Great Britain 10-16 Italy

European Nations Championship Semi-Final at Helsinki Stadium, Finland - August 20th 1987

The game of the Big If. If only Coach Tate had not resigned at the eleventh hour. If only the team could have had a couple of pre-tournament training sessions. If only the momentum of the qualifying games had not been lost.

If all those things had happened the way they were planned then this six-point loss would have been a considerable victory. As it was this European Championship semi-final was lost before the team stepped out onto the field.

So many changes had been forced on the team which had won so impressively earlier in the year that it was unrecognisable. Lance Cone had to step in as head coach again with many new players and a new administration.

The confidence of the spring disappeared from the entire British party out in Finland as they saw three well prepared countries alongside them. The British team was first in potential, first in player ability and first in experience. They were fourth in organisational terms and that's where they were to finish.

The opening game against Italy was very close. The Italians scored their first and only TD after three minutes and then chipped in with three field goals. Dave Munn of Luton would reply with a field goal of his own and new quarterback Paul Ashton (Manchester Allstars) hit Allan Brown in the endzone to close the gap with just 45 seconds on the clock.


GB v Italy, 1987

When the Italians recovered the onside kick, the game was won as they ran out the clock.

Great Britain 23-38 Finland

European Nations Championship 3rd/4th place playoff at Espoo Stadium, Finland - August 22nd 1987

The story of the game (a slow start and a too-late recovery) was mirrored in this third-fourth place game against the home nation. Joe St.Louis proved his ability with three touchdowns including one from 82 yards, but a series of fumbles negated the positives and only a safety forced by Delton Anderson (London Ravens) added to the Lions score.

Meanwhile, the well-drilled Finns kept to a strict running game and were well in control. They led 31-7 at one stage and deserved victory and third place in the competition.

Article from GridironUK

1987 European Championship Squad (only players known)

QB. Paul Ashton (Manchester Allstars), Chaz Jasicki (Brighton B52's), Jon Gill (Bournemouth Bobcats)
RB. Trevor Carthy (Birmingham Bulls), Gladstone McKenzie (Nottingham Hoods), David Munn (Luton Flyers), Joe St Louis, Mark Wynnick (both London Ravens), Greg Mitchell (Chelmsford Cherokee)
WR. Allan Brown (Nottingham Hoods), Joe Mahmood (Manchester Allstars)
TE. Bernie Hackshaw (Luton Flyers)
OL. Keith McIlroy, Steve McIlroy, Kennie Rennie, Tom Hunter (all London Ravens)
DL. Delton Anderson, Jude Ugwuegblulam, Lloyd Oloko, Delvin Pitt (all London Ravens), Jim Archell (Luton Flyers), Tony Dearon (Olympians)
LB. Tony Allen (London Ravens), Dave Chambers (Birmingham Bulls), Kevin Allen (Olympians), Paul Boomer (Manchester Allstars)
DB. Mick Terrington (Nottingham Hoods), Paul Medley, Dave Prince (both London Ravens)
K. David Munn (Luton Flyers)
Alan Wood (London Ravens)

These are the only squad members known for this game - if you know any missing then click here to let us know

Back row (left to right) Tom Hunter #41 Paul Medley #24 Jude Ugwuegblulam   ?  Keith McIlroy #66 Kenny Rennie Errol Phillips Barry Kearney(physio)

Front row (left to right): #76 Steve McIlroy #34 Alan Wood #30 Joe St Louis #85 Delvin Pitt   #51 Tony Allen Lloyd Oloko   #99 Delton Anderson