BAFA Adult Contact 2024 Week 4 Preview

Photo: MWF Photography

As the BAFA Adult Contact 2024 season enters its fourth week, anticipation is building for a series of captivating matchups across all divisions except the NFC 1 – North. From fierce rivalries to high-stakes encounters, Week 4 promises to deliver. With the return of the London Warriors and teams vying for crucial victories and positioning themselves for playoff contention, the stage is set for thrilling gridiron battles. Let's delve into the upcoming fixtures and explore the storylines and key matchups shaping the landscape of British American football in Week 4.

All games are at 2 pm on Sunday 5th May unless otherwise stated.

Premiership

North

Edinburgh Wolves (1-1) vs Tamworth Phoenix (0-1)

The Edinburgh Wolves enter the game with confidence after a convincing 53-7 victory over the Merseyside Nighthawks in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Tamworth Phoenix, who last played three weeks ago in Week 1 and suffered a 38-0 defeat against the Manchester Titans, will be eager to bounce back and secure their first win of the season.

In their previous encounters last season, the series between Edinburgh and Tamworth was evenly matched, with each team securing a victory. However, in this fixture last season, Edinburgh emerged triumphant with a commanding 30-7 win.

South

Cambridgeshire Cats (1-1) vs Solent Thrashers (0-2)

London Warriors (0-0) vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs (1-0) - 3:00 pm

The Cats, coming off a disappointing 35-17 loss to the Bristol Aztecs in Week 2, will want to get back to winning ways and showcase their resilience against the 0-2 Solent Thrashers, who suffered a narrow 12-18 defeat against the London Blitz last week.

Meanwhile, the London Warriors make their season debut against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs a matchup that is happening for the first time. The Warriors, last season's division champions and BritBowl runners-up, face a new challenge against the newly promoted Cheetahs, who impressed with a 20-10 victory over Solent in Week 1.

Division 1

NFC 1 – Scottish

Glasgow Tigers (0-1) vs Clyde Valley Blackhawks (1-0)

The Glasgow Tigers enter the game seeking redemption after a tough 31-13 loss to the Inverclyde Goliaths in Week 3. On the other hand, the Clyde Valley Blackhawks aim to build on their strong start to the season, having secured a 17-6 victory over the Highland Stags in Week 1.

In their previous encounters last season, Glasgow emerged victorious, winning the series 2-0 against Clyde Valley. However, in this fixture last season, Glasgow narrowly defeated Clyde Valley with a 14-6 scoreline.

NFC 1 – Midlands

Nottingham Caesars (1-0) vs Leicester Panthers (0-1) – Saturday 6:30pm

Northants Knights (1-0) vs Birmingham Bulls (0-2)

The Caesars, coming off a 20-8 victory over Birmingham in Week 1, aim to maintain their winning momentum against the Panthers. However, Leicester, who suffered a tough 45-19 loss to Shropshire Revolution last week, will be looking to secure their first win of the season.

In their previous encounter in 2022, Leicester emerged victorious with a dominant 54-21 win over Nottingham. As both teams renew their rivalry, expect a fiercely contested battle as they vie for crucial points in the division standings.

In the second fixture, the Northants Knights square off against the Birmingham Bulls in another exciting matchup. Northants, who secured a hard-fought 14-0 victory over Shropshire in Week 1, aim to continue their winning streak against a 0-2 Birmingham side who are eager to turn their fortunes around.

SFC 1 – East

Kent Exiles (0-1) vs Norwich Devils (0-1)

The Kent Exiles enter the game seeking redemption after a tough 27-6 loss to division leaders East Kent Mavericks in Week 1. Meanwhile, the Norwich Devils will hope to improve from a comprehensive 63-0 defeat against the London Olympians in Week 2.

Although it's been several years since their last meeting in 2009, where Kent emerged victorious with a dominant 58-12 win, both teams will be eager to make their mark in this season's campaign.

SFC 1 – Central

Rushmoor Knights (2-0) vs London Hornets (0-1) - 3:00 pm

The Rushmoor Knights come into the fixture riding high on a wave of confidence following their 35-28 victory over the Wembley Stallions in Week 2. Meanwhile, the London Hornets suffered a narrow 13-8 defeat to Wembley at home last week, adding extra motivation for a strong performance in this upcoming clash.

While there's no recorded history of past encounters between these two teams, this matchup presents an opportunity for Rushmoor to assert their dominance in the division and for London to turn the tide.

SFC 1 – West

South Wales Warriors (1-1) vs Bournemouth Bobcats (0-2)

The South Wales Warriors last took to the field two weeks ago in Week 2, where they suffered a 26-0 defeat at the hands of the Somerset Wyverns. Meanwhile, the Bournemouth Bobcats faced a tough 38-0 loss to division leaders Bristol Apache at home last week, adding extra motivation for a strong performance in this upcoming showdown.

In their previous encounter in Week 1, South Wales emerged victorious with a hard-fought 19-8 win over Bournemouth. However, the Bobcats will be seeking redemption, aiming to overturn their recent form and secure their first win of the season.

Division 2

NFC 2 – East

Lincolnshire Bombers (0-1) vs Darlington Steam (1-0)

Wakefield District Raiders (0-1) vs Doncaster Mustangs (0-1)

In the last game of the series, the Lincolnshire Bombers aim to bounce back from their previous defeat as they face off against the Darlington Steam again. Darlington secured a convincing victory over Lincolnshire in their last encounter, and they will be eager to maintain their winning momentum.

Meanwhile, the Wakefield District Raiders clash with the Doncaster Mustangs in another thrilling contest. Both teams are hungry for their first win of the season and will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. Both Doncaster and Wakefield will look to redeem themselves after tough losses to Gateshead.

NFC 2 – West

Sandwell Steelers (2-0) vs Staffordshire Surge (0-0) - 2:30 pm

The Sandwell Steelers, riding high with two consecutive victories, aim to maintain their winning streak as they face the Staffordshire Surge and place themselves alone at the top of the division. After a remarkable away win against Lancashire last week, Sandwell enters the matchup with confidence and determination to secure another triumph.

On the other hand, the Staffordshire Surge gear up for their first game of the season following the postponement of their initial fixture. Eager to make their mark in the division, Staffordshire enters the fray with a hunger for victory and a desire to kick-start their campaign on a positive note. In their last encounter back in 2019, Sandwell emerged victorious against Staffordshire.

SFC 2 – West

Sussex Thunder (0-1) vs Berkshire Renegades (1-0)

The Sussex Thunder, after a tough loss in their previous outing, will be determined to turn their fortunes around as they face a formidable challenge in the Berkshire Renegades.

On the other side, the Berkshire Renegades enter the contest brimming with confidence following a commanding victory against the Cornwall Monarchs in their last encounter. With momentum on their side, Berkshire will want to maintain their winning momentum and secure another impressive performance against Sussex. In their first meeting since 2019, both teams are primed to leave it all on the field and vie for supremacy in a highly anticipated showdown.

SFC 2 – Inter-Divisional

Cornwall Monarchs (0-2) vs Ouse Valley Eagles (1-0)

The Cornwall Monarchs, seeking redemption after two consecutive losses, will want to turn the tide in their favour as they face off against the Ouse Valley Eagles. Despite facing setbacks in their previous outings, Cornwall remains resolute in their quest for victory and looks to put their scoring woes behind them in this crucial matchup.

Meanwhile, the Ouse Valley Eagles enter the contest on the back of a hard-fought victory against the Ipswich Cardinals in their last encounter. In their first-ever meeting, both teams will look to make a statement and assert their dominance on the field.