone.

Lastly, in the Southern B league there are no games tomorrow, but one fixture this weekend. Cardiff Uni seconds travel across the border to face Bath seconds on Sunday.

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