The Heriot-Watt men’s 1s topped off an impressive BUCS season by beating closest rivals, Abertay 1s to secure the Scottish BUCS 1A.
The Watt lads had beaten Abertay convincingly a couple weeks earlier to take top spot going into the final two games. A hard fought win against Aberdeen away from home in tough conditions set up the final game of the season at the John Brydson Arena. Going into the match, the team needed a point to win the league and secure a place in the BUCS Premier North playoff, which would see the team compete against the best teams in Britain.
Match report – Wednesday 22nd February | John Brydson Arena
If there were any nerves pre-game, it never transpired on the pitch, the boys started with great intent, energy and dominant actions around the pitch.
The first action came from excellent build up play from Captain Ethan Kerr as he played a pin point diagonal pass to Ethan Wynne who took a shot which drew a smart save from Abertay goalkeeper. The lads controlled the early exchanges with the team affording a physical Abertay side no space, carrying out the tactical plan to perfection, nullifying the biggest Abertay threat.
In the 20th minute, the team were in dreamland – a well worked set piece from Greg Burns found Robbie Logue at the back post who headed across goal to vice-captain Jack Thomson, who rose highest and headed it into the net. 1-0 Watt.
Minutes later Nandom Domyill pulled up with a hamstring strain which saw Matteo Crolla come on to replace the speedy forward. A change in formation the saw midfielder Ethan Wynne play as striker and he put on a man of the match display for the whole game, with his hold up play and aggressive pressing against the ball.
The second half saw Abertay start fast looking to dominate the ball with the the Watt having to weather the storm keeping the opposition at bay. After the 70th minute mark, the Watt boys were back in the ascendancy dominating the ball and pitch, creating numerous chances but unable to grab a second to kill the game off and settle the nerves in the stand.
With the 90 minutes up the ref signalled three minutes added time with ball in Abertay’s end of the pitch, the boy seeing the game out with experienced play.
The final whistle blew, and it was greeted with a roar of joy and elation amongst the Watt players and the many watching in the stands. The win saw the Watt reclaim BUCS 1A title for the first time in 16 years and is well deserved send off for our final year scholars, Ali Shrive, Craig Smith, Ethan Kerr, Jack Thomson, Alex McCreadie who over the past 4/5 years have helped carry the club to some great successes, winning the QPS shield, King cup and now the BUCS 1A.
The team will now face a playoff match in March between the Midlands champions and Northern Tier 1 champions.
Match Report by Olabanji Koya (Head Coach)