Photo provided by Oxford Saints
The BAFA U19 Contact Division 2 Finals are upon us, but not without a twist. The Poole Dolphins have unfortunately forfeited their spot in the finals, which means the format has now shifted to a round-robin tournament between the remaining three teams. The team with the best record at the end of the day will be crowned the U19 Division 2 Champions. Tie-breakers will follow standard contact rules, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already thrilling competition. This tournament could also serve as a stepping stone for one of these teams to potentially make the jump from the 7v7 format to the 9v9 format in Division 1 next season. The Finals gameday will be hosted by the Oxford Saints in Oxford, setting the stage for what promises to be a gripping day of football.
Match Schedule:
1. 1 South Wales Warriors (7-1) vs 2 Swindon Storm (6-2) – 11 am
2. 2 Swindon Storm (6-2) vs 3 Oxford Saints (5-3) – 12:30 pm
3. 1 South Wales Warriors (7-1) vs 3 Oxford Saints (5-3) – 2 pm
What to Watch For:
The tournament features three intriguing matchups, each with the potential to swing the balance of the championship. The South Wales Warriors enter the finals as the top seed, boasting a 7-1 record and riding a 4-game win streak. Their offence has been prolific, averaging 31.6 points per game while conceding just 5.1 points on average. The Warriors are the team to beat, but their only loss this season came at the hands of the Swindon Storm, who defeated them 13-6 in Week 10.
The Swindon Storm, with a 6-2 record, also enter the finals in strong form, having won their last two games. Their offence is not far behind the Warriors, scoring an average of 28.3 points per game, but they concede a bit more at 10.1 points per game. The Storm’s clash with the Warriors in the opening game is likely to be pivotal in deciding the tournament's outcome, as these two teams have already exchanged blows this season in two tightly contested games.
The Oxford Saints, hosting the event, round out the competition with a 5-3 record and are also on a 2-game win streak, although one of them was a forfeit. While their offence averages 23 points per game, their defence has been more vulnerable, conceding just under 19 points per game. The Saints have struggled against both the Warriors and Storm this season, losing heavily to both in Week 13. However, it’s worth noting that they were missing several starters for those games, so they could be a different proposition this time around on home turf.
Head-to-Head:
- Week 3: Swindon Storm 8-12 South Wales Warriors
- Week 10: Swindon Storm 13-6 South Wales Warriors
- Week 13: South Wales Warriors 50-6 Oxford Saints
- Week 13: Swindon Storm 50-2 Oxford Saints
The head-to-head results suggest that the opening match between the Warriors and Storm could very well determine who takes home the silverware. The Warriors narrowly edged out the Storm in Week 3, but the Storm avenged that loss in Week 10. Meanwhile, the Saints will be looking to put up a stronger fight with a full roster, especially in front of their home crowd.
Final Thoughts:
With the championship on the line, expect the unexpected. The South Wales Warriors are the favourites based on their season-long performance, but the Swindon Storm have proven they can beat them. The Oxford Saints, despite their underdog status, have the home advantage and a point to prove. The stage is set for a thrilling day of British American football, where every play could be the difference between victory and defeat.
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