BUCS Playoff Semifinal Weekend Preview

Unfortunately, the 2024-25 BUCS is nearly over, but we now face the business part of the season with the BUCS Playoff semifinals. Only six games to cover this week with a fiery match-up in the South for Tier One as well as some old foes meeting in the National league.

National Championship

UWE (1) vs Loughborough (4)

The Bullets have been remarkable this season, the offence has been on fire and the defence looks as strong as ever. The Bristol-based side will be looking to make their mark on the playoffs as reigning champions and look to take another one home to Hillside Gardens. Standing in their way is Loughborough, a surprise to many that they were included in the National League but they have looked right at home, with two big wins against Leeds Beckett and close match-ups against Durham showing they belong in the tier. This week however could be a familiar tale of what we have seen so far this season, two matchups and two relatively easy wins for the Bullets a very similar story could ensue again as Loughborough make the long journey to Bristol to see if they could be in their first National Championship.

Nottingham (2) vs Durham (3)

We knew at the start of the season we were going to get at least one incredible semifinal in this tier, Gold and the Saints have delivered that. Nottingham chasing their first National Championship and Durham looking to add to the ones they already have. In the previous meetings this season both sides have one victory a piece with Durham claiming the latest at the David Ross Sport Village. They meet their again in a rematch after last season's playoff win where the Saints won and played in the final. This season Nottingham need to prove they have what it takes to be the champions and finally do it.

National Vase

Warwick (1) vs Portsmouth (2)

The Wolves have looked incredible since week 1. After that early loss to Leeds the Wolves have been non-stop and put their mark on the rest of the division in the latter stages of the season. The Destroyers however know what it takes to win, a 40-0 victory last week, over a struggling NTU Renegades side shows the fight of the team. Portsmouth has had a rocky season with losses to SGS and Cardiff but have shown they can win and win big when they are playing at their full potential, an exciting game awaits in Warwick.

SGS (1) vs Leeds (2)

The Pride host the Gryphons, the two highest scoring sides in the tier face off as Filton prepare for a second semifinal in two years. Speaking to the Gryphons Head Coach on the Inside Britball Podcast, Coach Bo is looking at her side’s intelligence to see out the victory on Sunday, a long travel down to Bristol awaits. The SGS will be confident they can rely on their individual talent and their understanding of each other and look to make a trip to Loughborough for BUCS Big Tuesday.

National Trophy

Bournemouth (1) vs Brunel (2)

Both teams are set to bring their best as they go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling match. The Burners, known for their relentless offense and strategic gameplay, will look to dominate with their high-powered attack. On the other hand, the Bournemouth Bobcats are no strangers to fierce competition. With a brilliant defence and a game plan designed to stifle the Burners' offensive threats, the Bobcats will be looking to exploit any openings and create momentum in their favour. Both sides know how to score and know how to defend this one is set to be a battle on and off the field.

Edinburgh Napier (1) vs Northumbria (2)

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the Edinburgh Napier Knights take on the Northumbria Mustangs in what promises to be an action-packed showdown. Much like SGS, the Knights will be looking to rely on their teamwork as most of the sides have played together for multiple years before playing BUCS football. The Mustangs will be travelling up with confidence of making it to a second straight final in consecutive years, two sets of brothers lead the line for the Mustangs and will look for them to turn up to bring a fight to the Scottish side who will play someone who is not Scottish for the first time all season. A high-scoring thriller is set in the Scottish capital.