No rest over the Easter break for our two teams in BUCS play-off action this year. Women's Hockey 1st's and Men's Football 1st's both reached the play-offs with the aim to be promoted from Western 1A to Premier South for next season.
Women's Hockey 1st team had an unbeaten season in Western 1A finishing at the top of the league with 8 wins and 2 draws, and a plus 24 goal difference. The play-off draw saw them come up against Oxford Brookes 1st team, who finished bottom of the Premier South this season. The girls prepared well for the game with plenty of training leading up to the fixture with coach Luke Hawker putting them through their paces in the sweltering Welsh sunshine.
The game started with an even battle between the sides, but it was Oxford Brookes who took first blood with two well executed penalty corners. The Archers got one back before half-time with an excellent solo counter attacking effort from Sarah Bracey. 2-1 at half time and all to play for, the girls came into the second half with real Archer spirit and had the majority of possession throughout. With less than 5 minutes to go Sarah Bracey tucked away her second of the game to level the score at 2-2. The game looked set to be heading to penalty strokes but with time almost up Oxford Brookes received another penalty corner and took their opportunity to seal the victory 3-2. A valient effort from the girls in maroon, unfortunately now missing out on promotion after their excellent season. They battled well till the final whistle and can hold their heads high after an unlucky and undeserved loss.
Men's Football 1st team reached the play-offs after coming 2nd in Western 1A. Their play-off is determined with a home and away leg over 2 weeks. The first leg was at home in the Cyncoed Campus 3G fortress and saw them play an unbeaten travelling St. Marys side. A full tempo first 20 minutes saw both sides sizing up the unknown opposition, with Cardiff Met soon out-sussing the London side. Half time and the Archers were up by 3 having settled well and playing some fantastic football. The second half saw the home side continue to dominate and they had St. Marys chasing their tails. Notable moments included a solo Jordan Lam dribble that left the bewildered right back on his backside, much to the crowds amusement. The final score saw the Archers take a 6-1 lead into the second leg away next week, putting them in a good position to get the win and gain promotion to the top BUCS league.
To see all the photos from the games check the Cardiff Met AU Facebook page.