University of Hull vs University of Birmingham (Rugby League)
Rugby League seems to be stepping out of the shadow of its Union sibling, and this match at Big BUCS Wednesday promises to be a fantastic affair between two very strong sides. The University of Birmingham are fresh from a 38-22 victory against the University of Nottingham that cemented their Midlands Division 1A title. The University of Hull have also had a very successful campaign so far, besting the likes of Leeds Beckett in a very strong Northern Division 1A.
With both sides making their first Big BUCS Wednesday appearances, they will be bringing their best in a contest that is definitely worth a watch. This trophy final kicks off at 11:00am and will be live-streamed on the BUCS social channels.
Birmingham vs Hertfordshire (Netball)
The standard of university netball has steadily improved year-on-year, with ever more players making their professional and international debuts while studying at university. This means that this BUCS final will showcase some of the brightest talents in netball beyond university level. With last year’s championships cancelled, both sides will be looking to bounce back in what will be, for many, their first Big BUCS Wednesday.
The University of Birmingham have a very strong side this year, securing their place in the final on Wednesday with a victory over a strong Exeter team in their Intercept event. This was a closer affair than their quarter-final against the University of Gloucester, however, which finished 81-29 to a dominant Birmingham side.
Hertfordshire have also had a very strong season coming into this BUCS final. With two players in the English Universities Sport team of the year, they go into the match with some star players capable of bringing home victory. Their road to the final was far closer than Birmingham’s, however. They advanced with a very narrow 57-55 victory in their final game, but proved that they could grind out a victory in a tough contest.
Birmingham seem to have more momentum coming into this Big BUCS Wednesday clash, but Hertfordshire are certainly a side that could cause an upset. They say that anything can happen in BUCS and, with only one game separating the sides from a National Championship victory, it will be all to play for at 7:00pm on Wednesday.
University of Nottingham vs Cardiff Met Archers (Wheelchair Basketball)
Wheelchair basketball is making its first appearance at Big BUCS Wednesday, and it is a fantastic opportunity to improve the visibility of para-sport at the university level. Nottingham and Cardiff Met will be battling it out to crown the first Big BUCS Wednesday champion, and it is too close to call the result of this one.
The Cardiff Met Archers defeated Loughborough 56-43 in the semi-final, which was a real clash of the titans to make it to the National Championship final. Loughborough have been known as a powerhouse in the BUCS scene for a very long time, so this victory sets the Archers up very nicely for bringing home a nationals victory.
Nottingham have also had a very solid season, which was perhaps embodied by their 72-13 win over Brunel in their quarter-final match. A victory against Durham in the semi-final also increased their winning streak, continuing their momentum going into Big BUCS Wednesday.
With both sides coming off fantastic seasons so far, will the home advantage bring the National Championship home for Nottingham? Cardiff Met will hope not. Tip-off is at 3:00pm for this affair to see which side can come out on top and bring home top spot.