After a hectic Wednesday of sport last week, the majority of societies are able to rest-up before starting their BUCS League competitions.

That is unless you are involved in Rugby Union, whose 1sts lost out in the Varsity Grand Final last week.

While they feature away from home to Northumbria, the 3rds have a chance to repeat their Varsity victory in front of their home crowd again this week, as they line up against Newcastle University 3rds in the BUCS Northern 2B Division.

The first game of their domestic season, the Gryphons will be looking to push on after a secure 4th place finish last season. Ending seven points from the teams below or above them, Leeds will be looking to push toward the latter, closing the gap on the teams pushing for promotion this academic year.

Their opponents were the team directly below Leeds last season, with Newcastle 3rds finishing just two points above the relegation spots. Whereas the Tynesider’s 2nds gained promotion from this division last season, this fixture presents an opportunity for Leeds 3rds to get off to a good start.

Meanwhile, the 4ths are set to take on Huddersfield’s 1sts tomorrow, who finished a point below Uni last season.

Despite this, the Gryphons suffered a heavy 3-18 home loss in this fixture last time out, so will look to improve in order to push for promotion this year.

Finally, after the 5ths gained promotion from this Division last season, Leeds 6th will look to challenge themselves in the Northern 4B Division this season, as the number of teams in the league has been extended to include 8 teams.

The 6ths have what could perhaps be dubbed their own Varsity, having not competed in the competition last week, as they face Leeds Met Carnegie 4ths at Weetwood.

In a fairly sparse week for home sport, get down in numbers to support the Gryphons on Wednesday!

Jamie Kirby

Image courtesy of Jack Scates