BUAFL Predict-O-Matic's Week 16 Predictions

Conference Final: UWS Pyros (8-0-1) @ Newcastle Raiders (9-0)

It goes without saying that this will be the toughest test of the year for the Pyros. Newcastle on the other hand come fresh from a shutout against UWS's neighbours Glasgow and should know exactly what the Pyros will throw at them. Just 2 games away from the Bowl, both sides will not be relinquishing the Conference title easily.

Neither outfit was particularly convincing in the 1st round of the playoffs and I suspect that both may have injury worries. It's already known that Newcastle are struggling for depth and the Pyros for experience, but this is what happens when a season runs into dissertation time. The deciding factor here is whether the high powered Newcastle offence is firing on all cylinders. On their day the Raiders O could be unstoppable and not give the Pyros a sniff. If they don't then it could be quite close.

Conference Final: Loughborough Aces (7-2) @ Staffordshire Stallions (9-0)

These 2 sides, as I predicted at the start of the playoffs, are meeting again in this Conference title clash. Loughborough started the post season with a 6-2 record, with their only 'true' loss coming against Staffs. I cant see the outcome being any different this time around. Though the Aces are a well coached, well organised outfit, the talent of the Stallions, along with the wealth of experience from last years Championship campaign, will shine through. Staffs are steaming towards their 2nd Bowl in a row and the Aces will have their work cut out trying to stop them.

Southern Final: Southampton Stags (9-1) @ Birmingham Lions (10-0)

Clash of the week in my opinion. Two fantastic programs that will more than fancy their chances of a Bowl ring if they emerge victorious here. Both have scored points for fun this year whilst refusing to return the favour to their unfortunate opponents.

Its hard to find anything to separate these powerhouse but their records against good defences may prove to be the sliver of daylight between them. Birmingham haven't skipped a beat when faced with solid defensive sides and have piled on the points. This was illustrated last week when they put 58 on UWE without breaking a sweat. In Southampton's tougher games, namely their matchups against Herts and lost at Essex, their opponents have succeeded in limiting the Stags offence to a couple of touchdowns. Having seen the vaulted Brum defence 3 times this year the Predict-o-Matic can see them holding Southampton to 2 or 3 TDs whilst the Lion roar to 30-40 points. Birmingham to cruise into the final.

Challenge Trophy Final: Sheffield Hallam Warriors (7-2) vs Bath Killer Bees (6-3)

These teams deserve something for their efforts after a gruelling season, with Hallam especially showing great improvement. Both were unlucky enough to miss out on the playoffs due to crucial losses against tough teams, so it seems like a reasonable outcome that they should meet in the Challenge Trophy final. Bath were unable to emerge from arguably the strongest division in BUAFL, Conference 3 South, which racked up a league leading 27 combined wins. Therefore despite the Warriors superior record Bath remain favourites to take home the silverware. The Bee's face a long coach journey but i think they'll ride their high powered offence to put themselves out of sight of Hallam early on.