Nationals Preview | C and D Teams

Written by club volunteer, Leon Higgins.

The C and D will travel to Sheffield this weekend to start off the month of Nationals.

The C team come into Nationals off the back of a 2-1 challenge defeat to Birmingham Lions B in Altrincham last Sunday. The D team meanwhile had far more success last time out beating Birmingham Lions D side 14-3 also in Altrincham last Sunday.

After an incredible start and a few too many goals, the C’s were set to be a destructive powerhouse. But after some changes to the roster after losing top scorer Faisal Alasseri, new tactics have been found in the second half of this season. After some tough and crucial losses to Sheffield in the title race, the C’s have had to reassess. After spending last year in tier two, which was a learning cure to find out their strengths and weaknesses and hopefully now are feel confident and ready to play in the biggest competition of the season. After being robbed of the cup, they’re more determined than ever than push through for the title of national champions.

The C’s have been grouped with Sheffield Bears D, Imperial Devils B, Hull Ice Hogs B, Birmingham Lions C, Southampton Mavericks D and Cardiff Redhawks B in the Tier 2 Non-Checking division. This will provide a tough challenge with Sheffield on home soil and Hull and Cardiff amongst the other favourites to claim the crown.

In Group 2 of Tier 2 it sees, Southampton Spitfires C, Hull Ice Hogs, Oxford Vikings C, Leeds Gryphons C, Nottingham Mavericks E, UCL Yetis B, Sheffield Bears E.

The D team are in Tier 3 Non-Checking and have been grouped with Northumbria Kings C, Birmingham Lions D, Glasgow Stags C, Warwick and Coventry Panthers B, Southampton Spitfires D and Sheffield Bears F.

The D team are tipped to be the dark horses this weekend, with the Metros D on the railway for revenge hoping the line ends at Sheffield. After being so near to claiming the Silver Cup, everyone will be back full of determination. Despite losing all 4 games played against already established sides Sheffield and Newcastle who are also favourites for this weekend, the Metro’s can take lessons from these defeats and hoping for revange. With depth in the roster, the D’s looks to avoid being derailed by Nationals pressure and look to put behind this year’s campaign behind them.

Group 2 meanwhile will have UEA Avalanche B, Bristol Bloodhounds, Imperial Devils C, Leeds Gryphons D, Nottingham Mavericks F, Newcastle Wildcats B and Sheffield Bears G.

The Play Off format is as follows;

Gold Tier - (1st/2nd and 3rd Places)

Silver Tier - (4th and 5th Places)

Bronze Tier - (6th and 7th Places)

All games will be streamed on the BUIHA YouTube Channel.

C Team Schedule:

5th April - Cardiff Redhawks B - 17:04PM

5th April - Birmingham Lions C - 17:55PM

5th April - Sheffield Bears B - 19:01PM

5th April - Imperial Devils B - 23:11PM

6th April - Nottingham Mavericks D - 00:16

6th April - Hull Ice Hogs B - 15:37PM

D Team Schedule:

5th April - Southampton Spitfires D - 06:34am

5th April - Birmingham Lions D - 08:14am

5th April - War and Cov Panthers - 12:06PM

5th April - Northumbria Kings C - 13:12PM

6th April - Glasgow Stags C - 06:00am

6th April - Sheffield Bears F - 07:08am