A good long break was needed for us to fully comprehend what a mental week of rugby it was before half-term in the Girls Ace League. Some big results at both ends of the table have opened up the league. Let’s go through all this week’s fixtures, where some even bigger permutations await on the horizon.
Round 5 – Wednesday 5th November
Bishop Burton v City of Oxford
The City of Oxford’s win over Oaklands last week was a big moment for them in the season. Two teams hoping to climb a little higher and threaten the top 3, but it was Oxford that took the biggest step towards that goal. This week, the task is a little simpler, taking on the bottom of the league, Bishop Burton. After being unable to travel to Bristol last time out, they will hope to put in a better performance at home.
Exeter College v SGS College
After a comfortable win over Newman in the last round, Exeter will face a similar challenge against SGS. Having experienced no league action for a while, SGS will be up against it to perform their best on a difficult away trip to the defending champions. If Exeter would like to stay in contention for the title, they need to be winning home games like this.
Hartpury v Oaklands (12th November)
After Hartpury’s first defeat of the season, they do not have an easy task against Oaklands, who have performed well at times this season despite a loss last week to Oxford. Hartpury have been outstanding this season, with plenty of players being called into the England camp in recent weeks. However, they cannot afford any more slip-ups as they begin the chase, with Loughborough claiming top spot in the League.
Newman College v Henley College
There were big defeats in the league for both these sides last time out against quality opposition, but a fixture against one another hands them both an opportunity to start the half-term off in the best possible way. Henley have had perhaps the better of the results so far this season.
Worthing College v Loughborough
Loughborough pulled off the shock of the season so far with that dramatic win over Hartpury before half-term. Worthing are the only other undefeated side left in the competition, so this fixture should be fantastic. Loughborough, away from home, have got yet another incredibly tough task on their hands – whoever ends up winning this game will become title favourites. First v Second, games don’t get much bigger than this.
You can catch all the previous rounds’ results and find out the final scores here on the Nextgen Website, or via our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @NextGenRugby.
