The season so far: TB1 review
By India Gay, Sports Editor
With the days getting shorter and the temperatures getting lower, Christmas is just around the corner and the first term of 2019/20 is nearly over. The freshers have settled in, the squads have been decided and the teams have been battling with other universities up and down the country.
All clubs have welcomed an impressive number of players this year; Men’s Football are having to hold a second set of trials to cope with the intake and Women’s Rugby have now become the biggest women’s rugby club in the country, with over 100 members. As always, Bristol sports teams has been successful this season, securing the top spots in their leagues and scoring numerous goals.
Multiple committee members provided Epigram with an insight into their seasons so far this academic year.
Basketball President, Sammy Cobbold was delighted with the level of talent they experienced at trials and with the number of those who were determined to play competitively. Not only have they gained plenty of fresh faces but have also increased the number of spectators at home games.
Both of the Spartans 1st teams have had a great season so far, ‘finishing the term with positive win records’. Furthermore the ‘Men’s 2nd team have advanced to the 3rdround of the cup and the Women’s 2nd team are battling for 1stplace in their league.’
Likewise Women’s Football have had an equally successful start with a huge number of freshers joining all 4 squads. Whilst the 2s and the 3s are only 3 points below the top spot in their leagues, ‘the 1s sit 3 points clear at the top with only one league game left’ which is better than Club Captain, Phoebe Tate, could ever imagine considering it is their first year in the Southern Prem.
She stated that their development squad, which has been growing at a constant rate since it began 3 years ago, has played a multitude of matches, including 9 and 11-a-side games. Phoebe is proud of the club’s growth and more importantly its dedication to raising the name of Women’s Football.
On the football scene, it is not only the women who are performing. The Men’s 1s have been ‘making a real statement’ in the league as they sit top of the table’. The further 5 teams are looking in good shape and are working towards cementing their place in the leagues after promotions in the previous years. Club Captain, Joe Williams, stated that if the teams continue the performance they have showcased so far this year, there is undoubtedly a possibility for some more silverware.
Men’s Lacrosse Vice Captain, James Clemetson, stated that the club is ‘excited to round off 2019 with a high’ as they begin to look to the cup in the spring. They too experienced a large influx of talented freshers with some already making their way to the 2s. Their success is evident in the ‘1s remaining undefeated and the 2s contesting for the lead in the league.’ Their victories continue with their mixed performance who have won both of their fixtures.
Similarly Ultimate Frisbee have enjoyed the high level of talent that has come through this year in the form of freshers, allowing them to place 2nd and 3rd at two different beginner tournaments. President, Luke Anniss stated they have ‘had an excellent start to the year with the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams all qualifying for indoor Nationals.’
Finally, Men’s Rugby are no exception when it comes to Bristol thriving at sports this term. Their 1s XV, who have been calling up a lot of 2s players, are sitting in 3rd place ‘having beaten Bath 2s both home and away’, for the first time in 3 years. Furthermore the 2s and 3s have continued to showcase strength and teamwork with improved performances, but it is the 4s who are sitting top of their league.
The fresher influx this year was so great that the club opened up a 2nd freshers development squad to provide the resources and time for all those interested to play. Club Captain, Will Sharp, highlights their success outside of the game also as they have ‘hosted 2 successful Wednesday Night Lights events and are preparing for the biggest yet on the 11th od December.’ Furthermore they have raised an astonishing £8,000 for the Movember cause, which was an enormous increase from previous years.
Overall, Bristol has had a hugely successful term and start to the season. These teams only showcase a snippet of what the sporting societies have achieved thus far as there are many others battling each week for wins, goals and points. It appears all teams are raring for the next term and are likely to end the year with a collection of league titles, cup trophies and large and diverse societies.
Feaured Image: UOB Lacrosse
Do you think that Bristol can be just as successful in the second term?