Before The New Normal - BUCS Conference Cup Finals - Western Region

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An article from before the 'New Normal'

The conference cup finals are hosted every year by BUCS, with our team competing in the Western region to determine the best teams in the South West! It is always a very fierce competition as the winners from the two parts of the region playoff against each other, meaning our teams are often playing brand new opposition!

It was an incredible effort by all the teams who attended the day, leaving Plymouth at 7:30am in the morning and not returning until 10pm at night! Many even brought a few supporters with them to cheer them on. We had the most teams at the finals out of any university and over doubled our total from last year!

The day started with an incredible match as Women's Volleyball took on Swansea, with high hopes after going the season undefeated so far! However, it was not the start they wanted, going 2-0 down in a best of 5 set match. But the team would not lie down and like a phoenix rising from the ashes came storming back to win 3-2 and secure their gold medals.

Unfortunately, the rest of the day was categorised by some extremely close losses, with Men's Basketball and Women's Netball both fighting really hard in their matches but ultimately not being able to come back and win, being defeated 76-63 and 63-52 respectively.

^ Although they did provide great entertainment for those in the SU with their
matches being broadcast and displayed on the big screen to their Plymouth fans.

Men's Volleyball faced tough opposition in Bath, and after an extremely hard-fought match ended up in the runners up spot. Whilst a bruising encounter on the rugby field ended in a narrow loss for the Women's Rugby team to UWE, definitely their nemesis team this year, unfortunately, and without captain Emily who was on the sidelines because of concussion.

But the closest match of the day was for the Women's Hockey team, led by captain Hannah, who had an extremely close match with Cardiff, finishing 2-2 at the end of regular time. Penalty flicks is always a cruel decider, and it just wasn't to be for the girls who lost out after a great performance.

Into the evening and Men's Fencing had their final on campus at Plymouth, and maybe the lack of travel did the trick as they emerged victorious against a strong Cardiff team, securing victory on the final weapon! A fantastic performance by captain Gregor and the team.

And finally, Waterpolo competing through to the finals but unfortunately, their matches were postponed and then cancelled due to the Corona Virus, but congratulations on the well-deserved place!

"Overall it was a fantastic day, and to have 8 teams reaching the regional finals is a huge achievement for Plymouth, massive congratulations to all the teams who took part, hopefully, the start of even more success to come next year!"

Verity Lemm, VP Activities