By Felix Glanville, Second Year, History
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 Barracuda's faced the Bath Killer Bees as they opened Derby Day over at Coombe Dingle, playing 6 matches of flag football that culminated with a well-deserving victory for the Cuda's 1s against Bath's highest performing team of the tournament. Epigram followed the 3 Bristol open teams as they faced the 2 Bath open teams, with post-match words by Flag Head Coach and logistical legend, Archie Wills-Johnson.
It could not have felt more American in the opening hour of Bristol Derby Day: the sun gleamed down onto the two 5g pitches like a hot afternoon in downtown LA, country tunes pulsated into the players' heads as it was their anthem, and the Bristol Jets Cheerleading team perfected their triangle pitch-side. All while the Cuda's graced sheriff hats as they warmed up in anticipation. Kickoff began at 11 with the 2 Bath teams against 2 of Bristol's, with Bristol's open 3rd team performing drill's and the always welcoming crowd support.
The tournament was electric and extremely fast-paced, as is the nature of flag football, and as Bristol found, even the slightest drop of the ball or slightly missed tackle would have punishing consequences. Bristol opened with a slightly vulnerable start as when it hit 11:30, the Cuda's and Bees were level on 1 victory each, not helped by Bath's attacking play in the first game against Bristol's 2s. After the third round of games, Bath's two teams had achieved 1 win and 1 draw, while Bristol's two teams experienced 2 loses, yet this did nothing to dampen the Cuda's spirits going into the final match.
Flag Head Coach Archie, positively declared this sentiment of mixed-emotions for the Bristol Barracudas as Epigram spoke to him after the final match:
'It was not the best day for our second and third team playing today...but we pulled out what we needed for the final.'
As indicated by Archie, the real narrative of the day was following the storming success of Cuda's first-placed team. They achieved truly great form throughout the two tournament rounds, and deservingly found themselves in the final. They achieved a dominant win of 18-6 against Bath in their first game, the clear standout match of the session, constantly attacking Bath's Bees to score big with some hugely impressive long-throws across the field that avoided Bath's circling defensive back. Their next game saw a draw of 6-6, confirming the team's competitive ability against a strong Bath 1s, which in it saw the Cuda's reclaim touchdowns they had lost to Bath in the opening of the match.
The highly-anticipated final saw the commanding Bristol 1s win against the Bath 2s, but was by no means an easy victory. The match opened with Bristol's cheerleaders, members of the SU, and a handful of supportive students, who took the role of anxious spectators– fuelling the players to make the most ambitious runs to the end of the field. The Cudas played exceptionally well in the first half with the wide backs making some strong catches against an equally strong Bath quarterback. Archie Wills-Johnson gives some well-deserved praise to Bath's quarterback, Charles, but equally merits attention to Bristol's next year quarterback, Seth, 'who really carried our team'. He was a clear standout on the pitch and came into his own in the final when it mattered, just before half-time putting Bristol level with Bath. Nail-biting stuff.
By the end of final half Bristol really came into their own, with a great catch from Bristol's centre in the catch zone. It remained equally close for the remainder of the match as each team continued to push each other into their respective touchlines. With just 5 minutes to go Bristol began to consolidate their form and pace– a magnificent touch down was delivered by the Cuda's wide receiver, Dom Bird. Currently level at 7-7, Bristol pushed themselves to victory with a late touchdown in the last seconds of play, as the Cuda's rusher managed to pass through Bath's seemingly indestructible wall of players. Final score: 8-7 to Bristol.
The Cudas finished on a well deserving high, with their open 1s team rounding off the tournament in first place after achieving 2 wins and 1 draw. In the final match deciding the 3rd and 4th place positions Bristol and Bath drew in the final, so after going through to round robin record, which they drew, Bath came 3rd with Bristol's 2s and 3s in 4th place. A mixed day of results for the Cuda's but against such an enduring Bath team, they can be pleased with themselves. Their stamina throughout the games ensured draws over defeats.
Post-match, Archie declared his MVP of the tournament to be the aforementioned Dom Bird, 'who had loads of touchdowns today', and it would be hard to dispute that after his range of receiving contributions and high speed across the pitch, from opening to close of the tournament.
As Archie put it perfectly, it was 'a great day out in the sun for Bristol Barracudas.'
Many thanks to Archie Wills-Johnson for his post-match words, and to the Bristol Barracudas for supplying a brilliant, high-intensity match of flag football that opened Derby Day in true American sporting style.
Featured Image: Sam Woodward. Instagram @sam_j_woodward
