BUAFL Game of the Week Preview

This weekend sees a big clash in the Thames Valley Division, as the BNU Buccaneers try and topple the current National Champion Portsmouth Destroyers. In the same fixture last year Portsmouth ran in 62-14 winners, but BNU can take one positive from the previous game, scoring the 2^nd highest points total the vaunted Pompey D conceded all season.

Portsmouth will be looking to continue their winning streak carrying over from last season’s championship effort. Their defence is extremely stingy and never seems to give up points conceding only 21 points in the regular season last year and they continued that form this year against the Brunel Burners, holding them to no score.

 Their offence doesn’t put up the Madden like numbers of other teams at the top level of the league, but with a defence as dominant as it is they rarely need to score more than 20 points anyway.

BNU will be looking to build on their strong showing last week against the Southampton Stags where although they lost they still put up 48 points. The Double wing may have its detractors, but last week BNU proved against good opponents that their smash mouth offence can seriously rack up points, their starting backfield managing 437yds total and accounted for 6 TD’s.

However it is their defence which may cause concern after conceding 52 points in one game. Head Coach Luke Plastow will be hoping for his player’s to follow the inspiring example of Adam Austin, who had 5 tackles and forced a fumble despite playing both ways in the opening game. 

Coach Plastow believes the greatest battle will take place in the trenches saying “the main battle is going to be between the BNU OL and the Portsmouth DL. Whoever wins that battle will win the match”

Whatever the result of the game you can guarantee that it will be a hard hitting game featuring two run heavy offences and two defences eager to make a statement at the start of the season.

Dbl Coverage Prediction: A close fought game, but the National Champions may just edge it by a single TD

In other news, this weekend will see teams around the league hold a minutes silence to commemorate Remembrance Day. BNU will also be wearing a poppy decal on their helmets and didn’t even have to ask BAFA permission...

Caleb Jackson, BAFA Director for Student Club Management welcomed the move saying 'This is a great community initiative by the Buccaneers and a move which ensures the team reflects the mood of the nation.'

Good luck to all those playing this weekend. Check back later to see our score predictions!