BUAFL Week 10 Predictions: MAC

Our Predictions from the MAC (not including our FAUK predictions found here)

Derby Braves @ York Centurions

A big game for both teams, with post-season implications a-plenty.  Derby have had a decent season, but find themselves on the brink of elimination from the post season should they fall to more than one defeat in their remaining schedule (which includes Birmingham).

York meanwhile sit at 3-1 in the Northern, but with Hallam and Hull still to play as well, they  may be lucky to reach the plate for a second season.  Derby have put up a lot of points against lesser opposition this season, and while York will put up a decent fight, we can’t see past the Braves in this one

Derby by three scores

NTU Renegades @ Worcester Royals

Oh, what chance an easy game for Worcester?  We have been harsh on the Royals here at Double Coverage, and we wish we could write something positive ahead of this game – we really do!

NTU are another team that know they need to win out to reach the post-season, and even that isn’t guaranteed with Derby holding a tie-breaker over them.  Luckily for them, Worcester will not be much of an obstacle, sitting at the foot of the MAC with a points difference of -142, which could easily reach -200 by the end of this one.

NTU by five scores

Northampton Nemesis @ Warwick Wolves

Earlier in the year, this trip along the M45 was seen as Northampton’s first real test in their rookie season, and a chance to see how good the Nemesis really are.  That, however, was before Warwick were double-winged to death by a Leicester team that – by their own admission – are still learning the formation.

Northampton have found a way to get it done against everyone so far this season; no teams have been comprehensively thrashed, yet only the Longhorns may look back and think they should have won against them.  Can the Wolves buck that trend?  Close, but no cigar.

Northampton by two scores

Lincoln Colonials @ Coventry Jets

Let’s face it – Coventry have stunk this season.  All ten points coming in one game (admittedly one they should have won at Leicester), and hefty lumpings against the big teams.  Lincoln meanwhile started the season full of hope – young coaching staff, nice early schedule, and pre-Christmas plate contenders.

The wheels may not be completely off at the Colonials, but the axels are wobbling.  Heavy defeats to UEA and NTU preceded throwing in the towel before the opening bell against Birmingham, but those of the lemon sorbet pants should be able to get their act together in this one.

Lincoln by two scores

Leicester Longhorns @ Staffordshire Stallions

A tale of two teams that really should be doing better.  Leicester could still mathematically qualify for the plate, but – with a remaining schedule that features Loughborough – it would probably take a mathematics professor to calculate their chances. 

Currently a two-win team with a decent chance of going .500, the Longhorns will be keen to tame the Stallions.  Staffordshire must yearn for that days of a huge, well-drilled offensive line and Ed Goka in the backfield, and have struggled again this season.  A win over MMU won’t paper over any cracks I’m afraid – double wing to triumph (again)

Leicester by three scores