The BUCS Match of the Week takes us to the south-west coast this week as we focus on the University of Plymouth v the University of the West of England (UWE) in the Western Tier 1 - 1A.
Plymouth start the day in third place in the league after an impressive unbeaten start to the season that has seen them narrowly defeat Southampton 4-3 in their last match and take a 10-1 victory in the reverse fixture against UWE on the opening day.
Plymouth’s first two results are doubly impressive considering they are newly promoted to the Western Tier 1 - 1A after winning the Western Tier 2 - 2A last season.
It’s a 260-mile round trip for UWE to play Plymouth but they’ll be looking to kick-start their 2023/24 domestic campaign that has so far yielded just one win from their opening four games.
A win against Plymouth today would make it consecutive victories for the first time this season after a 3-2 away win over Bath 2s last Wednesday; they currently sit in fifth position in the league three points behind Plymouth.
After finishing fourth last season, UWE’s hopes for the season once again look to be maintaining their Western Tier 1 - 1A status.
Ones to Watch
University of Plymouth
After a hugely successful season last year that included promotion and a Western Conference Cup title, Plymouth are looking to continue their run of good form and their lead long-pole, Alex Webb, is integral if they are to do so.
An unstoppable defender who has been a part of the Plymouth side for a number of years now, Webb is physical in defence, willing to stop anyone from getting past him, and is a huge part of their transition game.
After stepping down as Plymouth captain at the end of last season, James Stansbury is back for the 2023/24 season to once again lead the Plymouth attack.
Stansbury is a fast-thinking, confident dodger who can find the back of the net with ease; defenders would be foolish to leave him open in front of goal!
University of the West of England
UWE’s Alfie Stanton is a towering presence in between the sticks for his side and, despite being a new addition to the team this season, has started with intent showing what he’s capable of in UWE’s last game against Bath 2s.
Another new addition to the UWE side for 2023/24, Theo Powell is a defender not to be messed with and again showed his defensive capabilities against Bath 2s last week.
UWE have had some tough fixtures so far this season but with Stanton and Powell continuing to improve week by week they’re sure to pick up some more positive results.
Fact Files
University of Plymouth
Captain | Sean Paton
Coaching Team | Sean Paton (Head Coach), Ben Lipinski (Assistant Coach), James Stansbury (Offensive Co-ordinator), Alex Webb (Defensive Co-ordinator)
2022/23 League Position | 1st (Western Tier 2 - 2A)
University of the West of England
Captain | Jack Hutchins
Coaching Team | Kyle McHugh
2022/23 League Position | 4th (Western Tier 1 - 1A)