A roundup of the BUCS Big Wednesday fixtures.
The BUCS sporting calendar can often have moments of monotony and similarity, so when BUCS Big Wednesday and Friday Night Lights arrives its no surprise the University sporting world begins to buzz.
This year for Cardiff Met was much like any other, a variety of teams playing for big BUCS points, medals and trophies, but most importantly pride and glory. For many athletes these finals will have been the pinnacle in their sporting career, this is probably the reason why the BUCS Big Wednesday centre in Surrey had such an electric and intense atmosphere, because everyone understands the significance of claiming victory, to be able to say I have been to the top and won.
Teams fighting for such infamy at BUCS Big Wednesday for Cardiff Met this year were Women’s Football 1st XI, Women’s Badminton, Women’s Rugby 2nd XV, Women’s Tennis 1st, and Netball 2nd.
Women’s Football 1st XI has good form in these final stages, winning the championship last year, and were looking to do the same this year. The girls arrived at the Surrey Sports Park (central venue for BUCS Big Wednesday) in a controlled and relaxed atmosphere, appearing unfazed and experienced in such pressured environments. The first half was relatively simple, the team used there training and clinical processes to their benefit and continuously denied a hungry Hertfordshire side any advantage. The first and only goal of the game came from Laura Walkley in the first half. From then on it was relatively smooth sailing, Cardiff Met players and staff appeared calm and casual. It wasn’t until the dying moments of the game when a penalty was awarded to the Hertfordshire side did the significance and importance of winning the game surface in the players and coaches; strained faces, held breaths and a variety of not looking techniques were adopted as the pressure mounted. Fortunately this added pressure was not lost on the Hertfordshire penalty taker, who missed the goal. As the ball rolled wide Cardiff Met knew that the game was theirs, but maintained composure until the final whistle when they finally let go and celebrated their hard won victory.
Women’s Badminton also got a great result in beating SW P& C at their home ground in the Conference final. They took home the title after a 4-4 draw in matches won saw them win on game points scored.
The Women’s Rugby 2nd team put in a great effort in the Trophy Final but narrowly lost to Edinburgh 1st, 10-17. The girls knew that they had the potential to defeat a very experienced side and have had an excellent season, but were unfortunate in many bounces of the ball and some more controversial decisions. The experience has helped all players to believe in themselves which will certainly be put to good use in years to come. This side are clearly here to stay and will without a doubt be successful next time.
Our Ladies Tennis 1st team also made it to the Trophy Final to meet Loughborough 2nd in Sheffield and after taking several sets to tie-break in all of their matches, it wasn’t quite enough and lost 0-12 – a score which doesn’t really reflect the standard of competition on show. Good luck in the play-offs next!
Last but not least, our Netball 2nd team took on Southampton 1st in the Conference Cup Final and unfortunately came out second best at 22-45, but nonetheless have still had a great season as a team having gained promotion in the league.