On Saturday, 10th August, our U16 team made the long trek north to the Northern Playoffs in Edinburgh. Ranked as top seed in their group against Birmingham Lions and East Kilbride Pirates, the pressure was on.
The first opponent of the day was not only a familiar foe, but one that many of the team shared a coach with that very day. Game advantage went to Birmingham Lions with the first half finishing 6-12 against our boys.
However, as with most games this season, the second half of every game seems to spark something in both the Offence and Defence and the lads concluded their unbeaten run against the Lions this season with a 19-12 win.
Next up the Lions faced East Kilbride Pirates and with the Scottish team having fresh legs, and the advantage of watching the Lions play the previous game, they came away with a 35-0 win, ending the Lions' Britbowl hopes for 2024.
In the second game, and first ever for the lads against EKP saw a similar first half whilst the Phoenix found their feet and a scoreline of 6-13 against at half time. But we all know by now never to rule out a comeback, and a defensive touchdown in the second half along with excellent offensive play and second touchdown saw the Phoenix win with a final 18-13 scoreline, cheered on by our Midlands rivals waiting for the bus home...
Head Coach Karl Burgess said:
"The boys were incredible today, they refused to be beaten and with the games on the line late, they stepped up and were brilliant. Under pressure they didn’t blink and I could not be more proud of them!"
So, it's off to Britbowl for this fantastic U16 team in Sheffield on 31st August as they vie to be crowned the best in the country. But, for the parents and phamily who travelled to Edinburgh and supported the team from afar, we are already immensely proud of them all no matter how far they go in the finals.
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