BAFA Adult Contact Week 5 Preview

Photo: The70sDJ Sports Photography

The BAFA Adult Contact Week 5 provides some incredible matchups. With multiple games that are sure to have playoff and relegation implications for some teams, their final appears in week 5. From Premiership to Division 2, there are intriguing matchups throughout. Let’s delve into our preview of Week 5 and pick out the key storylines and rivalries. Where will the gaps appear? 

All fixtures kick-off at 2 pm Sunday unless stated. 

Premiership 

North 

Merseyside Nighthawks (0-2) vs Tamworth Phoenix (0-2) 

In a clash at the bottom of the division, both teams enter the fixture with a 0-2 record and will be eager to secure their first victory of the season. Despite conceding more points in their respective games, the Nighthawks have outscored Tamworth marginally. However, history favours Tamworth, who has emerged victorious in every encounter since Merseyside's inception into the Premiership Division. 

This matchup marks the beginning of a crucial back-to-back series, mirroring last season's intense showdowns. Tamworth dominated proceedings in the previous campaign, securing a 2-0 series win without conceding a single point, demonstrating their defensive prowess. With the Nighthawks enjoying a two-week break following a tough loss to Edinburgh, and Tamworth entering their second game in a gruelling three-week stretch, both teams are poised to leave it all on the field in pursuit of victory. 

South 

London Warriors (1-0) vs Bristol Aztecs (1-0) 

London Warriors come into the game riding high after a dominant 60-0 victory over the Hertfordshire Cheetahs last week, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive dominance. On the other hand, Bristol enters the contest fresh off a convincing 35-17 triumph over the Cambridgeshire Cats in their last outing, displaying their resilience on the road. 

The rivalry between these two teams reached a fever pitch last season, with the series ending in a deadlock at 1-1. Their previous encounter was a thrilling high-scoring affair, with the Warriors edging out the Aztecs 39-36 in a closely contested battle. As the season progresses, this matchup looms large as a pivotal moment in determining playoff seeding, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already electrifying contest. 

Division 1 

NFC 1 – Scottish 

Highland Stags (0-2) vs Clyde Valley Blackhawks (1-1) 

The Highland Stags find themselves in an unexpected predicament with a 0-2 start, a stark contrast to their dominant performance last season, where they finished atop the division with an impressive 9-0-1 record. 

In their last outing, Highland suffered a setback at home, falling to division leaders Inverclyde Goliaths by a margin of 27-48. Similarly, Clyde Valley enters the contest for their second appearance in a gruelling three-game stretch, having narrowly lost to Glasgow in a closely contested battle away from home. 

The Blackhawks have already secured a victory over the Stags earlier in the season, prevailing with a 17-6 triumph. However, Highland will be determined to even the series and ignite their season, expect a fierce and closely contested encounter as both teams vie for crucial victories to shape their playoff aspirations. 

NFC 1 – North 

Humber Warhawks (1-1) vs Chester Romans (1-1) 

Yorkshire Rams (0-0) vs Scunthorpe Alphas (1-0) 

The Humber Warhawks have shown they are no pushovers as the division newcomers and the Chester Romans are seemingly coping with coach and player turnover. Humber, resilient despite facing a postponed game last week, seeks redemption following their previous 23-0 defeat to Chester.  

In another intriguing clash, the Yorkshire Rams make their season debut against the Scunthorpe Alphas. Following a postponed fixture last week, Yorkshire is primed to kickstart their campaign with renewed energy, while Scunthorpe aims to build upon their early-season success after a convincing victory over Sheffield. With history favouring the Alphas in their previous encounters, Yorkshire will be determined to turn the tide and secure a positive start to their season. 

NFC 1 – Midlands 

Nottingham Caesars (2-0) vs Northants Knights (2-0) (12:00 pm) 

This top-of-the-table encounter carries significant early-season playoff implications, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance and solidify their position atop the standings. 

Nottingham enters the matchup in scintillating form, boasting a flawless 2-0 record highlighted by an impressive 47-0 victory over the Leicester Panthers last week. Their defensive prowess has been particularly notable, conceding a mere 8 points thus far in the season. On the other hand, Northants has also been formidable defensively, yet to concede a single point while securing a commanding 21-0 win over the Birmingham Bulls in their previous outing. 

In their previous season encounters, the Caesars emerged victorious in a hard-fought series, clinching a 2-0 win, including a high-scoring 47-24 triumph in this meeting last season. 

SFC 1 – East 

London Olympians (1-1) vs Norwich Devils (0-3) 

The Olympians enter the contest with a respectable 1-1 record, buoyed by their ability to find the end zone with an average of 41 points per game. Despite a narrow loss to division leaders East Kent Mavericks two weeks ago, the Olympians remain a potent offensive force and will be determined to maintain pace at the top of the table. 

In contrast, Norwich finds themselves at the bottom of the standings with a 0-3 record and a struggle to put points on the board this season. 

Last season's series between these two teams ended in a tie, with London emerging victorious in this fixture with a commanding 40-22 win. However, early indications suggest that this season's results may unfold differently. 

SFC 1 – Central 

London Hornets (0-2) vs Portsmouth Dreadnoughts (1-1) 

Oxford Saints (0-1) vs Rushmoor Knights (3-0) 

In the first showdown, the London Hornets clash with the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts in a contest laden with significance for both sides. London's season has been marred by challenges, including a forfeiture last week against Rushmoor, raising questions about their ability to field a competitive team. On the other hand, Portsmouth enters the matchup fresh off a commanding 50-0 victory over Oxford, affirming their place in the division following promotion. 

Meanwhile, the Oxford Saints square off against the undefeated Rushmoor Knights in what promises to be a compelling battle. Oxford, with only one game under their belt this season, will be seeking redemption after a tough loss to Portsmouth. Conversely, Rushmoor aims to maintain their perfect record, having secured victories in all three of their previous outings. Last season this fixture ended 36-13 to Rushmoor. 

SFC 1 – West 

Bournemouth Bobcats (0-3) vs Hereford Stampede (0-2) 

South Wales Warriors (2-1) vs Bristol Apache (3-0) 

In the first clash, the Bournemouth Bobcats and the Hereford Stampede, both searching for their first win of the season, lock horns in a battle with significant relegation implications. Bournemouth's season has been marked by struggles, averaging just three points per game, while Hereford has faced defensive challenges, conceding an average of 37 points per game. With both teams eager to avoid the relegation zone, expect a fiercely contested showdown as they vie for a crucial victory. 

Meanwhile, the South Wales Warriors play host to the undefeated Bristol Apache in a highly anticipated matchup. South Wales, boasting a solid 2-1 record, will look to capitalise on their recent momentum following a convincing 16-0 victory over Bournemouth last week. However, Bristol enters the contest as division leaders, boasting an impressive 3-0 record and a commanding point difference of 99 points. Last season's series between these two teams ended in a tie, with South Wales edging out Bristol in a low-scoring affair, 3-0, in this fixture last season. 

Division 2 

NFC 2 – East 

Gateshead Senators (2-0) vs Doncaster Mustangs (0-1-1) 

Gateshead has asserted their dominance early in the campaign, boasting an impressive 2-0 record. Their last outing saw them deliver a commanding 18-0 victory over the Wakefield District Raiders two weeks ago, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. 

On the other hand, the Doncaster Mustangs enter the contest with a 0-1-1 record, having recently tied with Wakefield in a hard-fought battle that ended 28-28. Despite their struggles, Doncaster will be determined to turn their season around and secure their first win. 

The previous encounter between these two teams in Week 1 saw Gateshead emerge victorious with a resounding 57-6 win at Doncaster's ground. With their sights set on replicating their success, Gateshead will want to maintain their momentum and extend their unbeaten streak. 

NFC 2 – West 

Leigh Miners (0-1) vs Lancashire Wolverines (0-1) 

Leigh Miners return to action after a prolonged break, having last played in Week 1, facing the challenge of maintaining momentum and cohesion following a four-week hiatus. Their previous outing ended in a narrow 23-25 defeat to the Sandwell Steelers. On the other side, the Lancashire Wolverines come into the contest following a 22-32 loss to the Sandwell Steelers two weeks ago.  

Although these two teams have only met once during the 2021 COVID season, the absence of recent encounters adds an element of unpredictability to their upcoming clash. 

SFC 2 – East 

Ipswich Cardinals (0-1) vs Ouse Valley Eagles (2-0) 

Ipswich Cardinals enter the contest seeking redemption after their narrow 8-6 defeat to Ouse Valley in their previous encounter. Determined to climb off the bottom of the division standings, Ipswich will want to turn the tables and secure their first victory of the season. 

Meanwhile, the Ouse Valley Eagles come into the matchup riding high on a wave of success, boasting an impressive 2-0 record. Their last outing saw them deliver a commanding 34-16 victory over the Cornwall Monarchs, and a victory this week will put them alone at the top of the table. 

SFC 2 – West 

Swindon Storm (1-1) vs Sussex Thunder (1-1) 

With Swindon, Sussex, and the Berkshire Renegades all sharing identical 1-1 records, the division remains wide open, setting the stage for an intense battle between Swindon and Sussex. 

Swindon Storm returns to action after a three-week break, having secured a hard-fought 3-0 victory over the Cornwall Monarchs in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Sussex Thunder enters the contest fresh off a confidence-boosting 17-7 victory over the Berkshire Renegades last week, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. 

With no recent meetings between the two teams, the upcoming clash promises to be a closely contested affair, as both Swindon and Sussex vie for supremacy and strive to gain an early advantage in the division standings.