BAFA Adult Contact Week 1 Preview

Photo: Adam Gumbs Photography

The excitement is building as the British American Football Adult Contact leagues kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season this weekend. With adrenaline-pumping matchups on the horizon, old rivalries, new teams, and teams in new leagues, welcome to week 1! Join us as we preview the upcoming fixtures and delve into the thrilling narratives set to unfold in this weekend’s action-packed schedule.

All games 2 pm on Sunday 14th April unless stated.

Premiership

North

Edinburgh Wolves vs Newcastle Vikings

Merseyside Nighthawks vs East Kilbride Pirates

Manchester Titans vs Tamworth Phoenix (3 pm)

The Premiership North kicks off with a thrilling line-up of clashes. The Edinburgh Wolves square off against newly promoted Newcastle Vikings. The Wolves will be eyeing a repeat playoff appearance at their revamped home ground, Malleny Park, whereas the Vikings, under fresh coaching guidance, aim to assert their presence following last season’s Division 1 runner-up finish. Meanwhile, the Merseyside Nighthawks confront the East Kilbride Pirates, yearning to overturn their winless home record from 2023 against the Pirates who dominated the series last year with this fixture finishing 34-0 to EKP in 2023. In another compelling matchup, the Manchester Titans, vying for a third consecutive title, face the Tamworth Phoenix, who are determined to rebound and reclaim their place among Premiership contenders. This fixture in 2023 saw the Titans win 46-19.

South

Cambridgeshire Cats vs London Blitz

Solent Thrashers vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs

The Cambridgeshire Cats brace themselves for a showdown against the London Blitz, eager to avenge last season’s series sweep by the Blitz, who seek to maintain their dominance despite recent coaching upheaval. Meanwhile, the Solent Thrashers square off against the newly promoted Hertfordshire Cheetahs, fresh off their triumph in Division 1 BritBowl. The Thrashers, determined to improve upon their 5th place from the previous season, aim to secure a vital victory on home turf as they confront the Cheetahs, who aim to make their mark in the Premiership. The last time these two teams met was in 2019 in Division 1 where it ended 24-19 to Solent.

Division 1

NFC 1 Scottish

Clyde Valley Blackhawks vs Highland Stags

Last season, Highland Stags clinched the division title but faced disappointment in the playoffs, will be eager to make their way back to the playoffs. Conversely, the Clyde Valley Blackhawks, finishing in 3rd place, seek redemption after conceding defeat to the dominant Stags in both encounters last season with an average point difference of 46 points.

NFC 1 North

Humber Warhawks vs Sheffield Giants

Sheffield finds themselves realigned to a division with more eastern opponents this season, presenting them with new challenges and fresh adversaries, including the newly promoted Humber Warhawks. Humber, having secured promotion following a commendable Division 2 campaign, will be eager to prove themselves against higher-tier competition. With both teams poised for a fresh chapter, anticipation runs high as they prepare to lock horns for the very first time.

NFC 1 Midlands

Nottingham Caesars vs Birmingham Bulls (12 pm)

Shropshire Revolution vs Northants Knights

The Nottingham Caesars, coming off a strong offseason bolstered by notable player acquisitions, aim to assert their dominance as they face the Birmingham Bulls. Last season’s division champions, the Caesars, are determined to build upon their success and make a push for promotion. On the other hand, the Bulls, who finished 4th last season, seek to challenge the Caesars and kickstart their campaign on a winning note. Meanwhile, the Shropshire Revolution, newly promoted from Division 2, encounter the Northants Knights in a clash of contrasting ambitions. While the Revs aim to make their mark in the higher division, the Knights, finishing 5th last season, aspire to climb the ranks. This will be first time these two teams have met.

SFC 1 East

East Kent Mavericks vs Kent Exiles

Norwich Devils vs London Blitz B

The Kent Exiles, recently relegated from Prem South, aim to reclaim their former glory as they face the newly promoted East Kent Mavericks. Fresh off their Division 2 BritBowl championship, the mavericks are eager to make their mark in the higher division and prove their mettle against established opponents. Last time these two met was in 2018 in Division 1 where Kent won 48-0. Meanwhile, the Norwich Devils, last season’s division champions, square off against London Blitz B, who finished 3rd in the same division. Norwich, who reached the Division 1 South Playoff final but fell short will be looking to repeat last season ending in redemption. In a rematch of last season’s closely contested fixture, London Blitz B aims to repeat the result of this fixture last season edging out a one-point win.

SFC 1 Central

Rushmoor Knights vs Portsmouth Dreadnoughts

Rushmoor, who finished 3rd in their division last season, find themselves facing new challenges this year with the realignment introducing them to three new opponents, including Portsmouth, who have been promoted from Division 2. The last time these two teams met was back in 2022 in Division 1, where Rushmoor emerged victorious with a 14-0 win.

SFC 1 West

Bournemouth Bobcats vs South Wales Warriors

Somerset Wyverns vs Bristol Apache

The Bournemouth Bobcats, coming off a strong season finished in the South Playoff semi-finals, clash with the South Wales Warriors, who escaped relegation, finishing 5th. Last season’s encounters between these two teams ended in a draw, with the Warriors securing a narrow victory in their previous meeting. Meanwhile, newly promoted Somerset Wyverns, face the Bristol Apache. The last time these two teams met was in 2022 in Division 2, where Bristol emerged victorious.

Division 2

NFC 2 West

Leigh Miners vs Sandwell Steelers

Sandwell finds themselves in a reset phase, dropping to Division 2 after competing in the Prem North in 2022. Meanwhile, Leigh Miners, having made the Division 2 playoffs last season, face two new opponents compared to the previous year, one being Sandwell. With the two teams never meeting before, anticipation runs high as they prepare to battle for the first time.

SFC 2 Inter-divisional

Essex Tridents vs Sussex Thunder

Swindon Storm vs Colchester Gladiators

The Division 2 inter-divisional matchups debut with exciting matchups poised to kickstart the season. Essex Tridents, a newly formed team resulting from the merger between Essex Spartans and East Essex Sabres, face the Sussex Thunder, who are in a rebuilding phase. Sussex Thunder finished 4th in their division last season, seeking to assert their presence in the new division.

In another compelling matchup, the Swindon Storm and the Colchester Gladiators square off for the first time. Swindon and Colchester both made the Division 2 Wild Card round in the playoffs but fell short.