Team Sunderland BUCS Round-Up

This past Wednesday saw plenty of BUCS action take place for Team Sunderland clubs both home and away as all teams competing looked to start February on the right foot.

Men’s football firsts recorded their first win of the calendar year as they saw off Durham thirds 3-1 in a spirited performance at Ford Quarry. The squad still plagued by injuries fell behind to the visitors, but a stunning brace from George Pinder followed by a composed Joe Lennox finish made sure the points stayed on Wearside.

The result sees James Clark’s side move level on points with third place York. Also at home were men’s football seconds and fourths.

Gordon Armstrong’s seconds made it two wins from two in 2023 as they brushed aside York St John sixths 5-1 with goals from James Alpine and Jack Bannister while the fourths put in a battling performance at home to Hull thirds but just came out on the wrong side of the 4-3 scoreline. Men’s football thirds fell to defeat away at a strong Northumbria fourth team.

Women’s rugby showed resilience in abundance as they beat Leeds seconds 17-12 at Ashbrooke. Elite Athlete Molly Gardener opened the scoring and the excellent graft shown from the rest of the side secured the victory in tough conditions.

All three of the institution’s basketball teams were in action this week as men’s firsts played out a great contest with Bradford firsts and came away with an 88-75 win at City Space. Men’s seconds also played at home but were beaten by a well drilled Hull seconds while women’s basketball came back empty handed despite plenty of effort shown away to York.

Netball firsts put on a dominant display at City Space as they beat Sheffield fourths 59-36 to continue their impressive run. The thirds travelled to down the road to Newcastle, but unfortunately were defeated.

Men’s badminton took a huge step with a 7-1 victory over Hull at home as they look to keep up this form throughout the back half of the season.