By Sean Lawrenson, Co-Deputy Sport Editor
Welcome to Epigram's exclusive coverage of Derby Day 2024/25. From Football and Lacrosse to Netball and Tennis, here are the stories behind the biggest day for sport at the University. Brought to you by our talented team of writers.
The Bristol Spartans came into Derby Day with a clear objective: Conquer Cardiff. The Sports Hall, filled in the middle with a whole host of other teams warming up for their matches, quickly cleared. The buzzer sounded, and as the Men’s and Women’s 1’s took to the court, anticipation was rife. Would they be able to prove their superiority to their Cardiff counterparts?
Bristol M1’s vs Cardiff M1’s
You could tell right from the off, even before the match, what each team’s game plans would be. The team’s warmups varied dramatically, to the left the Cardiff players moved through different stretches methodically, up and down from the byline to half court. To the right, Bristol player’s were driving to the rim rapidly, highlighting their determination to get to the basket and score through their opposition.
This continued at the tip-off. As soon as Cardiff had a hold of the ball, the Bristol bench was chanting: ‘Defence’ and ‘Hustle’ began ringing round the Sports Hall to rapturous effect. The first quarter set the tone for the rest of the match, back and forth the players went, trading gladiatorial blows and gaining valuable defensive stops. It was clear from the outset that Bristol were planning on playing aggressive: this was not just a friendly, more was at stake than just an exhibition match. By the end of the first, Bristol had pulled a slender three point lead over Cardiff. It was neck and neck.
The second picked up much the same as the first. Cardiff immediately scored a three to level up the score. Bristol’s aggression was only part of their plan: alongside this, the team showed great offensive flair, with their dribbling skills on fully display as No.78 weaved his way through Cardiff’s defence for another couple of points. It was clear that the Cardiff players were having trouble dealing with Bristol’s aggression, particularly on the defensive side, highlighted in two consecutive possessions that resulted in back-to-back airballs.
Bristol began to thrive in this second quarter. The chants of hustle were materialising into scraps for loose balls and forcing turnovers from their opposition. A lot of Bristol’s points in the second quarter came from fastbreak opportunities, capitalising on their defence and utilising it as an instant base for their offensive transition play. Cardiff couldn’t keep up, but they were by no means done and out.
Half Time: Bristol 29-21 Cardiff
The third quarter began with signs of Bristol turning the game into a comfortable win, with No. 43 knocking down a quick three at the beginning. However, Cardiff quickly found their own footing, bringing it back down to a two-possession game. Again, the fast transitions were key. Bristol at one point found themselves on a 3-against-1 fastbreak, showing their willingness to turn defensive resilience into points on the other end, and to do it quickly. Two quick scores from Bristol pulled them further away. Towards the end of the third, another opportunity was taken, this time with emphatic fashion. Bristol’s off the ball movement in the half court allowed an open lane to the basket for No. 68, who slammed the ball into the basket, to great applause from the cheering fans. He followed this up with a fadeaway jumper, and by the end of the third Bristol were able to build their lead to a massive 12-point advantage.
The fourth quarter began with the formality it had seemed to become. A few Bristol scores and conversions from the free-throw line pushed Bristol further afield. Cardiff simply couldn’t keep up by this point, and the Bristol players seemed relaxed as they passed the ball around. Cardiff saw the briefest of potential comebacks when they hit back-to-back threes to cut the Bristol lead down to 8, but after a blocking foul, their fate was sealed. Bristol showed great awareness with Cardiff’s growing fightback, utilising the dwindling shot-clock to their advantage. The game finished with more successful trips to the free throw line as Bristol’s M1’s outbattled their opposition.
Final Score: Bristol 67-55 Cardiff
W1’s Vs Cardiff W1’s
In the two occasions I’ve covered the Spartans W1’s this year, I have watched a united team that focus heavily on limiting their oppositions point scoring to an unheard of degree. In their 82-29 demolition of Bath Women’s 1’s they were incredible, limiting their opposition and getting the job done offensively too. Their game against Cardiff was more of the same, if not even more impressive than their win over Bath.
Bristol began as they always do, full of intensity on the defensive end. Swatting away attempted passes sent an early message to their opposition. It was constant between the two sides until the first points of the match came three minutes into the quarter, with Bristol’s No. 8 making two free throws after a shooting foul. No. 4 followed this up with a particularly impressive Euro-step finish for a nice layup. The Bristol team’s quality was on full display in the first, and Cardiff simply couldn’t keep up with them. By the end of the first ten, Bristol had a healthy 12-point advantage. It would only get better.
In the second quarter, Bristol picked up where they left off, with fluid passing moves creating easy layup opportunities for their teammates. It was well worked move after well worked move. More than their offensive brilliance, defence wins games: it’s as simple as that. Limiting your opposition is a sure fire way to ensure you are going to get the better of them. Bristol W1’s are experts at this, highlighted by the Cardiff teams first (and only) points of the quarter coming six minutes into the ten minute quarter.
Half Time: Bristol 38-6 Cardiff.
Bristol Spartans Instagram account summed it up best, writing ‘W1 are the best team in West England, pass it on.’ This might be a tad bias, but the stats don’t lie. In the third quarter, Bristol made seven shots on 47 percent shooting from the field. By way of contrast, they limited their Cardiff counterparts to three makes on thirty percent shooting. It is a stark difference and shows the extent to which Bristol controlled the game.
By the start of the fourth quarter, the result had become a formality, but the Bristol players kept at is. Always fighting for rebounds, and moving the ball at an impressive pace. The result solidified Bristol’s place as one of the most formidable student basketball teams in the country.
Final Score: Bristol 77-20 Cardiff
Featured image courtesy of Sean Lawrenson
