Unofficial BUAFL Podcast: Week 13

The week 13 Unofficial BUAFL Podcast with Steve Moore is now available here. This week includes a round up of the big winners and losers in the chase for the Play-offs as well as a chat with Guy Davies of the UEA Pirates, who squeaked into the Play-offs at the expense of the Essex Blades.

BUAFL Predict-O-Matic's Week 13 Predictions

South

Cardiff Cobras (6-1) v Warwick Wolves (2-5)

Cardiff need this win to keep them in the running for the top spot in the south west. It will be a nice warm-up game for the playoffs as Warwick are a better side than their record suggests and their neighbours Brum will probably be Cardiffs first round opponents.

Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-6) v UWE Bullets (6-1)

Aber put up a good fight last week in the ever enjoyable Welsh Bowl and Cardiff are hoping they can repeat this form at home. Personally im doubting the upset will happen, despite the long trip for Bristol, and can see the Bullets will shooting Aber down where they stand.

Reading Knights (5-2) v Birmingham Lions (7-0)

After their 55-8 drubbing of BNU last week Reading will be going into this game on a high. It would take that, a handfull of E's and a couple of kilos of the finest Jamican green to make them think they can overturn Birmingham however. The Lions on the other hand are currently my tip for the Bowl and will not have any problems against the Knights less that impenetrable armour.

Oxford Cavaliers (1-6) v Plymouth Blitz (4-3)

Plymouth have a big trip ahead of them but Oxfords season started bad and is ending worse. Im expecting Plymouth to crack open the can of TDs and drench Oxford with 'em.

Bath Killer Bees (4-3) v Bristol Barracuda (2-5)

Bristol have made some good progress this year but Bath are solid as ever; nothing special but solid. That's why I expect them to win this week over a less experienced Cuda side.

North

Leeds Celtics (5-1) v Huddersfield Hawks (3-3)

Leeds are in prime position in the North right now, in contrast with Hudds who are out of the running. Though if I was to give out a trophy for the most improved team, it would go to the Hawks as the've made great strides (flaps?) this year. Well done this year lads but Leeds have got this.

Lancaster Bombers (1-5) v Loughborough Aces (5-1)

After a tough loss to the 'Pool last week things wont get any better against the Aces. The division is out of sight for Playoff veterans Loughborough and with a backlog of games they need to shift this one quickly and focus on more testing fixtures. Easy win for the Aces

Durham Saints (4-2-1) v Newcastle Raiders (7-0)

Newcastle are aiming for a second successive 8-0 season making football in the north east ugly. Not one side has managed to stop their well executed abomination of a formation yet, and I doubt Durham will either. Unless there's some kind of divine intervention involved of course.

Sunderland Spartans (3-3) v Glasgow Tigers (3-3)

Glasgow are the enigma of the league at the moment, and that isn't a good thing as it makes them tough to predict. However Sunderland isn't a massive away trip for them and I calculate they take home the win and secure that #2 spot in Scotland.

Nottingham Outlaws (3-4) v Lincoln Colonials (2-3)

Notts have cost me games this year so are not my favourite team right now! I just hope they pull their finger out and get me a win this time around. Im not sure how much more my circuits can take.

Hallam Warriors (4-2) v UCH Sharks (1-4)

According to BUAFL Hull are taking their squad, splitting it in 2, and dropping them off either side of Sheffield. Whatever Sheffield side plays them this week will win this week.

Sheffield Sabres (4-1) v UCH Sharks (1-4)

The Sabres are still fighting for a playoff place. I think the steel bowl loss will come back to bite them at the end of the season, but a nice win will take them one step closer.

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BUAFL Results: Week 12

South

Kent Falcons (2-6) 24 - Anglia Ruskin Phantoms (1-7) 14
Birmingham Lions (7-0) 60 - Oxford Cavaliers (1-6) 0
Southampton Stags (7-1) 45 - Portsmouth Destroyers (4-4) 0
Hertfordshire Hurricanes (7-1) 57 - Brighton Tsunami (4-4) 14
Cardiff Cobras (6-1) 20 - Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-6) 0
Reading Knights (5-2) 55 - BNU Buccaneers (1-6) 8
Surrey Stingers (2-6) 8 - Essex Blades (6-2) 14
Warwick Wolves (2-5) 12 - Bath Killer Bees (4-3) 26

North

Huddersfield Hawks (3-3) 0 - Sheffield Sabres (4-1) 46
Hallam Warriors (4-2) 12 - Leeds Celtics (5-1) 19
Loughborough Aces (4-1) 47 - UCH Sharks (1-4) 0
Derby Braves (3-3) 27 - Nottingham Outlaws (3-4) 0
Leicester Longhorns (1-6) 0 - Staffordshire Stallions (7-0) 20
Sunderland Spartans (3-3) 8 - Northumbria Mustangs (1-7) 0
Liverpool Fury (1-6) 30 - Lancaster Bombers (1-5) 20
Napier Mavericks (3-5) 0 - UWS Pyros (7-0-1) 36
Glasgow Tigers (3-3) 34 - UT Cougars (4-4) 6

QB Tristan Varney continues to impress in his stellar rookie year, leading Birmingham's potent offence to their 7th win of the season with 5 TDs....Reading have improved dramatically since their opening day drubbing by UWE and are on course for an interesting rematch of this fixture in the playoffs....After coming out victorious in the Welsh Bowl Cardiff will be hoping the Bullets slip up on the long away trip to Tarannau so they can avoid the Big Blue Lion....The Sabres bought the Hawks run of form to a shuddering halt as they seek to prove their still a force to be reckoned with. The Conf 2 north title is now theirs to loose with winnable games ahead....Leeds are also in the running after winning in my game of the week against Hallam. Their final week match up against the Stallions will be a great game....Talking of which the Stallions perhaps didn't put up the points they were expected to against the Longhorns who are bottom of Conf 2 south....The Tigers snatched second place in Conf 1 north after a convincing win against the fading Cougars and the Mavericks loss to conference Champions the UWS Pyros....Finally the young Liverpool Fury team gained their first BUAFL win in the clubs history in a hard fought contest against the Bombers. Let see if the Predict-O-Matic was all systems go this week:

North - 7-2
South - 8-0
Overall - 15-2 (87%)

A perfect record in the South and a decent score in the North equals another accurate week. Check back later this week to see if its calculations will add up in BUAFL Week 13!

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BUAFL Photo Of The Week: Week 11

This week Leigh Morris proved he has a knack for capturing great catches on camera and indeed that Stags WR Dan Benning (who i understand also goes by the alias 'The Benning') has a knack for making them. This weeks photo shows Dan grabbing a great redzone first down under duress from Tsunami number 27:


Once again you can view more of Leigh's work, including a great archive of Stags games shots and other events on his website - www.leighmorrisphotography.com

Honourable Mentions


Here is UWS Pyros Lineman Alan Greenshields celebrating in style their 8-0 victory over the UT Cougars. Submitted by Scott Miller.


This great action shot shows Tsunami's #23 shrugging off a Stag would-be tackler, again submitted by Leigh Morris.


RB Mike Adam searches for a gap in this photo submitted by Alex Gillespie.


Mike Adams is too quick for the Bath Defence as he scores a screen pass. Also submitted by Alex Gillespie

Remember the BUAFL photo of the week competition is open to everyone. Please submit up to 3 photos every week to BUAFLBlog@gmail.com. Keep an eye out for the best shots of week 12 on BUAFL Blog!

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BUAFL Blog Is Looking For Contributors

BUAFL Blog is still looking for budding writers to contribute to the site. We're open to all ideas so whether your a power ranker, predictor or simply have a genius idea for a regular or even one-off article (team/player profiles? training/nutrition tips? tactics analysis? Interviews?) then get in touch!

BUAFLBlog@gmail.com

BUAFL Predict-O-Matic's Week 12 Predictions

South

Kent Falcons (1-6) - Anglia Ruskin Phantoms (1-6)

Battle of the 1-6 teams. Kent hold advantage having already beaten a poor ARU team before Christmas. With home advantage I expect this one to go the same way.

Birmingham Lions (6-0) - Oxford Cavaliers (1-5)

Birmingham have some points total record in their sights and to be honest, I don't think they care. The rivalry between the 2 teams is what will drive Birmingham towards a 100 point game.

Southampton Stags (6-1) - Portsmouth Destroyers (4-3)

Stags final game of the season, and they already have the division wrapped up. Portsmouth are out and even if they beat the Stags, Greenwich have the tie breaker. This game is unimportant and I expect the Stags to field a few reserves.

Hertfordshire Hurricanes (6-1) - Brighton Tsunami (4-3)

Same as above really. Even if Brighton win, the tie breaker will go against them. Herts are already in the playoffs and hold tiebreakers over their division rivals.

Cardiff Cobras (5-1) - Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-5)

Cardiff will not take mercy on Aber in the 2009 Welsh Bowl. The trip is probably the shortest Aber will have had to make all season but I don't think it will make much of a difference.

Reading Knights (4-2) - BNU Buccaneers (1-5)

A win this week will grantee Reading a spot and although BNU are looking a hell of a lot better after Christmas, the Knights will be a step too far for them.

Surrey Stingers (2-5) - Essex Blades (5-2)

Essex are gutted at being possibly the first team to go 6-2 and not make the playoffs. Expect them to vent their rage on Surrey here and hope for the best.

Warwick Wolves (2-4) - Bath Killer Bees (3-3)

Warwick got their 2nd win of the season last week but I can't help but feel it will be the last of the year. Bath have had an underwhelming season and will be looking to finish the season on a high, and with a winning record.

North

Huddersfield Hawks (3-2) - Sheffield Sabres (3-1)

On paper this is a close one with the Sabres 3-1 and the hawks 3-2. Sabres need to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win here and I think they will get it

Hallam Warriors (4-1) - Leeds Celtics (4-1)

This is so tight. The winner has a foot in the playoffs the loser is back in the mosh pit with the rest of them. Leeds need the win more though as they are on the losing end of a tie breaker with the Sabres. Hallam are looking to further their improvement season.

Loughborough Aces (3-1) - UCH Sharks (1-3)

Aces have been looking good since their setback by the Stallions. Hull are having a bad season once more and it will not be getting any better this weekend.

Derby Braves (2-3) - Nottingham Outlaws (3-3)

Thus Midlands derby will be another good game to watch. Notts are the best 3-3 team in the league and I expect them to make the short trip Derby to take home the win. Although Derby have a chance if Notts decide not to turn up focused.

Leicester Longhorns (1-4) - Staffordshire Stallions (5-0)

Oh the humanity! Will someone think of the children! Lets hope Staffs put on their 5th string RB and make a game of it. Leicester will probably change their name once more after the season in an attempt to erase the memory of this loss.

Sunderland Spartans (2-3) - Northumbria Mustangs (1-6)

Sunderland are on a 2 game streak and certainly proved me wrong with their win over UT last week. Expect them to carry on against the Mustangs and compound Northumbria's losing season.

Liverpool Fury (0-6) - Lancaster Bombers (1-4)

Both sides need a win at the moment and Liverpool, despite their potential, are still 0-6. They have come close a couple of times, and I expect them to come close this week, but the Bombers will get their 2nd win of the year here.

Napier Mavericks (3-4) - UWS Pyros (6-0-1)

Pyros are having an outstanding year and are aiming for their first undefeated season. The Mavericks have Glasgow hot on their tails and will hoping to turn the Pyros over but I think UWS will be too hot.

Glasgow Tigers (2-3) - UT Cougars (4-3)

Cougars had a great start to the year, but have just flopped since then. Glasgow on the other hand sprung a surprise last week by beating Durham and I think they will use that momentum to turn over UT.

BUAFL Results: Week 11

South

UEA Pirates (5-2) 26 - Surrey Stingers (2-5) 0
Greenwich Mariners (5-3) 2 - Hertfordshire Hurricanes (6-1) 44
Cardiff Cobras (5-1) 55 - Plymouth Blitz (4-3) 14
Anglia Ruskin Phantoms (1-6) 38 - Royal Holloway Bears (0-7) 12
Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-5) 0 - Birmingham Lions (6-0) 90
Reading Knights (4-2) 20 - Oxford Cavaliers (1-5) 0
BNU Buccaneers (1-5) 20 - Warwick Wolves (2-4) 25
Essex Blades (5-2) 20 - Kent Falcons (1-6) 14
Southampton Stags (6-1) 65 - Brighton Tsunami (4-3) 18
Bath Killer Bees (3-3) 0 - UWE Bullets (6-1) 12

North

UT Cougars (4-3) 0 - UWS Pyros (6-0-1) 8
Liverpool Fury (0-6) 20 - Leicester Longhorns (1-4) 24
Lincoln Colonials (2-3) 0 - Staffordshire Stallions (5-0) 73
Newcastle Raiders (7-0) 66 - Northumbria Mustangs (0-6) 0
Leeds Celtics (4-1) 16 - Lancaster Bombers (1-4) 0
Glasgow Tigers (2-3) 34 - Durham Saints (4-2) 6
Hallam Warriors (4-1) - Loughborough Aces (3-1)
Sheffield Sabres (3-1) - UCH Sharks (1-3)

It was a good day for teams north of the border with UWS Pyros continuing their strong run of form and the Tigers apparently just finding theirs, although it might be to little to late....Newcastle and Staffs remain unbeaten and their defences look solid....The Bee's offence spluttered in the face of UWEs swarming defence which forced a number of costly turnovers. The Bullets made it hard for themselves though, giving up over 100 yards in penalties and leaving it until the 4th quarter to put the game out of sight....Cardiff seem to have grabbed the other playoff spot in conf 3 south with a decisive win over Plymouth....Southampton showed that there still top dogs in conf 4 south by a long way....Brum continue their aggressive scoring strategy piling the points on Tarannau. They lead the league in scoring by a margin.

Lets see how the Predict-o-matic did this week:

North - 9-1
South - 4-2
Overall - 13-3 (81%)

The Predict-o-matics shaken that ice from it circuits and looks back to its best. Check the site later this week to see who it fancies in BUAFL Week 12.

BUAFL Photo Of The Week Competition

BUAFL Blog would (finally) like to introduce its weekly photo competition! Each week we're looking for people to submit their best shots of the previous weekends actions to showcase here on the site. Please submit up to three photos weekly to BUAFLBlog@gmail.com then lookout for them later in the week!

Due to the fact that this is the first edition of the Weekly BUAFL Blog Photo Competition we have included submissions from weeks 8,9 and 10. Although the competition received a modest amount of entries (it is our first post after all!) all were of great quality. This weeks winner is however a shot from Leigh Morris showing a spectacular catch by a Stags receiver in their week 10 game against the Surrey Stingers:


Leigh is the team photographer for the Southampton Stags but also takes photographs professionally at a number of other events. You can view more of Leigh's work, including full sets of Stags games shots on his website - www.leighmorrisphotography.com

Honourable Mentions


This remarkable photo showing the adverse conditions faced by the Outlaws in their week 9 matchup against the Aces was submitted by Victoria Goodwin.


Leigh caught another great shot in the Southampton vs Surrey game, showing a tackle by defensive lineman Ed Butcher.


Mike Adams runs behind the block of WR Dan Jefferies in a snowy week 10 Bristol Varsity game. Submitted by Alex Gillespie.


Running back Edam Goka bursts thought the line behind some great blocking in the Week 8 Stallions vs Outlaws game. This photo was submitted by Mike Hinton.


Finally this shot, capturing some of the action from the conference 3 south matchup between Tarannau and Plymouth, was submitted by Tarannau Aberystwyth.

Remember to submit your weekly shots to BUAFLBlog@gmail.com. Keep an eye out for today's bests photos next week on BUAFL Blog!

Unofficial BUAFL Podcast

In the spirit of supporting people out there helping to promote British University American Football, BUAFL Blog would like to point you in the direction of the Unofficial BUAFL Podcast. Hosted by Steve Moore and co-presenter Luke Da Costa this regular podcast will break down all the weekends BUAFL action as well as covering key happenings and looking forward to upcoming fixtures. Steve introduces this weeks podcast:

Welcome to listeners new and old as we start a new era of the Podcast, in association with the BUAFL blog.

This week Luke Da Costa is off on a shoot for his own work so im back on my own. I am however interviewing Karim Maher of the Swansea Titans, who are ready and raring to go as a full member side from next year.

In addition to this I will be predicting the games coming up this weekend, ranting on how good the Birmingham Lions are looking and will put my neck on the block by saying how much closer the divisions will be after this weekend.

How much closer? Listen and find out.

Steve Moore

Click here to listen to the Week 11 Unofficial BUAFL Podcast

BUAFL Predict-O-Matic's Week 11 Predictions

Hi folks, Predict-o-Matic here. It's going to be short as my circuits have been fried this week and I've only had a few hours to process the fixtures.

South

Greenwich Mariners (5-2) - Hertfordshire Hurricanes (4-1)

In my eyes Greenwich are guaranteed a playoff spot at #2 in their division. The only team that can catch them are the Tsunami and they have possibly the hardest last 2 games in the league to end the season. Herts will continue to run up the score and look pretty for the playoffs. It might be worth Greenwich sitting out a few players with injuries ready for their own post season matchups.

BNU Buccaneers (1-4) - Warwick Wolves (1-4)

Well this is a tough one. Both sides are 1-4 though Warwick put in an impressive performance against Brum compare to BNU who got spanked at the Den. Warwick's offence has scored 2 TDs all year however and though they have the size BNU's pitch will play a big factor in this tie. BNU have managed to put up 20 points in their last 2 games at the mud. Expect this one to be another mudfest with BNU creeping it again.

Bath Killer Bees (3-2) - UWE Bullets (5-1)

Two solid sides both aiming for the playoffs. Everything to play for here as a win for Bath puts them back into the playoff fight. A win here for UWE keeps them top and aiming for that number 1 spot. In our opinion this is possibly game of the week with so much on the line. I'm going with UWE though as their only loss was against the Big blue Machine and even then they still scored 22 points.

UEA Pirates (4-2) - Surrey Stingers (2-4)

Not much to say here except the Stingers are struggling and UEA are shooting for the playoffs. Expect UEA to come out strong at home and turn over the stingers. But then is there an upset in the making? The Stingers can score points, and their defence isn't the worst around. Over half of their conceded points were against the Stags, though I think the trip up will take its toll. UEA win.

Cardiff Cobras (4-1) - Plymouth Blitz (4-2)

It is currently tight as an ants arse at the moment in the south west but this game here decides the playoffs in my eyes. If Cardiff win, they go 5-1 with 2 very winnable games left. If Plymouth win they get the tie breaker for the playoffs and hope Cardiff slip up once more. A win for Cardiff gives them the tie breaker and a playoff place. Plymouth are a massively improved team this year and having seen game film of them both, I think Cardiff will nose it.

Anglia Ruskin Phantoms (0-6) - Royal Holloway Bears (0-6)

Christ. Giant douche or a turd sandwich. Some of you will know what that means. But for those of you who don't; this is a game which no predict-o-matic should ever have to predict. I try not to offend but arguably 2 of the worst teams in the league clashing to see who earns that 1-7. Both teams are 0-6 having conceded approximately 70 tds between them while on scoring 7. Im going on pure stats here. ARU have at least put some point on the board in their games, whereas the best RHB have managed is a score against a 4-2 team.

Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-4) - Birmingham Lions (5-0)

Birmingham turn up, win the game, pillage their women, drink their beer, and spank their sheep. Normally Abers location is a big factor to their home record but here I think it matters about as much as a midget fist fight. Lions to maul by a loooong way.

Reading Knights (3-2) - Oxford Cavaliers (1-4)

Oxford's season just keeps getting worse. They've already been turned over by Reading in a fixture this year, and they are just coming back for more. The question isn't who will win, its how many gaskets will PDM blow in this match. In fact how many has he got left?

Essex Blades (4-2) - Kent Falcons (1-4)

Essex need to show the form they had when they toppled the Stags. If they do that they should breeze past Kent and get another bit closer to the playoffs though I think it'll be in vain as UEA have an easy run in.

Southampton Stags (5-1) - Brighton Tsunami (4-2)

The Stags are still progressing and this win here will take away any mathematical chance of them finishing #2 in the division. Expect the Stags to show class and power while raising the flood barriers and shutting out the Tsunami.

North

Lincoln Colonials (2-2) - Staffordshire Stallions (4-0)

Those Stallions keep trampling every opponent they face. Their power running is a pain in the arse to stop but quite nice to watch. I've only caught one Lincoln game this year and though they keep improving, but this will be another scalp to take back to the New Stables.

UT Cougars (4-2) - UWS Pyros (5-0-1)

A tough one. Before last week I would have said the Cougars but after the way the Pyros lit up Sunderland and how the Cougars lost to them..... I'm going with the Scots. I think it'll be close but I expect many renditions of 'Flower Of Scotland' to be ringing round Teesside come 4pm.

Sheffield Sabres (3-1) - UCH Sharks (1-3)

The sharks this year are toothless. The Sabres are demoralised about losing the Steelbowl and their players will want to show it was a fluke. The Sabres are in still in the playoff chase but they need to get an offensive boost straight away. I feel this is the game for it.

Leeds Celtics (3-1) - Lancaster Bombers (1-3)

Leeds will be a bit rusty as they haven't played for 2 months. But the rust will be blown off with an easy win over Lancaster. Lancaster have gone backwards this year and after being shutout by Hudds I can't see it getting any better.

Newcastle Raiders (6-0) - Northumbria Mustangs (1-5)

My sources inform me that there has been a bit of a spat between these 2 teams. For some reason the Mustangs think they can rile up the Raiders the week before the game and not get punished. Some may say it's good to have a fierce rivalry but these things always seem to go further. I can see Newcastle beating the hell out of Northumbria to teach them a lesson - don't pick on bigger kids.

Liverpool Fury (0-5) - Leicester Longhorns (0-4)

Another horrible match to predict. Both sides appear to have defences that have not conceded as many points as their record would suggest. But their offences are poor. Very poor. This will be a low scoring event. Probably decided by a breakaway TD. I'm going to put my neck on the line and go with Brad Pitts lot.

Hallam Warriors (4-1) - Loughborough Aces (3-1)

Both teams need this win as they are in prime playoff positions. Hallam are sitting pretty at the top of their division with a large points difference and wins over some close rivals. The Aces on the other hand are sitting in the #2 spot with no real chance to catch the crazy horses. In my opinion though the Aces division is the strongest division above the Mason-Dixon line and consequently I can see a few neutrals being wrong when they pick the Warriors.

Glasgow Tigers (1-3) - Durham Saints (4-1)

The Saints are having a great year but the Tigers are so unpredictable. The Tigers put out a fantastic performance against that poxy double wing but will they be able to contain the Saints running backs? Glasgow normally have a great advantage when English teams play away to them but Durham to Glasgow is only 3 hours so that long drive is not going to be a massive advantage.


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BUAFL Results: Week 10

North

Liverpool Fury (0-4) 12 - Huddersfield Hawks (3-2) 28
UT Cougars (4-2) 22 - Sunderland Spartans (2-3) 36
Northumbria Mustangs (0-5) 0 - Napier Mavericks (3-4) 7
Nottingham Outlaws - Lincoln Colonials
Leeds Celtics - Staffordshire Stallions
Hallam Warriors - UCH Sharks
Lancaster Bombers - Sheffield Sabres
Glasgow Tigers - Stirling Clansmen
Loughborough Aces - Leicester Longhorns

South

Southampton Stags (5-1) 40 - Surrey Stingers - (2-4) 0
UWE Bullets (5-1) 46 - Bristol Barracuda - (2-5) 0
Brighton Tsunami (4-2) 0 - Greenwich Mariners - (4-2) 19
Kent Falcons - Hertfordshire Hurricanes
Oxford Cavaliers - Plymouth Blitz
UEA Pirates - RH Bears
Tarannau Aberystwyth - BNU Buccaneers
Cardiff Cobras - Warwick Wolves
Reading Knights - Birmingham Lions

In keeping with the spirit of last weeks events, the Week 10 BUAFL results post reaches you a bit late! The horrible weather had big implications and led to loads of games being cancelled. It will be interesting to see how many actually get played considering many teams will have their rain week already booked.....Snow was thick on the ground for the Bristol Varsity game and was at early risk of being cancelled despite the 3G. None the less the Bullets rode star back Mike Adams to the win as he ploughed his way to 4 TDs and well over 200 yards on just over 10 carries. The game against Bath next week will make or break UWEs playoff hopes.....Greenwich's somewhat surprising win over Brighton makes things even murkier in Conf 4 South with 3 teams now fighting for the Playoffs behind the Stags. If the Tsunami upset the Stags next week things could get even more interesting......Huddersfield continued their winning streak with a win over the Pool and would love to end the season with a winning record.....Finally the Predict-o-matic was right when it said that the score in the Spartans - Cougars game was going to be closer than the records suggested. It didn't go so far as to predict the upset however, which is exactly what happened with Sunderland pulling out a great win.

Lets see how the Predict-o-matic fared with the rest of its scores:

North - 2-1
South - 2-1
Overall - 4-2 (67%)

Well it was always going to be hard to follow a near perfect week, and it seems that the cold might have got to the Predict-o-matics circuits! Check back later this week to see if it can get back on form in BUAFL Week 11!

BUAFL Predict-o-matic's Week 10 Predictions

The Predict-o-matic only churned out 1 false prediction for last weekends action! Lets see what it thinks about week 10:

South

Reading Knights (3-2) - Birmingham Lions (5-0)

With the Lions already in the playoffs, and Reading fighting for the opportunity. I can see this being closer than most people will think. Though I doubt the Lions will let up. The Knights armour is made of paper in this bout and will be torn to pieces.

Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-4) - BNU Buccaneers (1-4)

Well who would have though the virgins of the league would overturn Oxford? Well I did, because I am the Predict-o-matic, the brains of 6 college head coaches (minus the egos). I am going to go with BNU moving to 2-4 this weekend. Mainly because Aber seem to have gone downhill this year and the rebuilding process has been a tough mistress. BNU on a high, can they go higher? I think so but not by much.

UEA Pirates (4-2) - Royal Holloway Bears (0-6)

Not much to say about this one apart from, some toothless, clawless bear getting hijacked and pillaged by the UEA pirates. UEA still in the playoff hunt at 4-2 and I expect them to notch their 5th win here. RHB need to try and tighten up that defence as they are in the running with BNU, Bristol, ARU & Napier for the defensive wooden spoon.

Oxford Cavaliers (1-4) - Plymouth Blitz (4-2)

Oxford’s offence seemed to be poor this year with the defence keeping them in games. But against Bath last week it appears their defence has also given up the ghost. With Plymouth in the hunt for playoffs expect this to be another win for the pasty eating Blitz. I can see serious changes happening at the end of the year at Oxford, and no matter what spin you put on it, they aren’t good.

Cardiff Cobras (4-1) - Warwick Wolves (1-4)

A half decent Cobras team is not going to take it easy on the Wolves before their big clash with the Blitz next week. Expect them to be tuning the finer points of their play in this one sided matchup. The Wolves on the other hand looked poor all throughout the season and in their 6-0 win over Oxford they seemed to have saved an 0-8 season. They will be fighting for an upset in this one but it will be in vain.

Kent Falcons (1-3) - Hertfordshire Hurricanes (4-1)

Coach Messenger will have given the Herts boys a serious dressing down after their tightly fought game against Southampton last week, which by all accounts was some hard football. The big green machine just wasn’t switched on last week and I expect it to kick back into action against Kent. I hope the Falcons don’t bring their families to this game. It’s never nice to cry in front of your parents.

Brighton Tsunami (4-1) - Greenwich Mariners (2-2)

Another game I’d like to see; 2 half decent outfits crashing about looking for a playoff spot. The Tsunami come off of a tight one last week and I am unsure about their offence now. Greenwich haven’t been doing too great this year and I think the Brighton O vs Greenwich D will decide this match. I’m going with Brighton again as they came through for me last week.

UWE Bullets (4-1) - Bristol Barracuda (2-4)

The Bristol bowl, which surprisingly hasn’t been hyped so much by Phil Fear. Is it because they are worried it might be a rout? I wouldn’t be so worried, after an impressive 54-8 win against Tarannau last week I expect them to bring it to the boys from UWE. The Bullets on the other hand will keep their little brother at bay for another season and keep the varsity trophy nice and polished in the display case.

Southampton Stags (4-1) - Surrey Stingers (2-3)

Out of respect for the Stingers, I’m going to cool off calling this one. I just hope they play with pride and hit hard.

North

UT Cougars (4-1) - Sunderland Spartans (1-3)

UT are fighting with Durham for the 2nd spot in that playoffs from that division and expect them to take no mercy in this tie against the Spartans. Though I think it will be closer than the records suggest. UT had a great start to the year and have stuttered since then. Though with the playoffs on the line I don’t think the Spartans will spoil the party.

Loughborough Aces (3-1) - Leicester Longhorns (0-4)

The Aces will be looking to put themselves firmly in playoff spot 2 with a win this week. Leicester hope to get something from this season as they currently sit 0-4 with not many points on the board. I hope they do get something from this season as they have been around a long time now, but I can’t see it happening against the Aces.

Lancaster Bombers (1-3) - Sheffield Sabres (3-1)

The Sabres were nearly extinct last week in the Steel Bowl. They really messed with my circuits by ruining my perfect week! Only 1 wrong, and it’s because I went with the U over the PT. I am going to put my trust in them against this week and go for a Sabres win. Lancaster on the other hand are looking like a bunch of failed shoe bombers this season. I can’t see it getting much better and expect them to go 1-4.

Hallam Warriors (4-1) - UCH Sharks (1-3)

Well strike me down. Hallam shocked me last week by beating the Sabres, and as much as it pains me to say……… I’m going with another Hallam win. Hull really are playing like their town: slightly dilapidated and unwatchable. I’ve visited my cousin (a cassette player) down there 2 times and that’s 2 times too many. I expect Hallam to keep the good vibes going in this one.

Liverpool Fury (0-3) - Huddersfield Hawks (2-2)

Liverpool are having a tough time of it this season. Though they are 0-3, Brad and his coaching staff have done well defensively. They just need to get the offence firing, though I don’t think this is the game for it. I expect Hudds to continue their much improved season by gaining a 3rd win.

Nottingham Outlaws (3-3) - Lincoln Colonials (2-2)

After their promising show (score line wise) against the Stokies, I can see the Outlaws grasping for their very slim chance of playoff football. Both teams are .500, but I think the experience of the Outlaws will rob the Colonials of a victory.

Leeds Celtics (2-1) - Staffordshire Stallions (4-0)

Clash of the titans here and I don’t mean Swansea. I know Leeds are 2-1 at the moment and Staffs are 4-0 but as somebody who has followed football for a while, I can see this being a good scrap. If I wasn’t out at a boot sale this Sunday I would go see this match. If the Celtics can shut down the Staffs running machines that they just keep churning out I can see it swinging the Celtics way. But let’s face it the Predict-o-matic is just playing devils advocate.

Northumbria Mustangs (0-4) - Napier Mavericks (2-4)

No offence to the guys involved but this is like choosing between a motorcycle ashtray and a sky hook. The match will be a ground out affair with not much at stake except a bit of pride. I can’t see Northumbria’s season getting much better. I hope it does for their sake but I’m going with a Scottish V here.

Glasgow Tigers (1-3) - Stirling Clansmen (2-4)

Again 2 team who used to be football powerhouses both with CB appearances this decade. Though they are more like the toothless tiger you see in Chinese zoos once their fighting days are over. After their performance against Newcastle, Glasgow will be on a high of sorts. They have also performed better against neutral opponents.

BUAFL Results: Week 9

North

Derby Braves (2-3) 21 - Leicester Longhorns (o-4) 14
Newcastle Raiders (5-0) 14 - Glasgow Tigers (1-3) 12
UWS Pyros (5-0-1) 48 - Northumbria Mustangs (0-4) 0
Nottingham Outlaws (3-3) 0 - Loughborough Aces (3-1) 8
Napier Mavericks (2-4) 8 - Durham Saints (3-1-1) 45
Sheffield Sabres (3-1) 14 - Hallam Warriors (4-1) 21
UCH Sharks (1-3) 20 - Huddersfield Hawks (2-2) 22

South

Bristol Barracuda (2-4) 54 - Tarannau Aberystwyth (0-4) 8
Portsmouth Destroyers (4-2) 0 - Brighton Tsunami (4-1) 3
Bath Killer Bees (3-2) 66 - Oxford Cavaliers (1-4) 6
Anglia Ruskin Phantoms (0-6) 0 - Essex Blades (4-1) 20
Kent Falcons (1-3) 6 - UEA Pirates (4-1) 44
Warwick Wolves (1-4) 6 - Birmingham Lions (5-0) 70
Surrey Stingers (2-3) 0 - Greenwich Mariners (2-2) 8
Southampton Stags (4-1) 19 - Hertfordshire Hurricanes (4-1) 7
Plymouth Blitz (4-2) 0 - UWE Bullets (4-1) 1

This weeks results feature some close, close games....Im not sure many people were expecting Glasgow to push the Raiders that close, but Newcastle ground out the win. Now their D has finally been breached will the floodgates open? Im not so sure......In a frosty Steel Bowl the upstart, younger Sheffield side claimed this seasons bragging rights....Brum put up another huge score on woeful Warwick....UEA and Essex are now neck and neck, vying for a playoff place behind Herts....The Stags came out victorious in the Southern match up of the week but it wasn't as free scoring as many believed it would be......The other important fixture in Conf 4 South was another defensive battle that saw the Tsunami overcome the Destroyers by only a FG.....Plymouths decision to forfeit has been met with hostility on the Unofficial forum. It seems a strange move on Plymouths part considering they are having their best season for a while.

Finally we have a chance to review how the Predict-o-matic fared this week:

North - 6-1
South - 9-0
Overall - 15-1 (94%)

Looks like its off to a flying start! Check back later this week to see who it cranks out to win in Week 10!