The start of the 2021/22 university year marked not just the return of in-person teaching, but also of the return of students competing in BUCS. With one term of action already completed, the leagues are shaping up nicely, with the promotion and relegation candidates slowly being identified. With BUCS fixtures coming back after the Festive period in the coming weeks, let Freshered discuss five games which hold the utmost importance in title races, relegation battles, or local rivalries.
Men’s Hockey- Nottingham 3’s vs Nottingham Trent 3’s
With three games left in the Midlands Tier 1, promotion is still very much up for grabs. Just two points separate Nottingham Trent 3’s on 12 points, and local rivals Nottingham on 10. Both teams would have been eagerly waiting to find out when they were set to face off, with the promotion connotations just adding to the excitement. A win for Nottingham could see them leapfrog their rivals. You’re not going to want to miss this one.
Wednesday 9th February, 2:30pm face-off, David Ross Sports Centre
Women’s Football- Stirling 1’s vs Edinburgh 1’s
Arguably the most important BUCS fixture of the whole year. It has been a season to forget for the two Scottish teams in the Premier North, with them occupying the bottom two places. Stirling sit bottom with just one point, with Edinburgh three points better off in the position above, but with a worse goal difference. With nine out of ten games played, it is winner takes all in this all-Scottish fixture, with the defeated team condemned to a relegation playoff.
Wednesday 26th January, 3:15pm kick off, Gannochy Sports Centre
Women’s Rugby Union- Exeter 1’s vs Bristol 1’s
In the Premier South, the second division of BUCS Rugby Union, teams only have one goal- promotion to the Premier National. After seven games, the race for promotion is between only two teams. There is a 17 point gap separating second and third, but only two points between Bristol sat top and Exeter in second. Both teams have won every game so far, this fixture really is a clash of the titans, with its result highlight the top promotion candidate.
Wednesday 26th January, time and location TBA
Men’s Lacrosse- Durham 1’s vs Nottingham Trent 1’s
It is tight at the top in the Premier North, with Durham trialling Nottingham Trent by just three points after six games. Nottingham Trent boast a 100% win record, which Durham will be hoping to end to leapfrog the current leaders after the teams face off. With Durham making twice as many goals as their title rivals, they will be hoping their attacking approach will see them top of the table at the full time whistle.
Wednesday 19th January, 3pm face-off, Maiden Castle Sports and Wellbeing Park
Women’s Basketball- Essex 1’s vs Cardiff Met 1’s
These two teams have dominated the Premier South so far this season, with both sitting on 18 points, nine clear of third place. Cardiff Met have played once more, with Essex yet to drop a point from their six games. With the league past the halfway stage, it is getting to the business end of the season, where every point matters in the battle for first place. A victory for Essex would severely damage Cardiff Met’s hope, given the former’s game in hand.
Thursday 27th January, 7pm start, University of Essex Sports Arena