2014/15 BUCS Review, Round 4: Preview

by Chris Heal  Tuesday 28 October 2014

Durham and Exeter both need to get off to the sort of start that got them in the BUCs play-offs
Durham and Exeter both need to get off to the sort of start that got them in the BUCs play-offs
©TRU
 

The new BUCS season always promises so much with new talent coming into universities across the country and so far it has delivered. Last week we had a feast of local rivalry and this week we have another seven exciting clashes ahead in the final week of October.

Premier South A

Firstly we take a look at Premier South A which includes Bath and Exeter who are currently the top two in that division.

Bath returned to winning ways last week seeing off Swansea University 47-3 scoring seven tries in the process. They welcome Cardiff University to the Sulis Club tomorrow as the hosts look to keep pressure on an Exeter side which is flying at the moment.

They currently sit top of the league with four wins and are 10 points clear, but are not in BUCS action this week as they are the only side to have played four games this season. A well-deserved break for the league leaders.

Premier North A

A trip up North and to Durham, who won this division in the 2012/13 season. Currently they are third on nine points, and face Loughborough tomorrow in a mid-table clash. Both of these sides sit in the top two positions of the overall BUCS point’s league which could add something a little extra to the match.

19 miles up the road is Newcastle University, who last week, got their first win of the campaign against Loughborough. They are back on the road tomorrow as they face the University of Leeds. Leeds are only a point behind Newcastle, but did inflict a defeat on league leaders Northumbria last week so will be confident heading into tomorrow. Newcastle travelled to Leeds a couple of weeks ago and were thumped 40-9 by Leeds Beckett University (Carnegie). They will be hoping that will not be repeated on Wednesday.

As for Leeds Beckett, they have started the season in fine form and boast the only 100 per cent record in the division. Two wins from two so far and haven’t lost a league game since November of last year shows that the current champions mean business once again. They go up against Northumbria University in a top of the table clash tomorrow.

Northern 1A

To Northern 1A and we focus on the University of Liverpool who are in cup action this week at home against Loughborough 3rd who are in Midlands 1A. Liverpool have won two and lost one so far this season and will be hoping to have a better cup run this year after crashing out in the second round in 2013.

Nottingham Trent are not in action this week after they have started their defense of their title in impressive fashion with two wins and a draw so far.

Northern 2A

UCLAN have had a difficult start to life in Northern 2A. After being relegated last season they are still yet to find their first win and sit in fifth position. They travel to Merseyside tomorrow to face Liverpool 2nds – who are bottom – which could kick start their campaign.

As for Edge Hill and Manchester Met they are not in action this week. Edge Hill take the trip to Liverpool 2nds on November 5th after an inconsistent start to the season. In terms of Manchester Met, they will be hoping to keep up their wonderful form as they host city rivals the University of Manchester 2nds.