Week 1

Honours were even as Norwich Devils first game in BAFL 1 ended in an 18–18 tie with the visiting Oxford Saints. Although neither team will be happy with a draw, the Devils will probably be in better heart than the Saints.

West Coast Trojans came out of the blocks flying and handed the visiting Surge, from Staffordshire a 64-4 drubbing. Stand out for the Trojans was wide receiver David Pasnik who ran riot scoring 38 of the home teams points, this fine performance earned him a BAFL Player of the Week nomination.

New boys and League debutants Bedfordshire Blue Raiders failed to trouble the scorers, their defense showed some good signs however, as they fell to 14-0 defeat to the much more experienced Colchester Gladiators’

On a pitch that was more reminiscent of the Somme, rather than a football field the Leicester Falcons got their first taste of League action and gave a good account of themselves. Leading at one point the Falcons were eventually subdued21-12 by the home side Shropshire Revolution.

The British American Football League announced that the first Player of the Week for the 2008 season is wide receiver David Pasnik of the West Coast Trojans. In the Trojans 64-6 demolition of the Staffordshire Surge Pasnik weighed in with a massive 38 points. (9 receptions for 139 yards and 5 touchdowns).

Week 2

BAFL1        Yorkshire Rams     12-33    Dundee HurricanesBAFL2        Watford Cheetahs    28-25    Milton Keynes City PathfindersNottingham Caesars    18-7    Shropshire RevolutionLeicester Falcons    25-16    Lincolnshire BombersPeterborough Saxons     6-7    Cambridgeshire Cats

Yorkshire Rams 12: 33 Dundee HurricanesNewly promoted Dundee Hurricanes began life in BAFL1 and appeared to like life in the next level, as they opened the scoring in the first quarter and took a 6-0 advantage into the second. They extended the lead by seven points before half time leaving the Hurricanes leading 13-0 at the break. The second half proved to much more productive with the visiting Rams putting 12 points on the board, but home town team Dundee posted 20 to seal a 33-12 victory and a good start to life in BAFL1.

Watford Cheetahs 28 : 25 Milton Keynes City Pathfinders

Rookies Milton Keynes City Pathfinders began their first season in BAFL2 when they hosted the Watford Cheetahs. New boys Pathfinders took the initiative as they jumped out to a 7-0 first quarter lead. Things didn’t go all the way of the rookies however, as in the second quarter despite scoring a further six the Cheetahs posted fourteen to hold the slenderest of advantages at the half time whistle, 14-13. The Pathfinders, determined not to suffer a debut defeat, struck first after the restart to re take the lead at 19-14. Watford were equally determined no to lose and rallied to score fourteen unanswered points to take a nine point lead making the score 28-19. Milton Keynes hit back with another six to narrow the gap, but they were still trailing by three points with the clock against them. Pathfinders were unable to find another score, leaving the Cheetahs to take the victory 28-25, but they had come so close.

Nottingham Caesars 18 : 7 Shropshire Revolution

The much fancied Caesars began their regular season campaign with a trip to Shropshire, and headed back to Nottingham with a win under their belts. For the Caesars, who were divisional champions last year but stumbled in the play offs, this will be the ideal start for their hopes of progressing further than last year and making it to the finals in Sheffield. 

Leicester Falcons 25 : 16 Lincolnshire Bombers

The rookie Falcons made their second road trip in as many weeks, this time north to Lincolnshire to face the Bombers and hopefully register their first victory. This is how it turned out as the Falcons took the game 25-16 and posted their first win.

Peterborough Saxons 6:7 Cambridgeshire Cats

In a tense local derby the home town Cats shaded the visiting Saxons by a single point to claim local bragging rights by a whisker. For the Cats this was revenge for a narrow 6-0 defeat last year in torrential conditions in Peterborough.

The BAFL are pleased to announce the winner of the Player of the Week for week 2.This weeks winner is no stranger to picking up this award, as in the 2007 season he collected it a total of four times – in weeks 4,5,11 and 18.In the season opening victory against the Yorkshire Rams there were no signs of early season rustiness as Dundee Hurricanes running back Mahamadou Niakate he posted the following statistics:

34 carries for 241 yards (7.08 yard average) 3 touchdowns - (24,2,29 yards)1 attempt for 1 completion and 7 yards6 kick offs for 293 yards (48.3 yard average, 70 yard longest)4 solo tackles3 extra points

Week 3 action

Saturday 26    Staffordshire Surge     6-42    Yorkshire Rams    Hull Hornets    10-0    Shropshire Revolution            Sunday 27    Ipswich Cardinals    14-25    Kent Exiles    West Coast Trojans    12-13    South Yorkshire Mustangs    Tamworth Phoenix    12-12    Nottingham Caesars    Cornish Sharks     7-27    Hampshire Thrashers    Colchester Gladiators     0-7    East Kent Mavericks    Watford Cheetahs     6-12    Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    Edinburgh Wolves     0-16    Glasgow Tigers    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders     3-33    Reading Renegades

Andy "Nick" Fray – Hampshire ThrashersNick a rookie had the following stats:17 attempts for 200 yards4 touchdowns - 24, 5, 14 and 10 yards

Week 4 action

Saturday    Cornish Sharks    33-0    Reading Renegades            Sunday    Sussex Thunder    10-0    Oxford Saints    Redditch Arrows    7-13    Yorkshire Rams    Southern Sundevils    6-22    Norwich Devils    Merseyside Nighthawks    6-14    Edinburgh Wolves    Peterborough Saxons    43-2    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    0-35    Cambridgeshire Cats    Hull Hornets    35-10    Lincolnshire Bombers    Chester Romans    0-26    Glasgow Tigers


Match reports courtesy of BAFL  

Sussex Thunder    10-0    Oxford Saints

Sussex Thunder rolled into Oxford for their opening game of the season, heavily tipped to come away on the wrong end of a heavy defeat at the hands of the Saints prolific offense and “Pain Train” defense. In a tight game the Thunder put down a marker for the season as they shut out the fancied Saints.

Redditch Arrows    7-13    Yorkshire Rams

Yorkshire Rams were the only scorers during the first half against the Arrows, so entered the second half leading by 7. The third saw 6 points from both sides, so the Rams still held a 7 point lead going into the final quarter, a lead that they held until the final whistle.

Southern Sundevils    6-22    Norwich Devils

Southern Sundevils began their BAFL1 life with a tough match up against the Norwich Devils, nothing between the two at half time, as they were tied 6-6. The second half was a different story as Norwich went on a bit of an offensive spree in the third quarter scoring 16 points without reply. Defenses held sway in the fourth and there was no further scoring.

Cornish Sharks    33-0    Reading Renegades

The Cornish Sharks recovered from their recent defeat to the Thrashers with an away shut out win over Reading Renegades. Sharks racked up 33 unanswered points to really give their season, even at this early stage, a much needed boost.


Merseyside Nighthawks    6-14    Edinburgh Wolves

Edinburgh’s start to their home programme didn’t get off to the best of beginnings, as by half time they were trailing the visiting Merseyside Nighthawks 6-0. The third quarter saw the Wolves strike back, as they took a 2 point lead, 6-8; Edinburgh added a further 6 points in the final quarter to secure their first victory 14-6.

Peterborough Saxons    43-2    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders

Rookie Pathfinders came up against a determined Saxons side, eager to ensure a repeat appearance in the play offs. The much more experienced Saxons handed the Pathfinders a heavy defeat.

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    0-35    Cambridgeshire Cats

Life proved to be a bit tough for the Blue Raiders in the first half, as the home team Cats took a grasp of the game to take a 21-0 into the second half. The more experienced Cats posted another 14 points in the second half, whilst keeping the rookie Blue Raiders scoreless.

Hull Hornets    35-10    Lincolnshire Bombers

Hornets led by Player of the Week nominee quarterback Willie Sheird overcame the Bombers. Sheird threw for 4 touchdowns in the game, 3 of them to receiver Drew Coplin.

Chester Romans    0-26    Glasgow Tigers

Glasgow Tigers looking to make it two wins in a row took a 12 point lead into the second half against visitors Chester Romans. Things didn’t improve for the Romans as they shipped in a further 14 points, without reply, in the second half.

The British American Football League are delighted to announce the Player of the Week for Week 4.Leading his team to an impressive 35-10 victory over Lincolnshire quarterback Willie Sheird of the Hull Hornets posted the following stats: 30 attempts 23 completions 395 yards (17.1 yard average)4 touchdowns


Other nominees were:

James "Coco" Kocherhans - Cambridgeshire Cats  In his performance against Bedfordshire Blue Raiders Kocherhans amassed 15 solo tackles, 2 for a loss 7 tackle assists 1 interception for 26 yards and 1 touchdown

Martin Ray – Norwich Devils I his first game for the Devils he finished with:3 interceptions 1 returned for 42 yards (which led to a score two plays later) Chris Percival - Sussex Thunder  Percival put in an outstanding individual performance in a great team defensive showing, completely closing down a potent Oxford offense. His stats on the day were:

6 solo tackles (2 for a loss)3 assists2 forced fumbles1 fumble recovery1 tipped pass1 26 yard field goal6 punts for 232 yards for 1 return yard3 kick offs for 162 yards and 1 touchback 

Campbell Lewis - Edinburgh Wolves  A mixed day for Lewis as he led the Wolves, in one series he threw a pass to a receiver who bobbled the ball and gave up an interception. On the next play Lewis, now in at defensive back, intercepted the Nighthawks quarterback. Net gain on the two plays for the Wolves was 20 yards and had the ball at the same position that receiver had bobbled ball.

At quarterback  15 attempts 5 completions  52 yards 2 interceptions 8 carries for 40 1 touchdownAt defensive back 2 interceptions 3 solo tackles

Drew Coplin – Hull Hornets9 receptions for 183 yards (20.33 yard average)3 touchdowns

Week 5 action

London Blitz     48-0    Gateshead SenatorsRedditch Arrows    25-0    South Yorkshire MustangsKent Exiles    7-6    Sussex ThunderIpswich Cardinals     6-33    Southern SundevilsYorkshire Rams     28-6    West Coast TrojansPeterborough Saxons     25-0    Bedfordshire Blue RaidersTamworth Phoenix     P    Hull HornetsEast Kent Mavericks     7-20    Hampshire ThrashersCambridgeshire Cats     76-0    Milton Keynes City PathfindersChester Romans     12-39    Manchester TitansLondon Cobras     34-0    Colchester Gladiators

Reports courtesy of BAFL

London Blitz     48-0    Gateshead Senators

The 2007 National Champions London Blitz began the defense of their title with a road game at Gateshead Senators and they began the defense in fine style. The Blitz free scoring offense amassed forty eight points, whilst their stingy defense kept the Senators scoreless.

Redditch Arrows    25-0    South Yorkshire Mustangs

The Arrows second visit to Yorkshire this season got off to a good start as they held the Mustangs scoreless whilst posting thirteen points of their own by the half time break. A further twelve saw the Midlanders take the game and with it their first victory this season.

Kent Exiles    7-6    Sussex Thunder

All square at the start of the second quarter as neither team had troubled the score keeper in the first. Kent broke the deadlock with a three point field goal, that was the only scoring before the half time whistle. Thunder got their first points of the day in the third and in doing so took a 6-3 into the final quarter. Fourth quarter drama as the Exiles clawed back the lead and took the game by a single point.

Ipswich Cardinals     6-33    Southern Sundevils

Last seasons relegated Sundevils got off to a flier as grabbed a 20-0 lead to take into the second half, over the yet to win Cardinals. Ipswich finally got off the mark in the third with six points and kept the Sundevils off the scoreboard. Southern responded in the fourth with thirteen points without reply to ensure victory.

Yorkshire Rams     28-6    West Coast Trojans

The visiting Rams held a slender one point lead as they entered the second quarter leading 7-6. Yorkshire added another twenty one points, without reply from the home team Trojans, so the Rams had their third victory of the season.

Peterborough Saxons     25-0    Bedfordshire Blue Raiders

Another tough day at the office for new Bedfordshire Blue Raiders as they lost and were shut out by the visiting Saxons. No disgrace in this defeat, as the Saxons are highly tipped for at least a play off spot this year.

Tamworth Phoenix     P    Hull Hornets

Due to the lack of match officials this game was postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.

East Kent Mavericks     7-20    Hampshire Thrashers

The top of the South East Conference went head to head with top of the South West Conference in this match up, and it was the South West that took the honours as the Thrashers ran out winners to stay unbeaten.

Cambridgeshire Cats     76-0    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders

The Cats took a fourteen point advantage into the second quarter, over the scoreless rookies and yet to win Pathfinders. Before the half had ended the Cats had piled the pressure on and scored a further thirty five unanswered points, to hold an unassailable 49-0 lead. A further six, in the third, and twenty one in the forth saw the vastly experienced Cats hand a drubbing to the new kids on the block. The win sees the unbeaten Cats sitting atop of the East Conference.

Chester Romans     12-39    Manchester Titans

After a season opening defeat Chester took a 12-6 advantage into the second half in this ‘local derby’ against the Titans. If the Romans held the advantage in the first half the Titans certainly wrestled it from them in the second, as they held Chester pointless as they made thirty three before the end of the match. The defeat leaves Chester at the bottom of the North Conference.

London Cobras     34-0    Colchester Gladiators

In the long awaited debut of the rookie Cobras it was the experienced Gladiators than were unable to get on the scoreboard in the first half, going into the second they trailed the ‘new boys’ 12-0. It got worse as the Cobras put another twenty two points past the Gladiators before the end.

The British American Football League are delighted to announce the Player of the Week for Week 5.

Aaron Alexis – Kent Exiles Alexis played a pivotal role not only leading the team in tackles, but also crucially blocking the Thunder point after attempt, which meant his safety won the game for the Exiles. Inside the 2 minute warning the Thunder were forced to punt, once again the Exiles rush got to the ball and Alexis tackled the punter for the Exiles’ second safety of the game and a 7-6 lead with less than 30 seconds in the game.His stats were:9 tackles1 blocked point after attempt1 safety


Nick Foxley – Colchester Gladiators19 solo tackles1 sack1 forced fumble

Tommy Durkin – Cambridgeshire CatsAs the Cats amassed over 500 yards of offense against Milton Keynes City Pathfinders they were ably led by quarterback Durkin, who finished the day with the following numbers: 12 attempts9 completions for 230 yards – 25.5 yards average5 touchdowns2 carries for 20 yards and 1 touchdown

Week 6 action

BAFL Premier

Bristol Aztecs 6-26 Farnham Knights
Coventry Jets 67-0 Birmingham Bulls

BAFL1

Dundee Hurricanes 65-7 South Yorkshire Mustangs
Southern Sundevils 13-14 Oxford Saints

BAFL2

South Wales Warriors 7-3 Cornish Sharks
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders 35-18 Milton Keynes City Pathfinders   
Tamworth Phoenix v Lincolnshire Bombers
Chester Romans 6-18 Edinburgh Wolves
London Cobras 60-0 Plymouth Admirals
Reading Renegades 6-51 Hampshire Thrashers
Hull Hornets 6-41 Nottingham Caesars
Essex Spartans 13-38 Colchester Gladiators
Lancashire Wolverines 34-27 Manchester Titans
Reports courtesy of BAFL

Farnham Fast Lane Knights    26-6    Bristol Aztecs

2007 BAFL 1 Champions, and newly promoted into BAFL Premier, the Knights began their assault on Britbowl XXII with as visit to old rivals the Aztecs at their new home ground. It was a very tight first half of football with the Knights just shading it taking a 7-6 lead into the third quarter. Farnham increased their lead by 7 in the third quarter and pulled further ahead with 12 points in the last quarter, to post a victory in their first game back in the top flight.

Birmingham Bulls    0-67    Coventry Cassidy Jets

Following their departure from Eurobowl at the quarter final stage, last weekend, the Jets opened their domestic season by hosting local rivals Birmingham Bulls. Birmingham, looking for their first win over the Jets, didn’t help their cause as they shipped in 14 unanswered points in the opening quarter. They fell further behind in the second as Coventry piled on the pressure and the points as they added another 37, without response from the Bulls, to extend the lead to 51 points at the break. Six points in the third and 10 in the fourth quarter saw the Jets take the victory 67-0.

South Yorkshire Mustangs    7-65    Dundee Hurricanes

Dundee took the early advantage against the Mustangs, entering the second quarter with a 7-0 lead. The Hurricanes really got into gear and before half time blew the Mustangs away with 27 points without reply, to go into the break with a 34-0 lead. The Canes, seeming to be unstoppable, racked up a further 19 unanswered points in the third quarter and took a 53-0 lead into the final period. During the fourth the Mustangs scored a consolation 7 points but Dundee hit them for 12 to run out comfortable 65-7 winners.

Oxford Saints    14-13    Southern Sundevils

Oxford Saints just about had the better of the exchanges in the first half, and took a 7-0 lead into the second half. Neither side troubled the scoreboard in the third, but a flurry of activity in the fourth saw Sundevils make 13 points but the Saints made another 7 and took the win by a single point.

Cornish Sharks    3-7    South Wales Warriors

The South Wales Warriors opened their season with a win over conference rivals Cornish Sharks. The visiting Cornishmen only managed a field in this nail biter of a match, but with seven points the Warriors took the win.

Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    18-35    Bedfordshire Blue Raiders

In the battle of the rookies the Blue Raiders took an early grasp on the game as they opened up a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Points flowed fairly quickly after this, but the Blue Raiders held onto their lead, finally taking the rookie bragging rights with a 35-18 scoreline.

Edinburgh Wolves    18-6    Chester Romans

The Romans, in real need of a victory got off to a nightmare start versus Edinburgh, going into the second quarter the Scots visitors held the upper hand with 12-0 lead. Chester began their fight back, halving the Edinburgh lead by the half time whistle, so they only trailed by six. By the end of the third quarter the Wolves had re established a 12 point lead (18-6) and with the fourth being scoreless they returned to Edinburgh with the Romans’ scalp.

Plymouth Admirals    0-60    London Cobras

New boys London Cobras gave the veteran Admirals plenty to think about in the first half as the Admirals were on the wrong end of a 30-0 scoreline. A mirror image in the second half with Plymouth failing to score and the Cobras hitting another 30.

Hampshire Thrashers    51-6    Reading Renegades

Reading Renegades were facing an uphill battle before half time as the visiting Hampshire Thrashers pulled away to a 29-0 lead. As the third quarter was coming to a close the Thrashers held a 38-0 lead. By the final the Renegades had managed to register 6 points, but that was of little comfort as the Thrashers finished just over the fifty points barrier.

Nottingham Caesars    41-6    Hull Hornets

The Caesars open the scoring with 6, against the table topping Hornets, they tacked on another 7 to take a 13-0 lead into the second half. Nottingham more than doubled their lead after the restart with 14 third quarter points, with no reply from the Hornets. The final period at last saw the home side get on the scoreboard with 6 points, but the visitors made another 14 to seal the win.

Colchester Gladiators    38-13    Essex Spartans

Consistency was the order of the day for the Gladiators as they defeated their hosts Essex Spartans. Colchester scored points in every quarter (7,13,6,12) whilst keeping their hosts scoreless in the first and third quarters.

Manchester Titans    27-34    Lancashire Wolverines

The North West derby match was a closely fought battle in the first half, with the home side Wolverines edging it with a 21-13 scoreline. The second half saw the Titans outscore the Wolverines 14-13, but the first half cushion was enough to see the Wolverines home.

Lincolnshire Bombers    0-59    Tamworth Phoenix

Rookies Tamworth Phoenix blitzed the Bombers as they romped to a convincing victory over bottom club in their Central Conference clash. The win elevates new club Tamworth into second place in the Central Conference.

The British American Football League are pleased to announce the Player of the Week for Week 6 of the 2008 season. For his all round performance against the Doncaster Mustangs the award goes to Fraser Thomson of the Dundee Hurricanes

Fraser Thomson - Dundee Hurricanes

2 kick off returns for 97 yards 
1 kick off returns touchdown of 62 yards
1 interception return for 25 yards and 1 touchdown
2 punt returns for 58 yards  
1 punt return touchdown of 46 yards
2 receptions for 59 yards  
1 touchdown of 22 yards
11 solo tackles
1 assisted tackle
1 fumble recovery laterally passed to teammate for a touchdown


Other nominated players were:

Alex Robinson - Colchester Gladiators
34 carries
227 yards – 6.7 yard average
4 touchdowns
 
Mark Owen – Coventry Cassidy Jets
12 receptions
197 yards – 16.4 yard average
2 touchdowns

Mahamadou Lamine - Dundee Hurricanes
21 carries for 268 yards – 12.7 yards average
3 touchdowns – 53,51 and 29 yards
5 extra point conversions
10 kick offs for 389 yards 
1 solo tackle

Chris Thacker  - Tamworth Phoenix

Thacker is a Youth team graduate playing only his second senior game, finished with:
9 solo tackles
2 assisted tackles
2 tackles for loss
1 interception for a touchdown

Liam Smith – Farnham Fast Lane Knights

5 solo tackles 
3 sacks (for a combined loss of 29 yards)

Tim Spaull  - Farnham Fast Lane Knights
12 attempts 
5 completions for 55 yards
3 touchdowns

Paul Elder - Edinburgh Wolves

Elder has been improving week after week and it's easy to forget that he is a 
rookie who only just took up football a few months ago and had no 
previous experience. In the game against the Chester Romans he posted the following:
18 carries for 102 yards – 5.6 yard average
1 touchdown
1 reception for 9 yards

Week 7 action

London Blitz     15-41    Coventry Cassidy Jets
Gateshead Senators     8-35    East Kilbride Pirates
Dundee Hurricanes    7-7    Yorkshire Rams
Staffordshire Surge    8-34    South Yorkshire Mustangs
Oxford Saints    16-6    Kent Exiles
Nottingham Caesars    7-3    Tamworth Phoenix
Hampshire Thrashers    12-26    Cambridgeshire Cats
Shropshire Revolution    23-8    Leicester Falcons
Essex Spartans    12-13    Maidstone Pumas
Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    0-80    Peterborough Saxons
Manchester Titans    22-20    Glasgow Tigers
Reports courtesy of BAFL

London Blitz     15-41    Coventry Cassidy Jets

The clash of the countries top two teams really didn’t turn out the way the majority of people had predicted, received opinion was that this would a very tight run thing indeed. The Jets dominated the first half scoring twenty seven points, without any response from the visiting Blitz, to take what would be stranglehold on the game. The second half saw the London coaching staff make some adjustments, which made the second half much more competitive, in fact the Blitz won the half 15-14. But playing catch up football against what was a fine performance from the Jets defense was always going to be a big ask, and so it proved. Highlight of the game was a record setting 95 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Jets defensive back Dominic Olney.

Gateshead Senators     8-35    East Kilbride Pirates

Gateshead Senators fell to their second successive defeat of the season as the visiting East Kilbride Pirates held a 15-0 lead at the end of the first half. Gateshead did register eight points in the second half but the Pirates added another twenty and took a relatively comfortable 35-8 victory to start their campaign.

Dundee Hurricanes    7-7    Yorkshire Rams

All square at 0-0 at the end of one quarter of football as the top two clubs battled in out in Leeds. The deadlock remained unchanged as the two went into the locker room at half time. It took until the third quarter before the scorer was troubled, when the Rams took a seven point lead to take into the final period. The fourth quarter saw a Dundee fight back as they hit the Rams for seven and tie the score, there was no further score so honours were even.

Staffordshire Surge    8-34    South Yorkshire Mustangs

Both clubs scored eight points in the first quarter of this encounter, as the visiting Surge went hunting for their first victory of the season. The Mustangs went on, in the second quarter, to take a grip on the game and went in at the break leading 22-8. Neither side managed to score in the third quarter, in the final quarter the Mustangs added another 14 unanswered points to condemn the Surge to their third straight defeat and leave them sitting at the bottom of the Conference.

Oxford Saints    16-6    Kent Exiles

Kent, sitting at the top of the South Conference, were defending their unbeaten record coming into this game. The visiting Saints had little regard for positions or unbeaten records, and by the third quarter they were holding a 16-6 lead. Neither of them could add to the score in the final quarter, leaving the Saints to take the win, the defeat means that the Exiles drop to second place, behind the Norwich Devils.

Nottingham Caesars    7-3    Tamworth Phoenix

The last time these to met it ended in a draw, the rematch was as tight as their first encounter, by half time the Caesars had their noses in front holding a 7-3 advantage. Could the rookies of Tamworth mount a come back in the second half? The answer was no, neither team managed any further scoring leaving the result as 7-3. The win leaves the yet to lose Caesars sitting atop of the Central Conference.

Hampshire Thrashers    12-26    Cambridgeshire Cats

Hometown Cats had just about had the upper hand, finishing the first half with a 13-6 lead. A scoring mirror image in the second half left the Cats as winners. They now have a winning streak of four games and are unbeaten at the top of the East Conference, as they strive for the play offs.

Shropshire Revolution    23-8    Leicester Falcons

In their debut season the rookie Leicester Falcons dropped to a 1-2 record following a home defeat by the visiting Revolution, the win moves Shropshire to a 2-2 record.

Essex Spartans    12-13    Maidstone Pumas

Maidstone held the slenderest of advantages over the Spartans as they started the second half defending a 7-6 lead. Both sides added six points to their totals before the end, which left the Pumas still with a one point advantage and a win as they started their 2008 schedule.

Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    0-80    Peterborough Saxons

The rookie Pathfinders dropped to their sixth straight defeat of the 2008 season, this time going down to the much more experienced and play off hopefuls the Peterborough Saxons. The Saxons ran riot as their offense rattled in 80 points while their defense kept a clean sheet. 

Manchester Titans    22-20    Glasgow Tigers

Top of the North Conference, the undefeated Tigers were given a run for their money in the first two quarters by the Manchester Titans, as by the half time whistle the two were tied at fourteen apiece. The second half brought more of the same as the two sides battled it out for supremacy. The final whistle saw the Titans triumphant and the Tigers drop to second spot in the Conference.

The BAFL are pleased to announce the winner of Player of the Week for Week 7 of the 2008 season.

Dominic Olney – Coventry Cassidy Jets

 
Dominic Olney sets off on his record
breaking fumble recovery return for
a touchdown.
Photo courtesy of Chelle Bridges

Against the defending National Champions, the London Blitz, Olney helped keep their potent offense in check by leading the Jets in tackles. The one time receiver turned defensive back also set a Jets team record with a 95 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. This also is a National record beating the previous best of 80 yards by Don Edmonston of the Fife 49’ers versus Glasgow Lions in 1995.

6 solo tackles
1 assisted tackle
4 passes defended 
1 interceptions for 22 yards
1 fumble recovery for 95 and a touchdown

Other nominees were:

Adam Newman – Oxford Saints
In the victory over Kent Exiles, Saint’s Newman was nominated for his all round performance:

3 sacks 
1 pass defended 
10 punts for 356 yards, longest 46 yards
4 kick offs for 240 yards
3 touchbacks
1 field goal of 42 yards 
1 PAT made (out of 2)

Ryan Kelly - Kent Exiles

3 receptions for 43 yards
6 punt returns for 132 yards
1 kick off return for 28 yards
203 total yards for the Australian International

Mark Vickers - Kent Exiles

Led the Exiles defense with 12 tackles

Week 8 action

BAFL Premier

London Blitz 23-34 Farnham Knights
East Kilbride Pirates 12-46 Coventry Jets

BAFL1

Redditch Arrows 12-22 Dundee Hurricanes
Kent Exiles 22-4 Norwich Devils
Staffordshire Surge 21-24 West Coast Trojans
Sussex Thunder 20-0 Ipswich Cardinals

BAFL2

Lancashire Wolverines 25-6 Edinburgh Wolves
East Kent Mavericks 27-12
Maidstone Pumas
Plymouth Admirals 36-15 Reading Renegades
London Cobras 36-3  Essex Spartans
Chester Romans 0-25  Merseyside Nighthawks
Hull Hornets 6-6 Leicester Falcons
South Wales Warriors 38-0 Watford Cheetahs
Tamworth Phoenix 19-6 Shropshire Revolution
Reports courtesy of BAFL

Coventry Cassidy Jets    46-12    East Kilbride Pirates

Table topping Jets made the long trip North to Scotland looking to defend their 100% record and keep their number one spot. With another high scoring performance and typical stingy defense the Jets duly delivered both, to remain top of BAFL Premier.

Farnham Fast Lane Knights 34-23 London Blitz

Very little between these two in the opening quarter, with the Blitz just having their noses in front 8-6, by half time it was the Knights who held a narrow lead as they out scored the Blitz 21-15 in the second quarter. All to play for then as the Knights started the second half leading 27-23. At one point in the fourth quarter Farnham held an eleven point advantage, at 34-23, could the Blitz recover from that big a deficit? The answers was no, as the Knights went on to inflict the second defeat in two weeks to the Blitz. The win moves Farnham up to second spot while the Blitz drop down to fourth.

Dundee Hurricanes    22-12    Redditch Arrows

Despite the long road trip the yet lose Dundee Hurricanes took a strong hold of this encounter with the Arrows with touchdowns from Fraser Thomson and Mahamadou ‘Dooma’ Niakate. As their high scoring offense, that is currently averaging 35 points a game, scored 16 unanswered points in the first half. Redditch began their fight back in the third quarter scoring 12, but the ‘Canes made added another 6, to hold a 22-12 advantage at the start of the final quarter. No scoring in the fourth so the ‘Canes headed back home with another win under their belts, and with a 3-0-1 record still top of North Conference, the Arrows drop to 1-2 and down a place.

Norwich Devils    4-22    Kent Exiles

In the clash of the top two teams in the South Conference a tight first quarter ensued which the Exiles just shaded, to hold a 6-2 advantage as they turned around for the second quarter. Exiles took hold in the second scoring ten points while keeping the Devils off the scoreboard, at the half time whistle Kent were ahead 16-2.

West Coast Trojans    24-21    Staffordshire Surge

Still looking for a win this season Staffordshire Surge shipped in six points from the Trojans in the first period. Before the break Staffordshire did manage to get a score, but the Trojans scored twelve, half time scoreline 18-6 in favour of West Coast. The third quarter saw the home side Surge hold the Trojans scoreless, while making a six point dent in their lead, going into the last period the Surge only trailed by 6.

Ipswich Cardinals    0-20    Sussex Thunder

The Thunder handed the Ipswich Cardinals their third successive defeat with a 20-0 score, the defeat leaves the Cardinals in last spot in the Conference without a win this season.

Edinburgh Wolves    6-25    Lancashire Wolverines

Scottish visitors, Edinburg Wolves, fell six points behind as the Wolverines opened the scoring in the first quarter. A repeat performance in the second with Edinburgh failing to get into the endzone and the Wolverines hitting another six, leaving the half time score 12-0 to Lancashire. Edinburgh finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter with six points, but the Wolverines more than kept pace and registered another seven to go into the last quarter 19-6 in front. Lancashire wrapped up the win with a further six points before the final whistle, to take the game 25-6. The victory leaves the Wolverines sitting on top of the North Conference with a 2-0 record.

Reading Renegades    15-36    Plymouth Admirals

Plymouth, after two straight losses, finally got a tick in the win box as they beat visiting Reading.

Essex Spartans    3-36    London Cobras

Bottom team Essex faced the table topping Cobras in this match up, as expected the Cobras jumped out to an early lead, but perhaps not as large as an advantage as had been predicted. By half time the Londoners held a 14-3 over the Spartans.

Merseyside Nighthawks    25-0    Chester Romans

Chester looking for their first win this year had the pressure put on them as the Nighthawks took a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. The prospect of a Chester victory looked decidedly less than rosy as, in the second quarter, the Nighthawks went on to score a further 13 unanswered points to hold a 19-0 lead at half time. Merseyside went on to score a further six points in the second and shut out the Romans to close the game out at 25-0. This fourth defeat in a row leaves the Romans at the foot of the table. 

Leicester Falcons    6-6    Hull Hornets
Second from bottom played second from top and in a closely contested match it ended with honours even, which is a better outcome for the Falcons that it was for the Hornets.

Watford Cheetahs    0-38    South Wales Warriors

The South Wales Warriors proved too much to handle for the visiting Cheetahs, as they amassed thirty eight p

BAFL Week 9 results (Sunday 8th June 2008)

BAFL Premier

Coventry Jets 28-15 Bristol Aztecs

BAFL1

Sussex Thunder 14-6 Norwich Devils
West Coast Trojans 20-20 Redditch Arrows
Ipswich Cardinals 3-7 Southern Sundevils
Oxford Saints 36-12 Kent Exiles

BAFL2

Tamworth Phoenix 40-2 Leicester Falcons
Maidstone Pumas 14-20 Colchester Gladiators
Lancashire Wolverines 48-0 Chester Romans
Shropshire Revolution 61-6 Lincolnshire Bombers
Merseyside Nighthawks 8-6 Glasgow Tigers
Nottingham Caesars 20-3 Hull Hornets
Plymouth Admirals 12-19 South Wales Warriors
East Kent Mavericks 19-7 Essex Spartans
Peterborough Saxons 0-20 Cambridgeshire Cats
Cornish Sharks 1-0 Reading Renegades

Bristol Aztecs    15-28    Coventry Cassidy Jets

Jets normally free scoring offense were held to only 6 points in the first quarter by the Aztecs, this continued in the second with Coventry only adding another 8. Fortunately for the Jets their defense was as stingy as ever and gave up nothing, half time score 14-0 in favour of Coventry. Bristol finally broke through the Jets defense in the third quarter, making 7 points but the Jets scored another 8 to stretch their advantage to 22-7. Both sides added to their totals in the fourth but the Jets ran out winners and stay top of the BAFL Premier.

Norwich Devils    6-14    Sussex Thunder

The Thunder now hold second position in the South Conference following this narrow win, in a tight game, over fellow play off hopefuls Norwich Devils.

Redditch Arrows    20-20    West Coast Trojans

Match ups between these two have produced some epic battles in the past today was no different, in a tight match by half time home side Trojans held a seven point advantage at 20-13. Visiting Redditch tied the scores in the third to set up a nail biting fourth quarter. Neither side managed to break the deadlock, so at the final whistle it was honours even.

Southern Sundevils    7-3    Ipswich Cardinals

The Cardinals slumped to their fourth straight defeat and are rooted to the bottom of the South Conference. The victory for the Sundevils leaves them sitting in mid table.

Kent Exiles    12-36    Oxford Saints

Visiting Kent, looking to defend their number one spot, struck first to take a 6-0 lead in the opening quarter. Despite 6 points from the Saints the second period saw the Exiles extended their advantage further by scoring 12, Half time 18-6. Going into the final quarter Kent still held a 12 point advantage, as both sides made six points in the third quarter. The Exiles had the better of the last quarter outscoring Oxford 12-0.

Reading Renegades    0-1    Cornish Sharks

Due to an extensive injury list Reading were unable to fulfil the fixture and therefore forfeited the game 0-1.

Leicester Falcons    2-40    Tamworth Phoenix

Tamworth were in points scoring mode as they overwhelmed the Falcons 40-2 in the in the battle of the rookies. This impressive Phoenix victory moves them one step nearer to qualification to the post season play offs in their first year of league action.

Colchester Gladiators    20-14    Maidstone Pumas

Maidstone, looking for win number two, took an early lead 6-0 before half time. There was a turn around in the second half, with the Gladiators putting 20 on the scoreboard, the Pumas managed another 8. Making the final score 20-14 in favour of Colchester, who now move to a 3-2 record, while Maidstone drop to 1-2.

Chester Romans    0-48    Lancashire Wolverines

Bottom club Chester’s dismal form continued as by the end of the first quarter they trailed the Wolverines 12-0, thing didn’t improve for Chester as they shipped in another 13 by the half time whistle. Things got no better for the Romans in the second half as they shipped in 23 points and were shut out for the third time this season.

Lincolnshire Bombers    6-61    Shropshire Revolution

The winless Bombers were condemned to their fourth straight defeat as they were swept aside by the Revolution, by half time the rampant Shropshire team had scored 39 unanswered points. The points rush continued in the second half with the Revolution adding another 22 points, the Bombers replied with a consolation 6.

Glasgow Tigers    6-8    Merseyside Nighthawks

The Nighthawks shook off the rigours of the long journey North and jumped out to an early 8-0 lead. Before the break the Tigers fought back and scored 6, so only trailed by 2 at the start of the second half. The third quarter saw a stalemate with neither side being able to get a score, the same story in the fourth which left the Nighthawks to return to Merseyside with an important win under their belts.

South Wales Warriors    19-12    Plymouth Admirals

Things started well for the Admirals as they returned the kick off 95 yards for a touchdown, to take a 6-0 advantage. There was no further scoring until the third quarter when the Warriors struck with 13 unanswered points to go ahead, they extended their lead in the fourth with another 6. Plymouth fought back and added 6 to their total, but that was it for the day. With this win the Warriors move to 3-0 and stay on top of the South West Conference and still on course for post season action.

Essex Spartans    7-19    East Kent Mavericks
 
The Spartans losing streak extended to four after they fell to the Mavericks, the defeat leaves them firmly rooted at the foot of the table. The victory puts the Mavericks into second place ahead of the Colchester Gladiators.

Cambridgeshire Cats    20-0    Peterborough Saxons
 
A surprise shut out of the Saxons by the Cats sees the Cambridgeshire club take a firmer hold on top spot in the East Conference and move another step closer to the play offs. This is the first time this season that the Saxons have failed to score; the only real plus is that they remain in second place in the conference.

Hull Hornets 3 Nottingham Caesars 20

Pre season Conference favourites Nottingham lived up to that as they despatched the visiting Hornets. The Caesars, who remain top, are the only unbeaten team in the Central Conference.

BAFL Week 10 results (Sunday 15th June 2008)

BAFL Premier

Farnham Knights 22-28 Coventry Jets

The Coventry Cassidy Jets preserved their 100% record by coming away from Farnham with a 28-22 victory. Leading 16-14 at half-time, the Jets extended their lead to 28-14 before the Knights hit back with two TD's to close the gap to 6 points with just one minute to go. The Knights attempted an on-side kick which the Jets recovered to close out the game.
London Blitz 42-0 East Kilbride Pirates
Bristol Aztecs 49-0 Gateshead Senators


BAFL1

Staffordshire Surge 0-40 Dundee Hurricanes
South Yorkshire Mustangs 7-40 Yorkshire Rams
Southern Sundevils 9-6 Sussex Thunder

BAFL2

Edinburgh Wolverines 36-10 Chester Romans
Manchester Titans 20-30 Merseyside Nighthawks 
Glasgow Tigers 8-13 Lancashire Wolverines
Peterborough Saxons 59-6 Essex Spartans
Cornish Sharks 20-0 Plymouth Admirals
Watford Cheetahs 0-40 Bedfordshire Blue Raiders

BAFL Week 11 results (Sunday 22nd June 2008)

East Kilbride Pirates      46-12    Gateshead Senators

Bristol Aztecs      33-9    Farnham Fast Lane Knights
         
Staffordshire Surge    0-60    Redditch Arrows
Oxford Saints    23-10    Ipswich Cardinals
West Coast Trojans    6-9    Yorkshire Rams
Sussex Thunder    26-6    Norwich Devils
         
South Wales Warriors    41-12    Reading Renegades
Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    0-52    Cambridgeshire Cats
Glasgow Tigers    6-24    Manchester Titans
Tamworth Phoenix    28-0    Lincolnshire Bombers
Edinburgh Wolves    6-15    Merseyside Nighthawks
Hampshire Thrashers    8-21    Cornish Sharks
Nottingham Caesars    20-0    Leicester Falcons
East Kent Mavericks    62-12    Maidstone Pumas
Watford Cheetahs    8-45    Peterborough Saxons

East Kilbride Pirates 46-12 Gateshead Senators

The visiting Pirates, looking for their second win of the season, started in a positive mode opening up a 16-0 lead in the first quarter, by half time the Senators were in a 38-0 hole with it all to do in the second half. The hole got even deeper as East Kilbride posted eight points in the third, to their credit the Senators hit back with twelve fourth quarter points but it was a case of too little – too late.

Bristol Aztecs 33-9 Farnham Fast Lane Knights

The Aztecs opened the scoring, taking a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, by the break they still had their noses in front, holding a 12-3 advantage. After the break Bristol increased their advantage by six and took an 18-3 lead into the final quarter. Farnham managed to get another six but that made no dent in the Aztecs lead as they racked a further fifteen to take, what may be seen by some as, a surprise victory. Both clubs now have a 2-2 record, along with the Blitz and the Pirates, things in BAFL Premier are getting very tight.
 
Staffordshire Surge 0-60 Redditch Arrows

A rampant Redditch side added to the woes of the yet to win Surge, as they handed Staffordshire it’s fifth straight loss of 2008. At the half time break Redditch had established a healthy 27-0 lead, in the third quarter they added another twenty taking their advantage to 47-0. The Surge failed to score in the fourth quarter, but Redditch put another thirteen points on the board to take a comfortable 60-0 victory. The victory moves the Arrows into third place in the North Conference, whilst the luckless Surge remain bottom.

Oxford Saints 23-10 Ipswich Cardinals

Ipswich who are still to taste victory this season, following a run of four losses, were behind 8-0 early in the opening quarter, Cardinals hit back with a field goal and reduce the Saints lead to 8-3. The second period saw the Saints stretch their lead to 14-3, only to see the Cardinals bounce back and post seven to make it a four point game – but before the half time break Oxford tagged on a field goal making it 17-10 in their favour. The Saints stretched the lead to 23-10 in the third, there was no further scoring and the Saints claimed the win.

West Coast Trojans 6-9 Yorkshire Rams

In the clash between the second and third placed teams in the North Conference it was home side West Coast Trojans who held a slender three point advantage going into the second quarter, leading 6-3. A stalemate ensued and there was no further scoring before the half time whistle. By the end of the third quarter the Rams had hit the front for the first time and took a 9-6 lead into the final quarter, they did not relinquish it and came away with a hard fought win. As a result of the loss the Trojans drop down to fourth spot.

Sussex Thunder 26-6 Norwich Devils

By the break second placed Thunder had the slenderest of leads over bottom but one team Norwich at 7-6. It was a different tale in the second half as the mean Thunder defense shut out the Devils, while their offense hit nineteen points to seal the victory.

South Wales Warriors 41-12 Reading Renegades

South Wales maintained their unbeaten record and remain top of the South West Conference following their road victory over the now 1-5 Reading Renegades, who remain bottom of the table. The Warriors had opened up a 25-0 lead by half time and added a further sixteen in the second half, with the Renegades posting six points in both the third and fourth quarters.

Milton Keynes City Pathfinders 0-52 Cambridgeshire Cats

Cambridgeshire continued their unbeaten run, which now stands at six in a row, as they overwhelmed the rookie Pathfinders 52-0. For the new boys from Milton Keynes this was the seventh defeat in this their debut season.

Glasgow Tigers 6-24 Manchester Titans

The Tigers made the long trip to Manchester looking for win number three but it was no to be. Titans claimed the win and consigned Glasgow to a 2-4 record as they moved on to 3-2. Manchester shaded the first half to hold an 8-0 advantage, which they increased to 16-0 in the third – in the final period the Tigers did get on the board with six but the Titans made another eight to clinch the win.

Tamworth Phoenix 28-0 Lincolnshire Bombers

Rookie club Tamworth Phoenix continue to make waves in their first season as they maintain their hold on second place in the Conference with a shut out win. For the Bombers it leaves them still looking for that first elusive victory of the season and stuck at the bottom.

Edinburgh Wolves 6-15 Merseyside Nighthawks

A tight first quarter on Merseyside saw the home side Nighthawks take a slender 3-0 lead, it was even tighter in the second with neither side being able to score. With seven minutes to go it appeared that the Nighthawks had a strange hold on this one as they led 15-0. Never a side to give up the Wolves finally got onto the scoreboard with six, but it was not enough to trouble the Merseysiders.

Hampshire Thrashers 8-21 Cornish Sharks

Cornish Sharks had to come from behind, after the Thrashers had opened the scoring to take a 6-0 lead, to take their fourth win of the season. Both clubs now have a 4-2 record as they fight for a play off spot.

Nottingham Caesars 20-0 Leicester Falcons

The Caesars tightened their grip on top spot in the Central Conference as they posted win number five for the season as they shut out the rookies of Leicester Falcons. The loss sees the Falcons drop to a 1-4-1 record for the season to occupy bottom but one spot.

East Kent Mavericks 62-12 Maidstone Pumas

The Mavericks move to a 4-1 record, and stay just one place behind the leading London Cobras, as they recorded a relatively comfortable victory with their offense running riot over the now 1-3 Pumas. Star turn for the Mavericks was debutant Ed Goka who made 208 yards on just 8 carries and helped himself to 4 touchdowns.

Watford Cheetahs 8-45 Peterborough Saxons

Peterborough consolidated their second position in the East Conference with a home win over the Cheetahs, who have now lost four of their five matches and sit second from bottom.

BAFL Week 12 results (Sunday 29th June 2008)

East Kilbride Pirates    31-8    Birmingham Bulls
         
South Wales Warriors    16-0    Hampshire Thrashers
East Kent Mavericks    0-16    London Cobras

East Kilbride Pirates    31-8    Birmingham Bulls

Home side Birmingham fell to their second defeat in two outings, so far this season, when the marauding Pirates from East Kilbride blew into the second city and plundered an away victory. For the 0-2 Bulls the defeat leaves them in the bottom two with the 0-4 Gateshead Senators, while the Pirates now have a 3-2 record and rise to second place.

South Wales Warriors    16-0    Hampshire Thrashers

Half way through their regular season the Warriors must now be favourites to qualify for the post season play offs and to lift the South West title, and maybe they are even giving more than a second thought of posting the perfect regular season record. This week they shut out the second placed Thrashers and in the process extended their unbeaten streak to five in 2008, the defeat means the Thrashers drop to 4-3 on the year.

East Kent Mavericks    0-16    London Cobras

The irresistible force, a Cobras offense that has averaged 43.3 points a game, met the immovable object the Mavericks defense that only yields 10.2 points each outing. The first half saw the immovable object hold the irresistible force scoreless, the first time that has happened this season. The second half saw the irresistible force prevail as the Cobras put 16 points past the immovable object, the win tightens the Cobras grip on the leadership of the South East Conference and moves them one step closer to the play offs, in this their first season. East Kent drop to 4-2 following the loss, they hold on to second place but the Gladiators are now breathing right down their necks.

BAFL Week 13 results (Sunday 6th July 2008)

Gateshead Senators    P    Coventry Cassidy Jets
Farnham Fast Lane Knights    44-0    Birmingham Bulls
London Blitz    21-14    Bristol Aztecs
Kent Exiles    6-13    Southern Sundevils 
South Yorkshire Mustangs    12-23    West Coast Trojans
Oxford Saints    7-27    Sussex Thunder
Manchester Titans    24-44    Edinburgh Wolves
South Wales Warriors    0-6    Cornish Sharks
Maidstone Pumas    7-42    Watford Cheetahs
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    6-36    East Kent Mavericks
Glasgow Tigers    18-6    Chester Romans
London Cobras    34-6    Essex Spartans
Lincolnshire Bombers    12-39    Nottingham Caesars

Gateshead Senators    P    Coventry Cassidy Jets

This fixture was postponed.

Farnham Fast Lane Knights    44-0    Birmingham Bulls

Despite the worst the British summer could throw at the Knights, they overcame the downpour and the yet to win Bulls. At half time Farnham had 25-0 advantage over the Midlanders. Despite the near monsoon conditions the Knights continued to pile the pressure on their hosts, as they added nineteen points to their total, sealing the win with a 44-0 scoreline. Farnham are now in third spot with a 3-2 record, the same as the Blitz and the Pirates.

London Blitz    21-14    Bristol Aztecs

The game of the week saw the reigning Champions London Blitz make the trip to Bristol to meet the Aztecs. By last years standards the Blitz seem to be under achievers, as after four games they only have a 2-2 record the same as their hosts.

It was the Blitz who drew blood first with seven first quarter points, followed by another seven in the second whilst shutting out the Aztecs. Half time 14-0. London pulled further away as they extended the lead to 21-0 by the end of the third. Bristol mounted a major come back in the fourth quarter and scored fourteen points on the Champions, that however was the final scores of the game. The victory moves the Blitz up to second spot, with Bristol now occupying fifth.

Kent Exiles    6-13    Southern Sundevils 

Kent took an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter, the Sundevils then closed downed the Kent offense for two quarters of football while they put thirteen points on the scoreboard. As the final period started the Sundevils were 13-6 ahead, there was no further scoring leaving the Sundevils to take the win.

South Yorkshire Mustangs    12-23    West Coast Trojans

The Mustangs just about had the upper hand by half time leading the Trojans 6-0. After the break West Coast got into gear and scored fourteen unanswered points to hold the a14-6 as the final quarter began. A further nine points from the Trojans and six from the Mustangs in the fourth quarter gave a final score of 23-12 in favour of the Trojans.

Oxford Saints    7-27    Sussex Thunder

Thor’s Hammer laid a blow on the Oxford offense and kept them to just seven points, while the Thunder offense rattled up twenty seven to seal the deal. The win keeps Sussex 5-2 in the number one spot in the South Conference ahead of the Exiles and the Sundevils who both have a 4-2 record, with Oxford occupying fourth place.

Manchester Titans    24-44    Edinburgh Wolves

In what was billed as a must win match, by Edinburgh Coach Don Edmonston, the home side Wolves seized the initiative early as they established a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Manchester got back into the game by half time as they reduced the Wolves lead to eight points. The third quarter proved to be the turning point as Edinburgh dominated, outscoring the visitors 22-6, and took a 36-12 lead into the final quarter. Never a team to give up the Titans put another twelve points past the Wolves defense, but they also allowed Edinburgh to score a further eight.

South Wales Warriors    0-6    Cornish Sharks

A first quarter touchdown was enough to take the honours in the big game in the South West Conference, as the Sharks handed the Warriors their first defeat of the season. The win puts the Sharks just one game behind South Wales, who still top the table, in the race for the title.

Maidstone Pumas    7-42    Watford Cheetahs

With the Cheetahs holding an almost unassailable lead in the third quarter, the game came to a premature end due to the amount injuries sustained by the Pumas.

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    6-36    East Kent Mavericks

East Kent Mavericks moved to a 5-2 record as they dispatched rookies the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders in this inter conference match up. The victory moves the Mavericks further ahead of third placed Colchester Gladiators, although the Gladiators do have two games in hand. For the new boy Raiders they now hold a creditable 3-4 record for the season.

Glasgow Tigers    18-6    Chester Romans

The stalemate of the first quarter, when neither side made a score, was broken by the Tigers in the second as they headed the Romans 8-0 at the break. Glasgow stretched the advantage to 16-0 by the start of the final quarter, Chester did manage to get on the score sheet before the end but it was not enough to prevent their seventh defeat in a row this season.

London Cobras    34-6    Essex Spartans

The Cobras continued to make their presence felt, in their first season of League football, as the extended their winning streak to five in a row as they comfortably saw of the challenge from yet to win Essex Spartans. By the half time break the Cobras had opened up a fourteen point lead over the scoreless Spartans. The Cobras went to victory on the back of another twenty points in the second half, the Spartans did manage a consolation six points.

Lincolnshire Bombers    12-39    Nottingham Caesars

The Nottingham Caesars took another step towards lifting the Central Conference title as they handed Lincolnshire Bombers their sixth straight defeat of 2008. This loss leaves the Bombers firmly rooted to the bottom of the Conference.

BAFL Week 14 results (Sunday 13th July 2008)

East Kilbride Pirates    7-52    Farnham Fast Lane Knights
Birmingham Bulls    P    London Blitz
Redditch Arrows    26-14    Dundee Hurricanes
Ipswich Cardinals    30-20    Norwich Devils
South Yorkshire Mustangs    27-24    Staffordshire Surge
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    32-0    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders
Maidstone Pumas    33-41    Essex Spartans
Peterborough Saxons    41-0    Watford Cheetahs
Shropshire Revolution    34-6    Hull Hornets
Lancashire Wolverines    13-32    Merseyside Nighthawks
Plymouth Admirals    28-0    Reading Renegades
London Cobras    18-0    Cornish Sharks 
Cambridgeshire Cats    7-27    Colchester Gladiators

East Kilbride Pirates    7-52    Farnham Fast Lane Knights

With the opportunity of leap frogging the Blitz into second place the Knights got down to business and wasted little time as they opened up a 18-7 lead over the East Kilbride Pirates in the first quarter at Aldershot. By half time the Knights had all but put this game to bed as they had stretched their advantage to 32-7. Farnham, while keeping the Pirates scoreless, added twenty points in the second half to take a comfortable victory and second spot in BAFL Premier.

Birmingham Bulls    P    London Blitz

This fixture was postponed.

Redditch Arrows    26-14    Dundee Hurricanes

Visiting Redditch Arrows, in their attempt to topple top club Dundee, took a first quarter 6-0 lead, The Hurricanes are not the number one club in the North Conference for nothing and by half time they had fought back and established a 14-12 lead. The second half saw somewhat of a turnaround with the Arrows containing the Canes offense while posting fourteen points without reply to take the away win.

Ipswich Cardinals    30-20    Norwich Devils

Ipswich registered the first victory of their season as they emerged victorious from the East Anglian derby match against the Devils. Despite the win the Cardinals, who were tipped by many for a return to the National Championship game, remain bottom of the South Conference, with the Devils just one place ahead of them.

South Yorkshire Mustangs    27-24    Staffordshire Surge

The two bottom clubs in the North Conference met, with the yet to win Surge looking to get a tick in the win column. It was all square after a quarter of football with a 6-6 tied game. This pattern continued as both sides added a further six, to start the second half tied at 12-12. In the third quarter the Surge stunned the visitors as they scored twelve unanswered points and had victory in their sights. Trailing by twelve points the Mustangs got back into the groove and hit the Surge with a fifteen point scoring burst, to snatch the victory.

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    32-0    Milton Keynes City Pathfinders

The East Conference saw a rookie battle on Saturday between the 3-4 Blue Raiders and the 0-7 Pathfinders, by the final whistle the Pathfinders were left still looking for their first League victory.  

Maidstone Pumas    33-41    Essex Spartans

It may have taken seven matches but at last the Spartans can celebrate their first win this season. The two battled tooth and claw throughout, but in the end the Spartans claimed the victory with a 41-33 scoreline, it’s not all celebrations for the Essex boys though as despite this win they are still sitting at the bottom of Conference just behind the Pumas.

Peterborough Saxons    41-0    Watford Cheetahs

Peterborough tightened their grip on second place in the East as they handed the Cheetahs their fifth defeat of the season. 

Shropshire Revolution    34-6    Hull Hornets

A mid table battle saw the Revolution return to Shropshire after a relatively comfortable win over the Hornets. Shropshire now have a 4-3 record, but will have to rely on future results elsewhere going in their favour if they are to climb above third place. The defeat leaves the Hornets in fourth position with a 2-3-1 record for the season.

Lancashire Wolverines    13-32    Merseyside Nighthawks

A top of the table clash saw current leaders the Wolverines strike first and take a 7-0 first quarter lead. At the break they still held the lead but it had been cut to the narrowest of margins as the Nighthawks had pulled six points back. A burst of ten third quarter points saw the Merseysiders take the lead 16-7, with only 15 minutes of football to play. The Nighthawks had the better of the exchanges in the fourth out scoring the Wolverines 16-6, to not only take their fifth win but top spot in the North Conference, as the Wolverines drop to second.

Plymouth Admirals    28-0    Reading Renegades

The battle at the bottom saw the visiting Admirals put twelve unanswered points past the Renegades, a lead that they extended to 20-0 at the break. Twenty points soon became twenty eight as Plymouth pushed to seal the deal in the third quarter. There was no further scoring in the final quarter as the Admirals took their second win of the year.

London Cobras    18-0    Cornish Sharks 

Conference leaders London Cobras were looking to extend their winning streak at the expense of the Sharks, things started well for the Cobras who score first and held a 6-0 lead as the second quarter began. No further scoring before half time left the Sharks just trailing by six. The outstanding Cobras defense maintained the shut out in the third, while their offense made another six points, a mirror image in the final period saw the Cobras wrap up the win 18-0 and preserve their 100% record.

Cambridgeshire Cats    7-27    Colchester Gladiators

Cambridge took their perfect record of six out of six to Colchester and by half time it looked as if the record was going to be broken, as the Gladiators not only shut out the Cats offense but scored fourteen points past the normally almost water tight Cats defense.

BAFL Week 15 results (Sunday 20th July 2008)

Gateshead Senators    6-8    Birmingham Bulls
Norwich Devils    0-27    Oxford Saints
Southern Sundevils    13-19    Kent Exiles
Glasgow Tigers    0-18    Edinburgh Wolves
Nottingham Caesars    59-6    Lincolnshire Bombers
Tamworth Phoenix    25-3    Shropshire Revolution
Peterborough Saxons    45-0    Plymouth Admirals
East Kent Mavericks    40-14    Essex Spartans
Cambridgeshire Cats    45–0    Watford Cheetahs
Chester Romans    0-60    Merseyside Nighthawks
Hull Hornets    cancelled    Leicester Falcons
Hampshire Thrashers    6-22    South Wales Warriors 

Gateshead Senators 6-8 Birmingham Bulls 

The battle of the basement clubs saw the Bulls gain their first victory this season and leave the Senators rooted at the bottom of BAFL Premier with an 0-5 record. With two clubs, between them, having scored less than thirty points in their previous seven games this match up didn’t promise to be a points festival. That is exactly how it played out, but for both of them the result was all in important, with the home side taking the honours by only a two point margin.

Norwich Devils 0-27 Oxford Saints 

A tense battle at Oxford RFC as the fourth placed Saints hosted fifth placed Norwich, despite having the superior record Oxford were held scoreless into the second quarter by the Devils. Saints took a hold of the game as they hit the Devils for fourteen without reply to take a 14-0 lead into the second half. A further six points in the third stretched the Saints lead; this was followed by seven in the final period to seal the win.

Southern Sundevils 13-19 Kent Exiles

Third spot Sundevils travelled to the Exiles, the team directly above them, in a showdown for sole ownership of second place in the Conference. Home side Exiles took a 13-6 lead into the second half. Southern ‘won’ the second half 7-6 but that was not enough to turn around the result, the win moves the Exiles to a 5-2 record with the Sundevils at 4-3.

Glasgow Tigers 0-18 Edinburgh Wolves 

Things were all square, in the Scots capital, going into the second quarter both teams having failed to make a mark on the scoreboard. The deadlock was broken in the second quarter by Edinburgh’s Graham Kellington, who returned two interceptions for scores. The third saw the Wolves extend their lead by six, to lead 18-0. There was no further scoring so the Wolves registered their fifth win of the season, for the Tigers it seems as their early season form has deserted them.

Nottingham Caesars 59-6 Lincolnshire Bombers 

The Caesars all but clinched the Conference title as they swept aside the Lincolnshire Bombers. With only two regular season games remaining there would have to a massive slump in form from Nottingham to allow Tamworth to come up on the rails to claim top spot.

Tamworth Phoenix 25-3 Shropshire Revolution 

The Phoenix boosted their play off hopes as by half time they held a 7-3 over the Revolution, a lead that they never relinquished. The second half saw the Tamworth defense hold the Revolution and keep them off the scoreboard while their offense scored eighteen points to ensure the win and probably play off football for the rookies from Tamworth.

Peterborough Saxons 45-0 Plymouth Admirals 

The long trip to the West country didn’t appear to have an effect on the Saxons as by half time they had kept the Admirals scoreless while posting twenty six points of their own. The second half saw no Admiral revival as the Saxons rattled in nineteen points that ensured they headed back to Peterborough with another victory under their belts.

East Kent Mavericks 40-14 Essex Spartans 

East Kent condemned the Spartans to their seventh defeat of 2008, as they moved to 6-2 and keep hold of second place in the South East Conference, with a comfortable win over the Essex club. 

Cambridgeshire Cats 45–0 Watford Cheetahs 
A comfortable win for East Conference leaders as they posted a shut out victory over the fourth placed Cheetahs. Victory for the Cats moves them one step closer to lifting the Conference title and the post season play offs.

Chester Romans 0-60 Merseyside Nighthawks 

Chester’s dismal winless season continued as their local rivals Merseyside opened up a 14-0 lead after one quarter of football. Things went from bad to worse for the Romans in the second quarter, as they shipped in a further sixteen points giving the Nighthawks a healthy 30-0 half time lead. Any hopes of a Chester revival were snuffed out as Merseyside scored another eight, to enter the final quarter with a 38-0 advantage. The defeat was turned into a rout in the fourth as the Romans failed to stop the Merseysiders from scoring twenty two more points. 

Hull Hornets  P  Leicester Falcons 

Due to the failure of ambulance cover the match was cancelled on safety grounds.

Hampshire Thrashers 6-22 South Wales Warriors

South Wales closed in on the South West Conference title as they improved their season record to 6-1 with a home win over the third placed Hampshire Thrashers who fall to 4-4 on the year.

BAFL Week 17 results (Sunday 3rd August 2008)

Redditch Arrows    48-0    Staffordshire Surge
South Yorkshire Mustangs    7-19    Yorkshire Rams
London Cobras    88-0    Maidstone Pumas
Hampshire Thrashers    36-12    Plymouth Admirals
Essex Spartans    16-65    Colchester Gladiators
Lancashire Wolverines    14-20    Manchester Titans

Redditch Arrows 48    Staffordshire Surge 0

Any prospects of the Surge getting their first win of the season faded fairly quickly as Redditch scored twenty one points, without reply in the first quarter, they added a further seven before the break. Things did not get any better for Staffordshire in the third quarter as they shipped another fourteen, to trail 42-0. Six more Redditch points in the final period ended the days scoring, the Arrows move to 5-2-1 while the Surge are rock bottom of the Conference with a 0-8-1 record.

South Yorkshire Mustangs 19    Yorkshire Rams 7

The Yorkshire derby mach saw the Rams jump out to a 13-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, to which they added three more before the break – with the Mustangs still to get off the mark. The Rams were on the scoreboard again in the third quarter extending the lead by three points to hold a 19-0 advantage. South Yorkshire managed to break their duck in the fourth quarter with seven points, while keeping the Rams off the scoreboard. Yorkshire now hold the number one position in the North Conference.

London Cobras 88    Maidstone Pumas 0

The, so far, all conquering Cobras hit a rich seam of scoring in the first half against the Pumas, as them piled on forty eight unanswered points to take an unassailable lead. London completed the demolition of Maidstone with forty second half points with no reply. The win guarantees the Cobras play off football, in this their rookie season, another win will see them lift the Conference title

Hampshire Thrashers 36    Plymouth Admirals 12

Nothing to choose between the two as when half time arrived they were tied at 6-6, a different story unfolded in the second half. The visiting Thrashers went on a bit of a scoring spree as they hit the Admirals for thirty, in reply Plymouth could only manage six in reply.

Essex Spartans 16    Colchester Gladiators 65

Colchester tightened their grip on the runners up spot in South East Conference with a comprehensive defeat of the Essex Spartans; the Spartans now have a 1-8 season record and prop up the rest of the conference.

Lancashire Wolverines 14    Manchester Titans 20

Lancashire came into this fixture knowing a victory would secure them second spot in the North Conference, but despite the Titans drop in form recently they are no pushovers as the Wolverines found to their cost. Although Lancashire are favourites to make the play offs the Titans are still in with a chance, a chance that received a boost following this victory.

BAFL Week 19 results (Sunday 17th August 2008)

Birmingham Bulls    2-30    Bristol Aztecs
London Blitz    31-20    Farnham Fast Lane Knights
Sussex Thunder    16-12    Kent Exiles
Dundee Hurricanes    25-0    South Yorkshire Mustangs
Southern Sundevils    28-6    Oxford Saints
Edinburgh Wolves    20-26    Manchester Titans
Reading Renegades    8-44    Hampshire Thrashers
Plymouth Admirals    0-1    South Wales Warriors
Milton Keynes City Pathfinders    12-12    Watford Cheetahs
Leicester Falcons    0-30    Nottingham Caesars
Merseyside Nighthawks    40-28    Lancashire Wolverines
Maidstone Pumas    18-45    Colchester Gladiators
London Cobras    52-0    Kent Mavericks
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders    3-35    Peterborough Saxons


Birmingham Bulls 2 Bristol Aztecs 30

Birmingham looking for their second win of the season were kept scoreless by the Aztecs, as the Bristol boys opened up a 12-0 half time lead in their push for the play offs. The faired little better in the second half, although they did score points, as the Aztecs made a further eighteen to seal the win.

London Blitz 31 Farnham Fast Lane Knights 20

Not a lot between the sides in the opening quarter, heading into the second the Champions Blitz held a 7-6 lead. London seemed to really get the bit between their teeth in the second as they denied the Knights any further scores while they posted seventeen, taking a 24-6 lead into the second half. Stalemate ensued in the third quarter with neither of the teams troubling the scorer. London increased their lead to 31-12 in the fourth the Knights fought back and closed the gap by eight points, but that was as good as it got.

Sussex Thunder 16 Kent Exiles 12

Only six points of separation in this battle for top spot, and post season action, in the South Conference, with the Exiles just having their noses in front as the half time whistle went. The Thunder rallied in the second half scoring sixteen points, the Exiles answered with six which left Sussex to take the win and the Conference top spot, providing the Southern Sundevils didn’t win against Oxford.

Dundee Hurricanes 25 South Yorkshire Mustangs 0

A scoreless first quarter at the Keepmoat, this changed in the second as visiting Dundee jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The third quarter saw the ‘Canes keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard, as they added a further eight points to increase their lead to 22-0 as they started the final quarter. Dundee then added a field goal, which was the only scoring in the fourth. The victory puts Dundee back in top spot of the North Conference. 

Southern Sundevils 28 Oxford Saints 6

Southern looking to move a step closer to post season action got off on the right foot as they took an early 13-0, in the opening quarter, at Oxford RFC. The second quarter saw the Sundevils back on the scoreboard as they widened their advantage to 20-0, which they followed with eight points in the third to hold a 28-0 lead going into the final quarter. Oxford finally got on the score sheet in the final period as they hit six points, they win moves the Sundevils to the top of the South Conference, ahead of Sussex Thunder who had briefly held top spot following their win over Kent.

Edinburgh Wolves 20 Manchester Titans 26

The Wolves breathed life into their slim play off hopes as they took an 8-0 lead thanks to a Kellington interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter, they kept hold of this advantage as the teams entered the locker rooms at half time. Home team Titans did get on the scoreboard in the third quarter with eight points, but Edinburgh further bolstered their hopes by scoring twelve. At the start of the final quarter the Wolves were 20-8 in front. The Scots play off hopes were shattered by a rampant Titans team who staged a come from behind victory with a scoring spree of eighteen unanswered points to take the victory.

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders 3 Peterborough Saxons 35

A scoreless first quarter as the second and third placed clubs in the East Conference met up, a different story unfolded in the second as the normally high scoring Saxons get into gear and put twenty one unanswered points on the board by half time. The Blue Raiders were the only scorers in the third quarter, posting a three point field goal. In a final quarter burst Peterborough notched up fourteen points to ease to victory.

Reading Renegades 8 Hampshire Thrashers 44

Hampshire opened the scoring against bottom club Reading as they took an 8-0 lead in the first, the second and the Thrashers were on the board again as they bolstered the lead to the tune of eighteen points. At half time the lead was 26-0. Although the Renegades did break their duck in the second half it was to be only a consolation score, as the Thrashers added another eighteen to run out comfortable winners.

Plymouth Admirals 0 South Wales Warriors 1

Game forfeited by the Plymouth Admirals.

Milton Keynes City Pathfinders 12 Watford Cheetahs 12

In the final game in their BAFL debut season the Pathfinders ensured that they did not finish the season with ten losses, coming into this one they were 0-9. A tight and tense encounter saw the rookies finish 2008 with a tie.

Leicester Falcons 0 Nottingham Caesars 30

Champions Nottingham Caesars underlined their play off credentials with a comfortable shut out win over the new boys of the Leicester Falcons, who posted a 2-5-1 first season record.

Merseyside Nighthawks 40 Lancashire Wolverines 28

The Nighthawks laid down a marker of their intentions for the play offs as they overcame the Lancashire Wolverines with a healthy 40-28 scoreline. Conference wining Merseyside can now concentrate on the play offs and their bid to make it all the way to the Keepmoat Stadium.

Maidstone Pumas 18 Colchester Gladiators 45

Bottom club Maidstone fell to another defeat this weekend when they met second placed and play off bound Colchester. For the Pumas the defeat left them with a disappointing 1-9 for the season. Colchester will now focus all of their attention on post season football.

London Cobras 52 East Kent Mavericks 0

Rookies and unbeaten London Cobras continued their quest for the perfect season as they went 28-0 ahead of the Mavericks in the first half. The Cobras completed the perfect 10 with a further twenty four second half points without reply. This outstanding regular season performance by the London club, where on offense they have averaged 38.2 points per game and have conceded less than a single point on every outing, will confirm many peoples belief that they are favourites to lift the BAFL2 title in September.

BAFL Week 21 results (Sunday 31st August 2008)


Birmingham Bulls     0-1    East Kilbride Pirates
West Coast Trojans     6-40    Redditch Arrows
Norwich Devils     6-45    Ipswich Cardinals

BAFL 2 Play Offs       

Cornish Sharks    3-42    London Cobras
South Wales Warriors    7-21    Cambridgeshire Cats
Lancashire Wolverines    23-49    Nottingham Caesars
Tamworth Phoenix    12-0    Merseyside Nighthawks

Birmingham Bulls 0-1 East Kilbride Pirates

Game forfeited by the Birmingham Bulls

West Coast Trojans 6 Redditch Arrows 40

A scoreless first quarter gave way to a bit of a points festival as 34 were scored in the second, at the break the Arrows held a healthy looking 28-6 lead over the visiting Trojans. The third quarter and the Arrows held West Coast scoreless but extended their lead to 34-6, another six from Redditch rounded off the days scoring. The win gave Redditch 7-2-1 season record and take the North Conference title.

Norwich Devils 6 Ipswich Cardinals 45

The already relegated Devils went into the East Anglian derby match determined to post a win over their great rivals Ipswich and end the season on a high note. Regrettably for Norwich that isn’t quite how it panned out, as the Cardinals romped to a relatively comfortable victory to end their season.

Cornish Sharks 3 London Cobras 42

The seemingly unstoppable Cobras opened up a lead in the first half against the Cornishmen as they scored twenty unanswered points. In the beginning it was an uphill battle for the Sharks but trailing by twenty it became a monumental task. Disappointment followed for the Sharks in the second half as they were unable to hold the Cobras free scoring offense that racked up another twenty two points and only allowed the Sharks three. So in their rookie season London Cobras progress to the play off semi finals and are only sixty minutes away from an appearance at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

South Wales Warriors 7 Cambridgeshire Cats 21

A very tight first two quarters meant that the second half began the two were tied at 7-7. Cambridgeshire certainly had the better of it in the final two quarters of football as the held the Warriors pointless while registering fourteen points of their own, to progress to the semi final stage.

Lancashire Wolverines 23 Nottingham Caesars 49

The Central Conference Champions Nottingham took a firm grip of this play off battle in the first half, despite the visiting Wolverines posting fifteen points home side Caesars put thirty four on the scoreboard. Would the Wolverines be able to claw back such a big deficit in the second half? Although the Wolverines did score in the second it was only seven, as the Caesars went on to put fifteen on the scoreboard to close out the game and go onto the semi finals.

Tamworth Phoenix 12 Merseyside Nighthawks 0

Tamworth came out of the blocks the quickest as in the first quarter Jay Alexander powered his way into the endzone from only inches out. First blood to the Phoenix as they held a 7-0 advantage, which they took into the second quarter. The rookie Tamworth club clung on to the lead and went into half time still up by seven points. Deadlock was the way of the third period with neither of them being able to find the endzone, so with only fifteen minutes left in the game it was all still everything to play for. Tamworth turned the screw in the fourth as they hit a field goal that meant that the Nighthawks would have to score twice to take the victory. Any hopes that Merseysiders may have harboured were quickly stifled as the Phoenix registered a safety and with that a 12-0 lead that they defended up to the final whistle. A semi final place is Tamworth’s reward, they will be well aware that they are only one hour away from appearing in a National final in their first year.

BAFL Week 22 results (Sunday 7th September 2008)


Play Off Semi Finals

Bristol Aztecs    28-31    Coventry Cassidy Jets
Farnham Fast Lane Knights    15-28    London Blitz
         
Yorkshire Rams    16-23    Sussex Thunder
Southern Sundevils    22-30    Redditch Arrows
         
Cambridgeshire Cats    0-32    London Cobras
Tamworth Phoenix    16-10    Nottingham Caesars
         
Farnham Fast Lane Knights    28-31    London Warriors
Glasgow Tigers    12-36    Gateshead Senators

Bristol Aztecs 28 Coventry Cassidy Jets 31

First blood in ‘Pineapple Bowl V’ went to the home side Jets as they hit six in the first quarter, the Aztecs tied the game at 6-6 in the second. Boosted by their score Bristol took the lead following a converted touchdown, to go into the half time break leading 13-6. Coventry retook the lead in the third on the back of the two point conversion following the touchdown, the fourth quarter saw the Jets moved a further eight points ahead. With the clock ticking Bristol trailed by nine points and would have to score twice to take the victory. A Jets field goal put the Aztecs further behind, but two scores would still win it. Bristol set about that task quickly as they scored a touchdown plus the extra point, to trail by only five. The Jets were not giving up on a return to the BritBowl final, as they struck for another six points and a 31-20 lead, late in the final quarter. Never a team to quit Bristol hit back with seven points, to put them within a field goal of a tie and overtime, but the efforts came to nothing as the Jets held on to win a thriller 31-28. Coventry can now look forward to a rematch of last years BritBowl final with the London Blitz.

Farnham Fast Lane Knights 15 London Blitz 28

Reigning BritBowl Champions the London Blitz held a 14-9 at half time, in a close battle with Farnham Fast Lane Knights. The second half was a different story as the Blitz kept the usually high scoring Knights offense in check and scoreless through the third and into the fourth. Meanwhile the Blitz offense raided the Knights for fourteen more points to hold a 28-9 lead with time running out for Farnham. The Knights did get a consolation score that drew them to within thirteen points of the Londoners but that was as good as it got. For the second year running the Blitz will face the Coventry Cassidy Jets to contest for the Boston Trophy, what a game that promises to be.

Yorkshire Rams 16 Sussex Thunder 23

A scoreless first quarter at the Bewbush Leisure Centre, Crawley, but early in the second the Thunder got the first points of the game as they forced a safety and a narrow 2-0 lead. Sussex extended the lead in the second with a touchdown and a two point conversion, leaving the Rams trailing 10-0. Yorkshire started their comeback with a field goal to reduce the deficit to 10-3, Sussex responded quickly with another six to stretch the gap to 16-3 before the half time whistle. The Rams reduced the deficit to a converted touchdown as they hit back to make it 16-9, which how it stood as they started the last fifteen minutes. The Thunder really turned the screw as they moved out to fourteen point advantage holding a 23-6 lead with time running out for the Rams. Yorkshire rallied and scored ten points, 23-16, but that was to be the final score of the day as the Sussex Thunder closed out the game and booked their place at the Keepmoat Stadium. 

Southern Sundevils 22 Redditch Arrows 30

Redditch opened up a healthy looking 13-3 lead over the visiting Sundevils, a lead they were to extend 27-3 by half time. The score line must have been a huge disappointment for Southern who were looking for an immediate return to BAFL Premier, following relegation last season. A third quarter revival saw Southern hold the Arrows scoreless as they took a thirteen point chunk out of the Redditch lead. The home teams advantage was bolstered as they slotted a field goal, 30-16, Sundevils made another six points, cut the Arrows lead to just eight at 30-22, tantalizingly the Sundevils were only a touchdown and a two point conversion away from forcing overtime. Conference title holders Redditch were not to be denied however as they kept Southern from any further scoring and took the game to book their place in the BAFL 1 Final.
 

Cambridgeshire Cats 0 London Cobras 32

Cambridgeshire went into the second quarter 6-0 down, which is in itself an achievement against the free scoring Cobras offense, they fell further behind as the Cobras scored three times, without a reply from the Cats, to hold a 24-0 half time lead. The second half was a quieter affair with only eight points being scored as the rookie Cobras posted yet another shut out win and progress to the BAFL 2 Final in Doncaster.

Tamworth Phoenix 16 Nottingham Caesars 10

Games don’t come much tighter than the first quarter of the clash between the two Central Conference rivals after fifteen minutes, following a field goal and a safety, the Caesars held the lead at 3-2. The second quarter saw the rookie Tamworth club get into the groove as they posted thirteen unanswered points, to take a 16-3 lead to start the second half. Caesars hit back with a converted touchdown to narrow the gap to just six. Try as they might the Caesars couldn’t breech the Phoenix defense and were not able to find the endzone again, although Tamworth also failed to add to their total they held on to take the victory 16-10. The victory sets up a ‘Battle of the Rookies’ , against fellow newcomers the Cobras.