The Birmingham Lions defeated the Leuven Lions 34-0 on Easter weekend, making the trip to Belgium a successful one. With around 20 players unable to make the trip, it shows the strength of the side that were still able to pull of an impressive victory. Several veterans played their final game for the lions, but fine displays by a number of rookies heralded a bright future for the team. Birmingham's season has been built on solid defence, and this was immediately apparent as Rookie LB Dave Morgan recovered his 3rd fumble of the year on the games 3rd play.

Even on a slippery pitch, the difference between university and senior was nowhere apparent, and QB Neale Canning in his first start led the team to a TD on their first drive although it was a typical bruising run from Jay Alexander.

With the Birmingham sideline crackling with energy, Leuven simply could not move the call against a defence including vet FS Michael Wycherley who helped himself to 3 interceptions. The stage was set for an offensive showcase, but sloppy play on offence meant that Birmingham conceded more penalty yards than Leuven could muster in the whole game.

Nevertheless, Canning acquitted himself well slipping in the odd Michael Vick impressions to keep the team chugging along, Alexander crashed into the end zone for his second TD in the second quarter.

WR Dave Winter converted Canning's screen pass into a 29 yard TD to move the score to 21-0 and the Winter screamed in on a punt return behind excellent blocking.

The second half saw the burgeoning talent of the Birmingham rookies enter the fray and at RB Jonny 'The Rage' Hatton, Preston Johnson and Ed Franklin all gained yards on the ground. With Franklin squeezing in from 6 yards out for his first ever TD.

Although then offence faltered slightly towards the end of the game, the defence dominated throughout and the shut out was there's. Team captain Matt Jones capped his final game as a Birmingham Lion with an interception and rookie DL Baz Howley recovered a fumble. The scoreline was a reflection of Birmingham's effort over the season and the match a fairly contested game between 2 enthusiastic teams. For the Birmingham Lions team the eve of a new era, this tour game was an interesting and unique experience, which ended with the right result. Many thanks must go out to the Leuven Lions and their hospitality.