Team GB looking to upset the odds in first Euro Championships

Article by Jo Kilby
Photo Credit - gw-images.com

 

It was all to play for, on Sunday 5th May, as Great Britain’s Women took on Russia with a final place at IFAF’s inaugural European Championships at stake. Travelling with a small squad Russia competed with vigour and valour for the entirety of proceedings but were no match for the British squad, who, in dominating throughout, claimed a 54-6 victory and a seat at IFAF’s inaugural Women’s European Championships (to take place in Granada, Spain, August 2015).

Featuring players from nine clubs Birmingham’s Lions supplied a third of the GB squad and whilst their contribution was significant all clubs played their part in delivering value at every turn.

 

MVP’s Ruth Matta and Vicci Rollinson on the offense and defense, representing Birmingham and Hertfordshire’s Tornadoes respectively, both had big games, tormenting our guests at every turn, on both sides of the ball. Matta, adding a second MVP trophy to her awards’ cabinet, racked up 2 touchdowns in tearing up the turf, whilst Tornadoes’ Oli Davies was another significant thorn in the side, trading body-blows between them on the ground before Herts’ Jess Anderson stood up, literally - the rangy wide receiver pulling into two receptions for touchdowns courtesy of Lions’ Quarterback, Jo Kilby; all proceedings very much underpinned by the colossal efforts of GB’s fast-improving offensive line.

With the half-time score suggesting the game as a contest was over, the 35pts+ ruling came into effect to keep the game clock running, this failed to deter GB’s fierce defense however - led superbly by Lions linebacker and Team GB Captain, Phoebe Schecter – and between first and last whistles the imposing unit secured two interceptions, two safeties and a touchdown to claim a good day on the field. 

In securing a confidence-boosting win for this still very rookie team, Great Britain are now confirmed as the sixth team to compete in the first European tournament for women of its kind, alongside stalwarts Finland, Germany, Sweden, Austria and hosts, Spain. Great Britain will also not only play their first game against the hugely established Germans, but that they will have the honour of opening up the Championships.

“That’s huge isn’t it?” commented Kilby, “…For our governing body [BAFA], GB Women’s Football and of course the players and coaching staff who will feature and as such we must pay thanks to IFAF and the organisers for giving us this opportunity, personally, I’ll be conscious of the figurative David and Goliath status of this fixture - but what a way to open proceedings - we’ll have absolutely nothing to lose (and everything to gain) and that’s a nice, unencumbered feeling to play with.”

 

2015 European Championships Schedule:

August 2nd: Game Day 1

Group B: Great Britain v Germany 10.30

Group A: Finland v Spain 21.00

 

August 4th: Game Day 2

Group B: Sweden v Great Britain. 10.30

Group A: Spain v Austria 21.00

 

August 6th: Game Day 3

Group A: Austria v Finland 10.30

Group B; Germany v Sweden 21.00

 

August 8th: Finals Day

Game 1: 3rd Group A v 3rd Group B 09.00

Game 2: 2nd Group A v 2nd Group B 12.00 (Bronze medal game)

Game 3: 1st Group A v 1st Group B 21.00 (Championship game)

With all games due to be live-streamed we’ll make sure we bring you news and details as to how you can support our Brits abroad, but in the meantime, good luck in your preparations Team.