Round One
Match 1: Swindon Dolphin v Bradford-on-Avon
Swindon Dolphins were the victors of this battle between two Division 2 teams. The handicap was set at 0-0, and after a superb battle in the opening quarter, Swindon just had their noses in front, 3-2. Bradford on Avon came out battling in the second period and, by half-time, had levelled the scores at 4-all. In the third period, Bradford had the upper hand and looked like they were soaring in front, finishing the period 5-9 in front. Swindon had other ideas, though, and in the final period, netted six goals to Bradford’s one, winning 11-10 and progressing to the semi-finals, where they will face the City of Newport after their victory over Weston-super-Mare in Match 5.
Match 2: Swansea 43 v City of Bristol 25
Premier League side City of Bristol were set a massive target over Division 2 side Swansea, who were given a 32-goal start in the National Pool of Wales. However, Bristol were unable to stop the Welsh side from scoring, and this was their downfall. Bristol needed to net at least eight goals per period, with no scores against them, but in the opening quarter, Swansea were able to net twice to Bristol’s six, and by halftime, Bristol only managed to add a further three goals, while Swansea scored three more, making it 37-9. Bristol had a better third period, pulling 10 goals back, but Swansea still got a couple to keep out in front. In the final quarter, Swansea netted a further four goals to Bristol’s six.
Matches to be played by April 30th, 2025.
Quarter-Finals
Match 3: Exeter 22 v Frome 20
Premier League side Frome were given a six-goal start when they faced newly-relegated Exeter, who are now in the First Division, at St Sidwell’s Pool in Exeter. The home side were only able to net three goals in the opening period, whilst the Somerset visitors kept their noses in front, by adding a further goal to their handicap, making it 3-7. Frome added another seven goals to their tally, but Exeter were beginning to gather steam, as they put eight goals past the visitor’s keeper, to make it 11-14 at the halfway stage. Exeter finally drew level midway through the third period, and by the end of it, led by one goal, 17-18. The scores remained close in the final period, with Frome snapping at the heels of the Devon side, and at one stage, the scores were level at 20 apiece. However, Exeter showed their class when they pulled ahead to win 22-20 in the last minutes of the game. They will now face the winners of Match 7, either City of Bristol Harlequins or Swansea, at their home venue.
Match 4: City of Bristol Harlequins v Swansea
Unfortunately, a suitable date could not be agreed upon between the two teams. Subsequently, Swansea withdrew from the competition, leaving City of Bristol Harlequins to receive a walkover for the next round.
Match 5: Weston-super-Mare (4) 14 v City of Newport 23
Even in their pool, Weston-super-Mare were not strong enough to hold Conference League team City of Newport, who overcame the four-goal handicap in the opening quarter and led 5-7 by the end of it. By half-time, they had increased their lead to 7-11. Weston rallied at the start of the third period but could not keep pace with their Welsh opponents, trailing 11-19 by the end of it. Newport added a further four goals in the final period, bringing the total to 14-23.
Match 6: University of Bath v Winner of Match 1, Exeter
As the University of Bath have withdrawn from the league, the winners of Match 1, Exeter, will progress to the semi-finals.
Matches to be played by June 29th, 2025
Semi-Finals
Match 7: Exeter v City of Bristol Harlequins
This game is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, at 8.30 pm, at St Sidwell Pool, Exeter. Unfortunately, City of Bristol Harlequins, who had been awarded a 24-goal handicap, conceded the game due to being unable to raise a team for the fixture. Therefore, Exeter progress to the Final, which will be on a date in October.
Match 8: City of Newport 5 v Swindon Dolphins
This game was played on Saturday, September 6th, at the International Sports Village in Newport. The visitors had been given an 18-goal handicap, unfortunately the Premier League side were unable to contain the shooting prowes of their eight players from the Second Division, and Swindon were able to keep in front of them throughout the match, securing a 31 – 22 goal victory and progress through to the final
To be played by September 28th
Finals
Match 9: Exeter v Swindon Dolphins
Finals will be played on a date in October.