LIVESTREAM British University: Bath Killer Bees @ Bournemouth University Bobcats, Jan. 19, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 6pm GMT, 1 pm ET)

AFI | American Football | 01/19/2024

By Matthew Benton-Smith

The second half of the 2023/24 British University (BUCS) kicks off in the South West Division 1. The first game sees Bournemouth University Bobcats host Bath Killer Bees in a ‘Friday Night Lights’ fixture where they are debuting their new £2.7 million facility at Chapel Gate, Bournemouth.

The Bobcats head into the game 3-1, with their only loss coming away to division leaders Exeter Demons, having beaten Bristol Barracuda twice and Southampton Stags at home. Bath Killer Bees go in at 2-1-1, they also fell to defeat in Exeter and drew to ‘Cuda, but have done the double over the Stags in their first season in Division 1 since being crowned Southern champions of Division 2 last season.

The Bobcats’ most recent game, a 27-8 loss to Exeter, saw them playing without a natural quarterback, with ex-GB Under 19 quarterback Alfie Birks and ex-SGS PRiDE passer Brad Duff both out through injury. Despite this, they gave Exeter their toughest challenge so far this season.

The Killer Bees have made a strong start to their first season at this level, with standout running back Lewis Munt (Great Britain, Bristol Aztecs) a focal point of this, racking up 448 rushing yards, good enough for second in the league.

The Killer Bees’ draw against the ‘Cuda came when Munt was out with injury, despite Bath being heavy favorites.

The two teams will kick off at 6pm GMT in a fixture that holds significant playoff implications.