The two-week wait is over, and the ACE Girls league returns. There are some huge fixtures on the docket this week as the line between the very top sides in the competition, and those snapping at their heels, continues to blur. Time to take a look at each contest.
Round 6 – Wednesday 19th November
Bishop Burton v Oaklands College
Oakland’s game was delayed until last week, but in the end Hartpury still came out on top. Bishop Burton were unable to keep out Oxford at home, and might struggle in a similar capacity against an Oaklands side who, up to last week, were improving all the time. Yorkshire, however, is not an easy away day, as a very strong Oxford side found out two weeks ago, but the Wolves will still be the favourites.
City of Oxford v Newman College
Newman put in their best performance of the season last time out, putting 50 points on Henley College. Will their first win of the season catapult them into winning form? They certainly have a chance when the Activate Academy come to town. Oxford have lost twice this campaign, but got the job done away to winless Burton last time out. They would hope for another win here, but the women from Hove will be tough opposition.
Henley College v Hartpury College
Hartpury got back on track with a win last week over Oaklands and will hope to continue on in that vein away from home. Henley are winless at the bottom of the table, whereas Hartpury are riding high. This would certainly be the biggest upset of the season so far, although betting against the Acorns in this one will likely result in a lack of returns.
Loughborough v Exeter College
This is the pick of the round. Exeter have been unbeatable as they go storming towards a defence of their championship. However, one could argue that, compared to the other top sides in the competition, the fixture list has been kinder to them than most. Unfortunately for Exeter, that is about to change. In the final 4 rounds of the season, they face Loughborough, Hartpury and Worthing, who all fancy the title for themselves. Loughborough, having already beaten Hartpury but lost to Worthing, knows that a win at home this week will leave the fate of the championship in the hands of others, while they enjoy a far more comfortable run-in than their rivals.
SGS College V Worthing
Worthing is another side with hopes of a title, and need to navigate the next few weeks very carefully. They will have more difficult games than SGS over the next few weeks, but underestimate the Bristol-based side at your peril – nothing short of a perfect record for the Harlequins outfit will see them over the line.
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.
