BUCS Week 13 Preview: All eyes on Tier 2 South and a possible National Championship matchup

Photo: Rhino Photography

A short list of fixtures in BUCS Week 13 as Tier One and the Prem North and South prepares for the postseason but there is a host of action this week as we see rematches from earlier in the season, including one that might change the future of the National League.

Premier National

Loughborough vs Durham

Both sides cemented their spots as the fourth and third seed, respectively, however, the last game was a close 30-20 Durham win earlier in the season. Both sides will be looking to have a competitive and safe game this week as they look forward to the playoffs fully healthy and ready to take on the top two in the division.

Nottingham vs UWE

Only a game that means everything for the rest of the season. UWE have been on fire since their defeat to the Gold in Week 1. Nottingham has been dominant, apart from one hiccup against the Durham Saints, they will want to slow down the Bullets’ momentum and take confidence that a division championship can bring. This will be a feisty affair, with everything on the line, only one can win. (Or Tie but who wants that?)

Tier 2

North Western

Lancaster vs Keele

The Bombers host the Crusaders in a match that does not mean anything of real significance. A Lancaster win could boost their seeding in the postseason, but it will depend on what happens in Sheffield. I think that Keele will look to provide an upset as a disappointing season ends for them, and they could use the momentum of this game into next season.

North Eastern

Sheffield vs York

The Steel City welcomes the Centurions for a match that has all the markings of a classic. Two sides both with the division crown on the line, both already qualified for the playoffs, but a win for either side will change the seedings for the Tier. York does need to win by 20 or more to finish top but will have confidence after their results of late.

Midlands

Derby vs De Montfort

Okay, so this one, I think we all know what should happen, but will it? Probably. Derby has been strong all season, and they will not stop when they see the Lions come to town. A dominant Offence and a powerful defence will look to put the result beyond doubt before the playoffs and give them a chance as the number 1 seed, depending on what happens in Sheffield.

South Western

UWE 2 vs Worcester

A win for the Bullets 2 is imperative for their playoff contention. A win means they will cement the second place. The Bullets have looked strong since their loss at the start of the season with three wins on the bounce. We have not seen Worcester since the middle of January in a 17-0 loss to Plymouth but due to their head to head with Aberystwyth, they have only a slim hope at the playoffs. A game that will mean a lot for the rest of the division.

Aberystwyth vs Plymouth

That Welsh team, it could be the last time we say that this season unless they can beat the Blitz, last time out Aberystwyth lost 38-9 (weird score) to the Bullets but will look to fight the Blitz to have a challenge at the playoffs, for the Blitz it is simple, a win and they clinch the division and a nice playoff fixture.

Southern

Chichester vs Solent

Two winless teams have a chance to rectify that this week. We await news of whether RHU vs Solent will happen or become a void fixture by the deadline next week, so this could be both teams’ last chance at a win. That’s the only real significance for both these teams who have both score less than 5 points per game and conceded over 30 per game each.

Sussex vs Surrey

A win and you are in, simple? The loser has an outside chance of a best third-place spot with both teams having good defences, conceding between 5 and 10 points per game this season. Sussex’s offence is better, but Surrey’s defence is better than Sussex’s. This will be a tight and entertaining game that will mean everything to both teams.

South Eastern

City St George vs Kingston

Queen Mary vs Greenwich

This division, this ridiculous division. All four of these sides are battling for the playoff. A Kingston win sorts the division champions out and means that the Wolfpack cannot qualify for the playoffs after their strange start to the season. However, a win for the Wolfpack could relegate the Cougars out of the playoffs, depending on what happens in East London. Queen Mary against Greenwich where both sides can still win the division, a tie means that Queen Mary could win the division if Kingston loses, a Vipers win they qualify for the playoffs and Greenwich will rely on other results from the rest of the southern tier. A Mariners win could clinch them the division if Kingston loses. This division has been mental all season long and will go down to the wire this weekend