Lincoln Coaching Staff Steps Down.

Alex Robson - 

"It is official that as of yesterday (01/12/2012) I have resigned my position as Lincoln Colonials HC/OC. This was handed in two weeks ago and I offered to take the team into the Christmas Break. I coached two additional games following the had in date as I did not want to leave the team in a complete mess and have some time to manoeuvre (2 months until their next game)

"I have given 9.5 years to the Colonials and coached every position as well as played a few. 

"The team has no active HC and the DC Warwick Grosvenor has also walked away with me. The moving forward of the team lies with Team President Michael Hansford and his committee.

"I wanted to thank everyone who I have met along my time with the Colonials and shared highs and lows with. Were all part of a brotherhood that has left a small mark on us no matter if were involved for one year or three. I will still be coaching senior ball this summer and concentrating on setting up a Lincoln youth team."

Game Of The Week - Coach Wake Interview

First up, it’s an interview with Carnegie's head coach Paul Wake:

What can you tell us about your opponent?
Hull university are a good solid team with some excellent players on both sides of the ball. I'm sure head coach Martin Gardham will have his guys well prepared for this game.

What will be the deciding factor in the game in your opinion?
We can only focus on our own performance. Not giving away so many penalties will be a big factor for us. Hull are too good a side to help them with easy yards from penalties.

Any players on your team to watch out for?
Rather not single out any particular squad members as we promote a strong team ethos. We have a very high percentage of first year students with a fair number starting for us. Although they're on a steep learning curve they've adjusted really well.

Any players on the other team to watch out for?
We'll see who performs on the day. I'm sure Hull university will have their fair share of key players.

Do you consider this a rivalry game?

Not really. They've edged us in the last couple of meetings since we beat them in our first encounter. We try not to buy too much into inter-collegiate rivalry as it can be a double-edged sword and can be as distracting as it is motivating. Our rivalry is with whoever we meet on gameday.

How has the team improved from last year’s game?
The foundations of the last couple of years are starting to bear fruit on recruitment. We've taken on some good raw talent to add to an experienced skeleton. There's a lot of enthusiasm in the squad that sometimes manifests itself in too many penalties, but I love to see the guys enjoying their football.

Any any other quote you'd like to give?
We’re looking forward to an enjoyable encounter with both sides giving a good account of themselves.

Game of the Week- QB Seb Gogerly

What can you tell us about your opponent?
They're a tough opposition who are well disciplined and play physical football. Its a close game everytime we play them and we'll be looking to keep their offense off the scoreboard for as much of the game as possible.

What will be the deciding factor in the game in your opinion?
Big plays on offense. We are two defensively stingy teams and it'll take a few big plays on offense or special teams to get points on the board I think.

Any players on your team to watch out for?
We have a variety of players in plenty of positions on the field that can heavily impact the outcome of a game. We will execute well as a unit and let the experiences players make plays.

Any players on the other team to watch out for?
As I've mentioned they have a stout defence so they're entire unit of LBs will need to be considered when we bring out our game plan offensively.

Do you consider this a rivalry game?
Not necessarily a rivalry game but this match will probably be our hardest of the season and could decide who will go on to win the division. We are treating it like a playoff game due to its importance and we'll be playing hard.

How has the team improved from last year’s game?
We lost alot of seniors but we held depth in key positions. Offensively we improved alot in working as a unit and as a team we are more committed this year. We'll be playing a physical game on defence and flowing to the ball like we have all year. It should be a great game

Game Of The Week - Hull Sharks vs. Leeds Carnegie

We’re barely out of the starting gates in the North East division (partly due to the rain), but it’s already looking like this is the sort of game that could decide who tops the table at season’s end.

BAFA Uni Week Five Predictions

Saltire

Edinburgh Napier Knights at Stirling Clansmen

Talk about your polar opposites. Whilst the Clansmen are squashing the rest of their division like a one armed gorilla reaching for a mushy banana, the Knights have barely troubled the Down marker let alone the score sheet.

Stirling come off a 71-7 over the posher Edinburgh team and must be relishing taking on Napier on their flashy turf at Gannochy in Stirling. Rumours reached DC towers that Stirling were disappointed in this result and felt they took their foot of the gas!

On the plus side for the Knights their Defense has been their one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year. Harsh field position and turnover ball has really cost Napier dear and their Offense ranks #5 in the division.

Prediction: Clansmen by 40 (ED: should we open up the 2 division debate again?)

Edinburgh Predators at UWS Pyro’s

The Pyro’s lost last weekend to the Glasgow Tigers 27-7 but by all accounts put up a good fight. Two costly interceptions and a score chopped off mean that UWS are no longer a softer touch than a baby in a mitten factory. They will want to mix it up in this fixture set to be fought out in Scotland’s December mud.

The Pred’s come of their bye-week still fizzing over their OT loss to Glasgow two weeks ago. Their deep threat and quick run game should make them favourites for this one as they hope to catch Glasgow in 2^nd place. Edinburgh has proven adept at coping with a huddle in the puddle and should be too sharp on the day.

Prediction: Predators by 20