BUAFL Predict-O-Matic's Week 15 Predictions

North

PO Round 1: Glasgow Tigers (4-4) @ Newcastle Raiders (8-0)

To start with both sides are suffering injuries right now. Their last clash was a lot closer than expected and I was surprised that Newcastle seemed to show chinks in their previously infallible armour. I don't expect them to show any weakness in this rematch and with more time to plan the Newcastle defence will do the job and shut Glasgow down.

Playoff Round 1: Durham Saints (4-3-1) @ UWS Pyros (7-0-1)

Durham have not had a lot of time to psyche themselves up for this one. The decision from high above has only left them a meagre 5 days and subsequently this week could be a rush to prepare for the trip far North of the border. In contrast UWS have had perhaps to much time on their hands. But they will not want their undefeated season to end here and will give it everything they've got to be the team flying the flag for Scotland in the Conference finals.

Playoff Round 1: Leeds Celtics (6-2) @ Staffordshire Stallions (8-0)

My fellow 'Matics have told me what a great game this was last week, despite the fact that both coaches were cautious not to show their full hand. Staffs did however have the added incentive of playing for the perfect 8-0 season, and it showed. With their line back at full strength I expect them to charge and trample their way to victory. Though do not write Leeds off lightly, it will be closer than last week.

PlayoffRound 1: Loughborough Aces (6-2) @ Sheffield Sabres (7-1)

The Sabres have 'battled' their way through to the playoffs but the war has only started. Im wondering whether they've got it left in them to claim victory here. Loughborough's only proper loss came against a strong Staffs side. I say only real loss because their last against Hallam was a no contest; they took their starters off early and basically got the rest of their squad ready for the playoffs. I should have seen this coming and factored it into my equations but it seems im missing a few bolts. The Aces will come out on top to set up a rematch with the Stallions at the Stables.

Challenge Trophy Semi-Finals: Sunderland Spartans (4-3-1) @ Hallam Warriors (6-2)

Believe it or not, Sunderland may have got the real prize here in that they are only 2 wins from a possible Trophy and probably have more of a chance against the Warrior than against the rampaging Scottish Pyros who would be likely to use their heads as pigskins. Hallam are out to prove their the best team not to make the playoffs. I can see Hallam causing a major system overload for the Spartans.

South

Division Final: UWE Bullets (8-1) @ Birmingham Lions (9-0)

These two teams have been developing a fierce post-season rivalry over the past few years. Birmingham came out on top in the regular season encounter at the Den and im leaning towards the Lions again in part 2. Sure its true that Bristol were 1 of only 2 teams to put points on Brum (guess the other). But on the flip side consider that the Lions were the only side to put any points on a solid Bullets defence, and they racked up 45 of them. Its a conundrum that could mean its comes down to a shoot out and i feel Brum have the more potent offence. UWE have have scored at will against weaker sides but struggled when faced with more accomplished foes.

Conference Final: Hertfordshire Hurricanes (8-1) @ Southampton Stags (8-1)

With over 700 points scored between these two heavyweight offenses, both clearly posses a great deal of fire power. This would suggest a game where points are scored for fun, however both sides feature stingey defences capable of snuffing out the brightest offensive talents. This showed in their last meeting; just 1 week after the Stags incredible loss to Essex, they bounced back and handed Herts their sole defeat of the season so far. My circuits are telling me the win has already been decided and that the match is just a formality. The psychological advantage the Stags have from their victory, as well as the experience of winning the Championship last season, coupled with the fact that they're working overtime in preparation for the game (according to my sources) means Southampton will weather the storm.

Challenge Trophy Round Semi-Finals: Bath Killer Bees (5-3) @ Essex Blades (6-2)

A tough one. Both sides wouldn't look out of place in the playoffs and might even have had a shot to progress further. The records are where a Predict-o-Matic really has to churn it out. Though Bath are 5-3 they've defeated teams soundly, and their losses were reasonably close and to playoff teams. Essex provided the shock of the century by beating the National Champs but have been inconsistent since, often making hard work of games they should have eased though. Despite having the lesser record on paper, Bath will take this one.

Look out for profiles of the final 4 Southern teams tomorrow and Saturday here at the BUAFL Blog as we reach the business end of the season.

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