Sting - Game Preview

The Bees are having a tough season currently sitting at 3-3 after an unbeaten 2007/8 regular season. The defence has been secure conceding only 66 points in 6 games, whilst the offence has been inconsistent scoring over 40 points in half their matchups yet being shutout in two.

The second year Cuda outfit have already exceeded their founding year by recording two victories this season, but have also been rather hit and miss. Heavy losses of 117-0 and 46-0 are balanced by comfortable victories of 48-12 and 54-8 so the Bristol team could well provide a shock.

Win and Bath should find themselves contenders in the second tier BUAFL Challenge Trophy, lose and the season ends.

The South division of Conference 3 (previously the South West division) is still widely regarded as one of the toughest in British College Football, and for the first time in 5 years Bath will not be heading into the postseason with a chance to fight for the National Title. Post Christmas defeats to the Cardiff Cobras and the UWE Bullets have meant the Bees have relinquished their hold over the division title held since 2007, and with the potential to regain some pride and walk away with silverware, they are not taking the Barracuda team lightly.

So far this season Bristol have averaged a 19-38 scoreline having been shutout 4 times in 7 games. The only prior meeting of the two sides occurred last season in the Cuda’s second full league fixture where the experience of the Bees shone through and Bath were able to walk away 65-6 victors (or 63-6 if you believe some parties).

Bath on the other hand have averaged a 28-11 scoreline having held the opposition to 6 points or less in half of the 6 games played (at the time of writing). All-time, in the regular season the Bees winning percentage stands at 57.5% having played a total 134 matches across 17 league seasons.

Should Bath take the honours, the following week they should be playing the “best of the rest” from conference 4 in the semi-final of the BUAFL Challenge Trophy. A tightly fought battle is taking place in both the north and south divisions of Conference 4, and the potential opponent could come from up to 5 different teams.

Find out for yourself if the Bees can extend their season by coming along and supporting the Bees and the Barracuda at The University of Bath St John’s pitches, Main Campus, BA2 7AY on Sunday 1st March, Kick Off at 1.00pm.