The BUCS Match of the Week takes us to the Men’s Premier South league this week as the University of Oxford take on Exeter University.
Oxford come into this game looking to go three unbeaten and extend their lead at the top of the table after dominant wins over Bath (12-4) and Marjon (11-0) in their opening two matches.
Exeter, who sit third in the Premier South league table after two matches, have a record of one win and one loss so far after games against Bristol (8-9 defeat) and Cardiff (14-1 win).
Both teams will be looking to improve upon their league finishes from last season with Oxford finishing fourth and Exeter finishing just in front in third and, looking at both sides’ squads, they have more than enough to challenge for the league title.
Ones to Watch
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford have the undeniable talents of Jeongmyeong (Shine) Park for another year and he takes up the captaincy for the 2023/24 season as well as face-off duties.
Having played for the South Korea national side, Park offers international experience that can prove to be the difference between teams in the Premier South division.
Further adding to the University of Oxford’s talent and experience is Patrick Atkins who joins Oxford’s men’s side from Connecticut College in the US where he has been playing as an offensive midfielder in the NCAA Division 3.
An extremely exciting prospect, Atkins has already bagged an incredible 26 goals in the last four games he’s played for Oxford.
Exeter University
After an impressive third place finish in the league last season and a win in the SEMLA Minor tournament, Exeter will be looking to cement their spot in the upper echelons of the league this season.
They welcome attacker Fraser Cox to the first team for the 2023/24 season after impressing for the second team last year.
Cox is not afraid to dodge past defenders, whether long pole or short, and get a shot off on goal and Exeter will be hoping to see goals from this young player as he grows into the team.
Another attacking threat is Nat Hodgson who loves to create problems for defenders and goalies around the crease.
He warmed up sufficiently at last weekend’s BUCS Sixes competition where he helped his side to the semi-finals, an eventual third place finish, and three wins in their five games.
Fact Files
Oxford
Team Captains | Jeongmyeong (Shine) Park & Ewan Timms
Coaching Staff | Don McGraw (Head Coach)
2022/23 League Position | 4th
Exeter
Team Captains | Angus Loder & Tom Scott-Brown
Coaching Staff | Billy Rawlins & George Sherry
2022/23 League Postion | 3rd
2022/23 League Meetings | Oxford 10-9 Exeter, Exeter 7-5 Oxford