2 predictions
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Even gender split in attack
- Ben Gould — 1
- Dave Ansell — 1
- Dave Plummer — 1
Extremely top-heavy — top 4 score 69%, bottom 6 score 31%
- Top man
- Joe Rowell — 6 (86% of M)
- Top woman
- Lily Johns — 6 (67% of F)
Even gender split in attack
- Archie Dobson — 1
- Lily Johns — 1
Top-heavy attack across top 6 scorers
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| Amelie McKay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dave Ansell | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dave Plummer | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jennifer Szczepaniak Sloane | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jess Wimble | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Joshua Cresswell | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Josie Wright | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steven Lupton | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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| Josh Brooks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sarah Smith | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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| Archie Dobson | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fran Cooke | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Rowell | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Lily Johns | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Lucas Dick | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Nicola Trimby | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
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| Ben Charlton | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Harry Cameron | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Kushala Karunratne | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Miri Lewis | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
The Headline
University of Manchester 1 blew Manchester KC 1 away 35-8 at Sale Leisure Centre to move top of the Northern Regional League and into the promotion zone. A 27-korf margin underlined the gulf in confidence and cohesion between the league leaders and a side rooted in the relegation zone.
The Match
On Sunday 25 October 2026, University of Manchester 1 set the tone early and never loosened their grip, turning the fixture into a one-sided statement. Their tempo in attack and control around the post area consistently pulled Manchester KC 1 out of shape, and the visitors struggled to slow the flow of feeds into good shooting positions.
Manchester’s 35-8 scoreline spoke to a complete performance: patient recycling when the first chance wasn’t on, quick switches when the defence over-committed, and ruthless punishment of any loose marking. For Manchester KC, the moments of resistance were brief, and they found themselves chasing the game for long stretches without being able to build sustained pressure at the korf.
The 27-korf margin is significant not just for the two points, but for what it suggests about trajectory. Manchester made it two wins from two and announced themselves as a front-runner, while Manchester KC’s heavy defeat deepened a difficult run and left them needing answers quickly in a division where confidence can swing seasons.
What It Means
- University of Manchester 1: Move to 1st with 4 points from 2 games (GD +42), extending their perfect start to WW and holding the promotion-zone spot.
- Manchester KC 1: Stay 9th with 0 points from 4 games (GD -81) and remain in the relegation zone; they are 2 points from safety despite having one game in hand on the team above.
- Chasing pack pressure: Manchester now sit level on points with Manchester Warriors 1, Sheffield City 1 and others near the top, but their superior goal difference keeps them ahead and adds early momentum in the promotion race.
- Games-in-hand factor: With Manchester having played fewer matches than some rivals, this win gives them breathing room while keeping their ceiling high as the schedule evens out.
Recent matches shown as at the time of this match.
No matches last season
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#
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Team
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P
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Pts
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Manchester 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2 | Manchester Warriors 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | Leeds City 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 4 | Sheffield City 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | Manchester Hawks 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 6 | Leeds Hurricanes 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 7 | Leeds Hurricanes 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 8 | Manchester Hawks 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 9 | Manchester KC 1 | 4 | 0 |