We are the Champions
THE BLUES WON the BUSA Midlands Conference 1A, thanks to a helping hand from Worcester.
Going into the final week, Oxford stood two points behind leaders UEA with a game in hand: their away match at Worcester (which they had lost 3 -2), was ordered to be replayed by BUSA as there wasn't an official referee. So the Blues knew that two wins would guarantee victory.
However Warwick away proved more of a challenge than was expected last Wednesday, and Oxford went down 2-1. The title was now in the hands of UEA, but they surprisingly lost 2-0 at home to already relegated and bottom of the league Worcester, meaning that all now rested on the Oxford-Worcester match, rescheduled for last Saturday afternoon, and relocated to Iffley road.
Then on Friday came the news that Worcester had pulled out of the game, handing three points, and with them the league title, to the Blues.
Although the manner of the victory must be seen as slightly dissatisfactory, the Blues captain Kevin Costello believes that we were the best team in the league, and he praised the great spirit and talent shown by his players throughout the season.
Oxford now progress to the BUSA championship last sixteen where they will play Stirling at home next Wendesday, and also have the chance to play off for a place in next season's premier league south.
13th Feb 2003