Rory Macnair
8 Jan 2017
After a disappointing start to the season, losing 13-30 to the Plymouth Blitz, Bristol’s American Football Team has won three games on the trot and remains in playoff contention. With two league matches remaining this season, Bristol Barracuda will be looking to keep their winning streak going and push for post-season success. The Barracuda have put in three dominant performances since that opening day defeat, starting with an impressive 36-3 victory over the Aberystwyth Tarannau. Cuda asserted their dominance with touchdown catches from Luke Carter and Pedrum Safavi, showing no hesitancy in their first away game of the season. The Bath Spa Bulldogs then travelled to Coombe Dingle but once again Bristol came out on top, finding success both on the ground and through the air. The Barracuda defence was faultless and earned a well-fought 33-0 victory. Finally they travelled to face the Oxford Brookes Panthers in early December and the Cuda offense yet again came out firing. Luke Carter produced another remarkable performance, scoring four of the Barracuda’s touchdowns while Yemi Falana proved effective on both sides of the team, scoring a touchdown on offense and recovering a fumble on defence. Cuda finished victors 33-8 and went into the Christmas break with their third successive win. Coming back from the holiday break, Bristol Barracuda have two crucial fixtures remaining in their league calendar. They will be looking to continue imposing their will on their division as they travel to take on the Bournemouth Bobcats on 19th February before arguably the season’s most important game against the Gloucestershire Gladiators. Bristol’s offense has demonstrated its power so if the defence can remain resolute and consistent throughout this critical part of the year, playoff success will be very much on the cards. Stepping aside from league action, the much-anticipated Varsity match between the Bristol Barracuda and UWE Bullets is fast approaching in the footballing calendar. With a stark contrast in how the two teams’ seasons are going, Bristol will host what should be a fascinating match up at Coombe Dingle. How far the Barracuda can go in the BUCS competition remains in their hands, as they need to win out in order to stay in the running. Despite losing a hotly contested season-opener, the Bristol Barracuda have not faltered since and will be looking to maintain momentum as they head into this pivotal period of the season. While their BUCS season rages on, across the pond the NFL post-season is coming to a close with one of world sport’s most watched events, the Super Bowl. Super Bowl LI takes place on Sunday 5th February and the Bristol Barracuda will be hosting a lively event at Greenhouse to watch and celebrate what will be a thrilling end to the 2017 NFL season. Whether you’re looking for a great venue to watch the game or simply wanting to get to know the sport, head down to Greenhouse at 8pm on Sunday and stay up to date with the team @BristolCuda.