Category: British American Football Leagues

February 3, 2022October 29, 2023

BGFL British Gridiron Football League 1987

Standings

BGFL British Gridiron Football League East Division 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Leicester Hunstmen	9	1	0.900	310	113
2	*East Kent Cougars	7	3	0.700	242	113
3	Boston Blitz	5	5	0.500	139	158
4	Rotherham Redskins	4	6	0.400	150	132
5	Burton Braves	3	7	0.300	147	323
6	Doncaster Jaguars	2	8	0.200	125	276

BGFL British Gridiron Football League West Division 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Mersey Centurions	6	0	1.000	290	48
2	*Hartlepool Steelers	4	2	0.667	100	137
3	Preston Pirates	2	4	0.333	110	95
4	Oldham Phoenix	0	6	0.000	12	232

Playoff Schedule

BGFL British Gridiron Football League Playoffs 1987


Match Day Semi-Finals
August 16, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 28 - 12 N/A Leicester Huntsmen vs Hartlepool
August 16, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 28 - 13 N/A Mersey Centurions vs East Kent Cougars
Match Day BGFL Brit Bowl 1987
August 23, 1987 (BGFL Brit Bowl 1987) 20 - 16 N/A Mersey Centurions vs Leicester Huntsmen

Note: For Scorers in the BGFL Brit Bowl please click on the game in the above schedule.

BGFL West Division 1987 Standings (Pre-Revision)

BGFL British Gridiron Football League West Division (Pre-Revision) 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Mersey Centurions	7	0	1.000	318	48
2	*Hartlepool Steelers	4	3	0.571	100	143
3	Preston Pirates	3	4	0.429	138	90
4	Westhoughton Greyhounds #	2	3	0.400	39	69
5	Oldham Phoenix	1	7	0.125	34	261

Note: # Standings were revised after Westhoughton Greyhounds left the League between 22 August 1987 and 29 August 1987. Pre-Revision Standings Provided Here.

REPORT

Ulster’s Geoff Mackey, who was introduced to the game of American Football while studying at Liverpool Polytechnic, played for the Mersey Centurions in 1988, where he reached the Britbowl, losing 20-13 to the Woking Generals. In 1987 the Mersey Centurions had won the Britbowl 20-16 against the Leicester Huntsmen. His exploits for the Centurions saw him called up to the British and Irish Bulldogs for a five-week tour, taking in training in the United States, and then three Test Matches in Australia, from 4 November 1988 to the middle of December.

Recap

The British Gridiron Football League was a Fifth Level American Football League in the North and Midlands of England in 1987, after which it absorbed the Capital League and a large number of UKAFL teams to form a Fourth Level League in 1988. In 1989 it merged with the UKAFL to form the British National Gridiron League, playing Levels 5 to 7 below the NDMA (First Level) and Combined Gridiron League (Levels 2 to 4)

REFERENCES

NEWSPAPERS

[1] Anon. (1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: BGFL” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16.Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[2] Anon. (1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: BGFL Final Standings” First Down. August 29, 1987. pg. 17. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[5] Anon. (1986) “Geoff’s Bulldog spirit” Belfast Telegraph. Thursday, November 3, 1988. pg. 51 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

WEBSITES

[4] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1987][1988] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

IMAGES

[6] Anon. (1986) “Geoff’s Bulldog spirit” Belfast Telegraph. Thursday, November 3, 1988. pg. 51 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

GEO-GENEOLOGY OF IRISH SURNAMES

[6] Vivid Maps (2022) Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames [Internet] Available from: https://vividmaps.com/irish-surnames/ [Accessed 31 January 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to John Malone, Paul O’Reilly, Declan Mulvey, Colm McGennis.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 3 February 2022

February 2, 2022October 29, 2023

BAFA Capital League 1987

Final Standings

BAFA Capital League County Division 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*St. Albans Kestrels	8	1	1	0.850	392	53
2	*F-14 Tomcats	7	2	1	0.750	252	157
3	Chiltern Cheetahs	7	3	0	0.700	237	131
4	Chiltern Panthers (C)	3	7	0	0.300	135	228
5	Tonbridge Tigers	2	8	0	0.200	88	276
6	Bexley Barons	2	8	0	0.200	70	339

BAFA Capital League City Division 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*London Area Panthers	8	1	1	0.850	326	65
2	Barbarians # (D)	6	1	1	0.750	254	77
3	*Brent Bandits	6	4	0	0.600	233	166
4	London Mets	4	6	0	0.400	172	139
5	Maidstone M20s	1	7	1	0.167	58	362
6	Croydon Coyotes (C)	0	8	1	0.056	59	307

References: [1-2] Legend / Key: # Barred from Playoffs – last two games not played. (D) Disbanded after season (C) Changed name after season – Chiltern Panthers became Hemel Panthers and Croydon Coyotes became Croydon Cyclones.

Playoffs

BAFA Capital League Playoffs 1987


Match Day Semi-Finals
August 11, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 33 - 8 N/A St. Albans Kestrels vs Brent Bandits
August 18, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 25 - 6 N/A London Area Panthers vs F-14 Tomcats
Match Day Capital Bowl
August 23, 1987 (Capital Bowl) 22 - 20 N/A London Area Panthers vs St. Albans Kestrels

For a Recap of the Capital Bowl, including scorers, please click on the game above. References: [1-3]

Recap

The 12-team Capital League – a Regional Fifth Division in British American Football in 1987 climaxed with the London Area Panthers triumphing 22-20 over the St. Albans Kestrels in the Capital Bowl after a dropped pass in the dying seconds which would have meant a tying two-point conversion if successful was the difference between the teams [3].

St. Albans had finished top of the County Division with an 8-1-1 record before defeating Brent Bandits 33-8 in the Semi-Finals, while the London Area Panthers also went 8-1-1 in winning the City Division before eliminating F-14 Tomcats 25-6 in the other Semi-Final [1-2].

Irish-named players Nick Griffiths (Quarterback) and Mick Sheelan (Wide Receiver) starred for St. Albans Kestrels [3].

After the season the league in its entirety merged with the British Gridiron Football League (BGFL – a Northern Regional League), the North Wales and West Cheshire American Football League (NWWCAFL) and a large amount of United Kingdom American Football League (UKAFL – the fourth level in 1987) to form the new fourth level league the British National Gridiron League for 1988. The only exception wads the Barbarians who folded after being barred by the Capital League from the Playoffs towards the end of 1987. Six members continued in the old UKAFL as a regional Midlands Fifth Level League.

ABOUT THE BAFA Capital League

The British American Football Association united 100+ teams under the BAFA umbrella for 1987 as the BAFL (British American Football League) ceased to exist with the top three divisions in a league simply called the Budweiser League for sponsorship reasons. The top division was called the National Division, the second level the Premier Division and the third level Division One. Below these three divisions was the UKAFL (United Kingdom American Football League) as a fourth level and then regional leagues making up a fifth level (Thistle League in Scotland, NWWCAFL – North Wales and West Cheshire American Football League, BGFL – British Gridiron Football League – in the North and Capital League in the South East).

REFERENCES

[1] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 8, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[2] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[3] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Fixtures: National” First Down. August 29, 1987. pg. 17. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

GEO-GENEOLOGY OF IRISH SURNAMES

[6] Vivid Maps (2022) Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames [Internet] Available from: https://vividmaps.com/irish-surnames/ [Accessed 31 January 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to John Malone, Paul O’Reilly, Declan Mulvey, Colm McGennis.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 2 February 2022

February 1, 2022October 29, 2023

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 1987

Final Standings

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Scotland Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Clydesdale Colts (P)	8	0	1.000	223	84
2	East Kilbride Pirates	4	4	0.500	134	133
3	Ayr Burners	3	5	0.375	105	110
4	Inverclyde Crusaders	3	5	0.375	52	113
5	Lothian Chieftains	2	6	0.250	108	182

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Northern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Washington Presidents (P)	9	1	0	0.900	488	235
2	Lancashire Chieftains	7	2	1	0.750	323	196
3	Leeds Cobras (P)	7	2	1	0.750	297	155
4	Wirral Wolves (D)	7	3	0	0.700	347	146
5	Warrington Scorpions	4	5	1	0.450	220	271
6	Chester Romans	2	7	1	0.250	209	256
7	Halton Demons (R)	1	8	1	0.150	28	284
8	Stockport Falcons (R-Y)	0	9	1	0.050	58	427

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Central Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*West Bromwich Fireballs (P)	9	1	0.900	244	85
2	Mansfield Express (D)	7	3	0.700	274	173
3	Stoke Spitfires (P)	6	4	0.600	249	145
4	Walsall Titans (P)	5	5	0.500	229	156
5	Wolverhampton Outlaws	2	8	0.200	164	320
6	Black Country Nailers	1	9	0.100	76	357

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 South West Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Bristol Packers (P)	10	0	1.000	676	36
2	Swansea Dragons (P)	8	2	0.800	407	133
3	Newton GWs (R)	4	6	0.400	217	319
4	Duchy Destroyers	4	6	0.400	160	373
5	Weston Stars (R-C)	3	7	0.300	214	305
6	Exeter Eagles (R)	1	9	0.100	78	586

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Southern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Farnham Knights (P)	10	0	1.000	414	64
2	South Star Scorpions (P)	7	3	0.700	259	108
3	South Coast Sharks	6	4	0.600	179	180
4	Merton Admirals	4	6	0.400	69	169
5	Hampshire Cavaliers	3	7	0.300	134	243
6	Wight Rhinos	0	10	0.000	61	352

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 South East Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Ashton Oilers (P)	9	1	0.900	578	50
2	Eastbourne Crusaders (P)	9	1	0.900	369	79
3	Medway Mustangs	4	6	0.400	274	389
4	Thanet Vikings	4	6	0.400	187	248
5	Grays Saxons (R)	4	6	0.400	219	301
6	Ashford Cruisers (R-C)	0	10	0.000	68	628

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Eastern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Basildon Braves (P)	7	3	0.700	190	117
2	Norwich Devils	7	3	0.700	169	79
3	Herts Phantoms	5	5	0.500	129	91
4	Newmarket Hornets (R)	5	5	0.500	174	142
5	Southend Sabres	5	5	0.500	114	147
6	Southampton Seahawks	1	9	0.100	112	312

BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 Capital Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Ealing Eagles (P)	7	1	0.875	141	40
2	Thames Barriers (P)	7	1	0.875	149	98
3	Fulham Cardinals	4	4	0.500	127	91
4	London Lasers	2	6	0.250	102	162
5	Chingford Centurions (R-D)	0	8	0.000	37	165

Legend / Key: * Qualify for Playoffs, (P) Promoted to Budweiser League Premier Division, (R) Relegated to newly-formed British National Gridiron League (a merger of BGFL, Capital League, NWWCAFL and members of UKAFL who left that league), C – Changed name for 1988, D – Disbanded after 1987 season, Y – sat out 1988 to return in 1989. Tie-breaker (1) Head-to-Head.

Playoffs

BAFA Budweiser League Division One Playoffs 1987


Match Day Quarter-Finals
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 20 - 19 N/A Clydesdale Colts vs Washington Presidents
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 12 - 7 N/A Bristol Packers vs West Bromwich Fireballs
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 8 - 28 N/A Farnham Knights vs Ashton Oilers
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 32 - 0 N/A Ealing Eagles vs Basildon Braves
Match Day Semi-Finals
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 0 - 16 N/A Clydesdale Colts vs Ealing Eagles
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 6 - 7 N/A Bristol Packers vs Ashton Oilers
Match Day Division One Bowl
September 15, 1987 (Division One Bowl) 7 - 27 N/A Ealing Eagles vs Ashton Oilers

Recap

Kent’s Ashton Oilers won the BAFA Budweiser League Division 1 (third level of American Football in Britain) in 1987, defeating Ealing Eagles 27-7 in the Division One Bowl. Ealing had defeated both Eastern Conference Champions Basildon Braves 32-0 in the Eastern Quarter-Final before also blanking Clydesdale Colts 16-0 in the Semi-Finals. The Scotland Conference Champions had shocked high-scoring Northern Conference Champions Washington Presidents 20-19 in the Northern Quarter-Final, with a little luck from a missed Field Goal and a touchdown called back for holding by Washington in the dying minutes of the game [1-4].

Ashton Oilers path to the Bowl was not as straight-forward, having to negotiate Southern Conference Champions, the formidable Farnham Knights, who had a perfect 10-0 regular season, scoring 414 points and only conceding 64 in the process. The Oilers won that game 28-8 before defeating the Bristol Packers 7-6 in the semi-Finals. The Packers had also put up a perfect record in the regular season, putting up a massive 676 points in the process, and only conceding 36. Ealing Eagles had the one loss all season, as did Ashton, to Eastbourne Crusaders, both teams finishing on 9-1 in the regular season, with Ashton winning the head-to-head 51-27 [1-4].

After the season, the eight Conference Champions were promoted to the Premier Division, along with Leeds Cobras, Stoke Spitfires, Walsall Titans, Swansea Dragons, South Star Scorpions, Eastbourne Crusaders and Thames Barriers. Halton Demons were relegated to the British National Gridiron League, along with Stockport Falcons (who sat out 1988 returning in 1989), Newton GWs, Weston Stars (who changed their name to Weston Wolfpack), Exeter Eagles, Grays Saxons, Ashford Cruisers (who changed their name to the Ashford Raiders), Newmarket Hornets and Chingford Centurions (who disbanded after the 1987 season). Wirral Wolves and Mansfield Express disbanded after the season [1-4].

Irish-named running back Paul Reilly starred for Clydesdale Colts [2, 6] For comparison with the Irish American Football League, Ayr Burners defeated IAFL Semi-Finalists in 1987, Belfast Giants 48-0 in 1987, a year after the Burners had defeated Carrickfergus Cougars 28-8. Belfast, by then NI Giants got their revenge in 1988 with a 21-0 win over Ayr in April prior to the season. All three games were played under the name “International Challenge Cup”. Reference: [7].

ABOUT THE BAFA BUDWEISER LEAGUE DIVISION 1

REFERENCES

[1] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 8, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[2] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[3] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Fixtures: National” First Down. August 29, 1987. pg. 17. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[4] Nick Richards (2009) “V – Over to You Bud” TD UK. Touchdown UK. pg,. 79-80. Author House UK Ltd. Milton Keynes. England. UK.

[5] Keith Webster (1987) “Bud Announces New-Look Elite” First Down. October 24, 1987. pg. 22. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[7] Anon. (1988) “Giants get their revenge’”Belfast Telegraph. Tuesday, April 12, 1988. pg. 20 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

GEO-GENEOLOGY OF IRISH SURNAMES

[6] Vivid Maps (2022) Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames [Internet] Available from: https://vividmaps.com/irish-surnames/ [Accessed 31 January 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to John Malone, Paul O’Reilly, Declan Mulvey, Colm McGennis.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 1 February 2022

February 1, 2022October 29, 2023

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division 1987

Final Standings

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division Borders Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Edinburgh Eagles	7	0	1	.938	180	85
2	Granite City Oilers	6	2	0	.750	158	64
3	Musselburgh Magnums	3	5	0	.375	110	131
4	Strathclyde Sheriffs	1	5	2	.250	94	193
5	Glasgow Diamonds	1	6	1	.188	95	164

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division Northern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Leeds Cougars	10	0	1.000	490	38
2	Scunthorpe Steelers	6	4	.600	266	139
3	Wrekin Giants	5	5	.500	210	330
4	Locomotive Derby	5	5	.500	242	412
5	Manchester Heroes	3	7	.300	151	218
6	Crewe Railroaders	1	9	.100	194	416

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division Central Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Dunstable Cowboys	9	1	0	.900	314	55
2	*Oxford Bulldogs	8	2	0	.800	319	71
3	Rockingham Rebels	6	4	0	.600	173	102
4	King's Lynn Patriots	5	5	0	.500	150	251
5	Birmingham Huskies	1	8	1	.150	126	262
6	Reading Renegades	0	9	1	.050	32	373

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division South East Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Colchester Gladiators	9	1	.900	317	103
2	*Heathrow Jets	9	1	.900	270	77
3	Windsor Monarchs	6	4	.600	194	142
4	London Capitals	4	6	.400	172	204
5	City of London Stags	2	8	.200	115	247
6	Walthamstow Warriors	0	10	.000	26	231

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division Southern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Bournemouth Bobcats	8	2	.800	352	118
2	Brighton B-52s	8	2	.800	309	90
3	Kent Rams	6	4	.600	218	166
4	Crawley Raiders	4	6	.400	196	263
5	Portsmouth Warriors	4	6	.400	211	239
6	Southern Bengals	0	10	.000	57	467

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division South West Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Cotswold Bears	9	1	.900	336	112
2	Plymouth Admirals	8	2	.800	300	131
3	Hereford Chargers	6	4	.600	199	167
4	Torbay Trojans	5	5	.500	223	174
5	Witney Wildcats	2	8	.200	90	321
6	Taunton Wyverns	0	10	.000	104	347

Playoffs

BAFA Budweiser League Premier Division Playoffs 1987


Match Day Quarter-Finals
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 46 - 14 N/A Leeds Cougars vs Oxford Bulldogs
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 7 - 28 N/A Edinburgh Eagles vs Heathrow Jets
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 14 - 30 N/A Dunstable Cowboys vs Bournemouth Bobcats
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 0 - 66 N/A Cotswold Bears vs Colchester Gladiators
Match Day Semi-Finals
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 22 - 44 N/A Colchester Gladiators vs Leeds Cougars
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) 8 - 28 N/A Heathrow Jets vs Bournemouth Bobcats
Match Day Premier Bowl
September 15, 1987 (Premier Bowl) 6 - 43 N/A Leeds Cougars vs Bournemouth Bobcats

Recap

Bournemouth Bobcats and Leeds Cougars gained promotion to the Budweiser League National Division for 1988 after reaching the Premier Bowl, which was won 43-6 by the Bournemouth Bobcats in a surprisingly wide margin. Bournemouth had won the Southern Conference with an 8-2 record, qualifying on head-to-head for the Playoffs over Brighton B-52s (37-33 on points). From there they had defeated Central Conference champions Dunstable Cowboys 30-14, and then South East Conference runners-up Heathrow Jets 28-8 before triumphing in the Premier Bowl. Leeds Cougars had first knocked out Central Conference runners-up Oxford Bulldogs 46-14 before defeating South East Conference Champions Colchester Gladiators 44-22. The other two Playoff Qualifiers were Borders Conference Champions Edinburgh Eagles, eliminated 28-7 by Heathrow Jets in the Quarter-Finals after the Jets had made a 400km journey to Edinburgh from London; and South West Conference Champions Cotswold Bears who were no match for Colchester Gladiators who won 66-0 in their Quarter-Final [1-4].

After the season both Premier Bowl contestants were promoted to the National Division for 1988 [4], and Newcastle Senators, Cardiff Tigers, Swindon Steelers, Cambridge County Cats and Steel City Giants were relegated. After merging as CMK Bucks to compete in the National Division both Coventry and Milton Keynes again went their separate ways and were to compete in the Premier Division for 1988.

ABOUT THE BAFA BUDWEISER LEAGUE Premier DIVISION

The British American Football Association united 100+ teams under the BAFA umbrella for 1987 as the BAFL (British American Football League) ceased to exist with the top three divisions in a league simply called the Budweiser League for sponsorship reasons. The top division was called the National Division, the second level the Premier Division and the third level Division One. Below these three divisions was the UKAFA (United Kingdom American Football Association) as a fourth level and then regional leagues making up a fifth level (Thistle League in Scotland, NWWCAFL – North Wales and West Cheshire American Football League, BNGL – British National Gridiron League – in the North and Capital League in the South East).

REFERENCES

[1] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 8, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[2] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[3] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Fixtures: National” First Down. August 29, 1987. pg. 17. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[4] Nick Richards (2009) “V – Over to You Bud” TD UK. Touchdown UK. pg,. 79-80. Author House UK Ltd. Milton Keynes. England. UK.

[5] Keith Webster (1987) “Bud Announces New-Look Elite” First Down. October 24, 1987. pg. 22. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

GEO-GENEOLOGY OF IRISH SURNAMES

[6] Vivid Maps (2022) Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames [Internet] Available from: https://vividmaps.com/irish-surnames/ [Accessed 31 January 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Enda Fahy.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 1 February 2022

January 31, 2022October 29, 2023

BAFA Budweiser League National Division 1987

Final Standings

Budweiser League National Division Northern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Manchester Allstars	10	0	1.000	387	117
2	*Fylde Falcons	6	4	.600	342	205
3	Newcastle Senators (R)	3	7	.300	124	360
4	Glasgow Lions	3	7	.300	121	200
5	Manchester Spartans	2	8	.200	137	330

Budweiser League National Division Western Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Leicester Panthers	9	1	0	.900	318	149
2	*Birmingham Bulls	7	3	0	.700	224	132
3	Nottingham Hoods	7	3	0	.700	217	154
4	Cardiff Tigers (R)	2	8	0	.200	131	280
5	Swindon Steelers (R)	1	8	1	.150	138	263

Budweiser League National Division Eastern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA
1	*Luton Flyers	8	2	0	.800	293	136
2	*Chelmsford Cherokee	8	2	0	.800	202	115
3	CMK Coventry-Milton Keynes Bucks	5	5	0	.500	209	267
4	Northants Stormbringers	3	7	0	.300	177	212
5	Cambridge Cats (R)	0	9	1	.050	152	361

Budweiser League National Division Southern Conference 1987

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA
1	*London Ravens	10	0	1.000	412	86
2	*London Olympians	6	4	.600	266	121
3	Slough Silverbacks	5	5	.500	243	214
4	Thames Valley Chargers	4	6	.400	168	207
5	Steel City Giants (R)	0	10	.000	57	424

Legend / Key: *Qualified for Playoffs. (R) Relegated to Premier Division for 1988. Tiebreaker: (1) Head-to-Head.

Playoffs

BAFA Budweiser League National Division Playoffs 1987


Match Day Quarter-Finals
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 26 - 25 N/A Manchester Allstars vs London Olympians
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 41 - 0 N/A London Ravens vs Fylde Falcons
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 41 - 0 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Chelmsford Cherokee
August 18, 1987 (Quarter-Finals) 37 - 17 N/A Luton Flyers vs Birmingham Bulls
Match Day Semi-Finals
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) Loss - Win N/A Luton Flyers vs London Ravens
September 1, 1987 (Semi-Finals) Win - Loss N/A Manchester Allstars vs Leicester Panthers
Match Day Budweiser Bowl III
September 20, 1987 (Budweiser Bowl III) 40 - 23 N/A London Ravens vs Manchester Allstars

Recap

The 1987 season was the fourth season of organised American Football Leagues in Britain other than those for US Air Force and Army teams stationed on the island. The Budweiser League’s top Division – the National Division – was contested by 20 teams in four Conferences of five teams – Northern, Western, Eastern and Southern – and the London Ravens (Britain’s first American Football Club, formed in 1983) again emerged the top team, winning their third Bowl game in as many years, 43-20 versus Manchester Allstars [1-4].

Two Irish-named Quarterbacks starred for Birmingham Bulls (Trevor Carthy) and Fylde Falcons (Pat Brennan) while Mike Delaney starred for London Ravens at wide receiver. [References: 6]

After the season, the lowest-ranked team in each Conference was relegated, along with Cardiff Tigers and Bournemouth Bobcats and Leeds Cougars, the Premier Bowl contestants promoted to the National Division. With CMK Bucks (Coventry-Milton Keynes) splitting up again after their merger and also taking part in the Premier Division, and Slough Silverbacks disbanding it left a 15-team National Division for 1988, divided into three Conferences: North, Central and South. [5] Note: for Match Reports and scorers for the Playoffs please click on individual games in the list above.

About the BAFA Budweiser League National Division

The British American Football Association united 100+ teams under the BAFA umbrella for 1987 as the BAFL (British American Football League) ceased to exist with the top three divisions in a league simply called the Budweiser League for sponsorship reasons. The Top division was called the National Division, the second level, the Premier Division and the third level Division One. Below these three divisions was the UKAFA (United Kingdom American Football Association) as a fourth level and then regional leagues making up a fifth level (Thistle League in Scotland, NWWCAFL – North West and Welsh Counties American Football League, BNGL – British National Gridiron League – in the North and Capital League in the South East).

References

[1] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 8, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[2] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs: National” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[3] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Fixtures: National” First Down. August 29, 1987. pg. 17. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

[4] Nick Richards (2009) “V – Over to You Bud” TD UK. Touchdown UK. pg,. 79-80. Author House UK Ltd. Milton Keynes. England. UK.

[5] Keith Webster (1987) “Bud Announces New-Look Elite” First Down. October 24, 1987. pg. 22. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.

Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames

[6] Vivid Maps (2022) Geo-Geneology of Irish Surnames [Internet] Available from: https://vividmaps.com/irish-surnames/ [Accessed 31 January 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Enda Fahy.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 1 February 2022

September 27, 2021October 29, 2023

British Women’s American Football 1988

Schedule

British Women's American Football 1988


July 30, 1988 (Week 1) 24 - 8 N/A Leicester Wildcats vs St. Alban's Thunderbirds

Please click on Game for full match report box-score and scorers.

Recap

Leicester Wildcats Women’s American Football Team opened their 1988 season with a 24-8 victory over St. Alban’s Thunderbirds at Butts Stadium, Coventry on 30th July 1988.

The Thunderbirds scored first on a Dale Boyce rushing TD which was converted for two points to put St. Alban’s 8-0 up, however, Leicester stormed back with two touchdowns by Michelle Allcot, the second of which was converted for two points by the Irish-named Suzanne Mullins. Melanie Woodcock added another rushing touchdown as well as a two point conversion to make the score 22-8 in favour of the Wildcats at halftime.

The only score of the second half was Stephanie Pearce’s safety for the Leicester Wildcats which left the Final Score 24-8 to the Wildcats. Leicester’s Denise Carter picked up the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

References

Anon. (1988) “Thunderbirds don’t go” American Football News. August 11th, 1988. pg. 8.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Orla McAleese (Craigavon Cowboys).

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 27 September 2021

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

September 26, 2021October 29, 2023

National Division Management Association Youth League Schedule 1989

Final Standings

NDMA National Division Management Association Youth League 1989

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA	Streak
1	Leicester Panthers	6	0	1.000	248	36	W6
2	London Olympians	5	1	0.833	136	56	L1
3	Birmingham Bulls	4	2	0.667	117	84	W2
4	Manchester Spartans	2	4	0.333	84	104	W2
5	Northampton Stormbringers	2	4	0.333	88	160	L3
6	Fylde Falcons	2	4	0.333	112	207	L1
7	Manchester Allstars	0	6	0.000	43	181	L6

Playoff Schedule

NDMA National Division Management Association Youth League Playoffs 1989


Match Day Semi-Finals
November 2, 1989 (Semi-Finals) 13 - 0 N/A London Olympians vs Birmingham Bulls
November 2, 1989 (Semi-Finals) 50 - 0 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Fylde Falcons
Match Day Final
November 9, 1989 (Final) 2 - 0 N/A Leicester Panthers vs London Olympians

Regular Season Schedule

NDMA National Division Management Association Youth League 1989


Match Day Weeks 1-2
September 10, 1989 (Weeks 1-2) 16 - 18 N/A Manchester Spartans vs Fylde Falcons
September 10, 1989 (Weeks 1-2) 23 - 0 N/A London Olympians vs Manchester Allstars
September 10, 1989 (Weeks 1-2) 56 - 0 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Manchester Allstars
September 10, 1989 (Weeks 1-2) 20 - 18 N/A Birmingham Bulls vs Manchester Spartans
September 10, 1989 (Weeks 1-2) 31 - 16 N/A London Olympians vs Fylde Falcons
Match Day Week 3
September 17, 1989 (Week 3) 37 - 0 N/A London Olympians vs Northampton Stormbringers
September 17, 1989 (Week 3) 6 - 23 N/A Birmingham Bulls vs Leicester Panthers
Match Day Week 4
September 24, 1989 (Week 4) 50 - 8 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Manchester Spartans
September 24, 1989 (Week 4) 36 - 29 N/A Northampton Stormbringers vs Manchester Allstars
September 24, 1989 (Week 4) 56 - 14 N/A Birmingham Bulls vs Fylde Falcons
Match Day Week 5
October 1, 1989 (Week 5) Win - Loss N/A London Olympians vs Manchester Spartans
October 1, 1989 (Week 5) 34 - 38 N/A Fylde Falcons vs Northampton Stormbringers
Match Day Week 6
October 8, 1989 (Week 6) 33 - 6 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Northampton Stormbringers
October 8, 1989 (Week 6) 29 - 14 N/A London Olympians vs Birmingham Bulls
October 8, 1989 (Week 6) 30 - 6 N/A Fylde Falcons vs Manchester Allstars
Match Day Week 7
October 15, 1989 (Week 7) 60 - 0 N/A Leicester Panthers vs Fylde Falcons
October 15, 1989 (Week 7) 1 - 0 # N/A Birmingham Bulls vs Northampton Stormbringers
October 15, 1989 (Week 7) 16 - 8 N/A Manchester Spartans vs Manchester Allstars
Match Day Week 8
October 22, 1989 (Week 8) 26 - 16 N/A Leicester Panthers vs London Olympians
October 22, 1989 (Week 8) 0 - 20 N/A Manchester Allstars vs Birmingham Bulls
October 22, 1989 (Week 8) 26 - 8 N/A Manchester Spartans vs Northampton Stormbringers

Recap

Almost all games went to form in the National Division Management Association Youth League in 1989. The top League of Youth Kitted American Football in Britain in 1989 was won by Leicester Panthers 2-0 thanks to a safety versus London Olympians in atrocious weather in November. The Panthers were deserving winners having won all six regular season games and then defeated Fylde Falcons of Blackpool, Lancashire, 50-0 in the Semi-Finals.

Fylde had been lucky to get into the playoffs with their 2-4 record, the same as Northampton Stormbringers and Manchester Spartans, but the Stormbringers appeared to have been excluded from the playoffs due to forfeiting their Week 7 game against Birmingham Bulls, and the Falcons thus won the Head-to-Head tie-breaker with Manchester Spartans whose shock 26-8 victory over the Stormbringers on the Final Week necessitated the three-way tie-breaker. London Olympians (5-1) had defeated Birmingham Bulls (4-2) by a two touchdowns (13-0) in the other Semi-Final. Manchester Allstars finished last although did not discgrace themselves with close losses to Northampton (29-36) and the Spartans (8-16).

About the NDMA Youth League 1989

The National Division Management Association Youth League was the highest level of Youth Kitted Football in Britain in 1989. The NDMA Youth League featured seven Youth teams of NDMA Senior Teams with the top four reaching the playoffs.

References

[1] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Roundup” World American Football. 27th September 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK.

[2] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Results & Standings” World American Football. 4th October 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK.

[3] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Junior Results” World American Football. 11th October 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK

[4] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Game Report” World American Football. 18th October 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK

[5] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Results” World American Football. 19th-25th October 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK

[6] Bill Newman (1989) “NDMA Final” World American Football. 9th-15th November 1989. pg. 22. World Sports Publishing. Aldershot, Hampshire. England, UK

[7] Anon. (1989) “Brit Spot” First Down. 28th October 1989. pg. 13.

[8] Anon. (1989) “Brit Spot” First Down. 4th November 1989. pg. 13.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Derek Walsh.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 26 September 2021

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021

British Senior Flag League 5on5 Tournament Beach Bowl I Winter 2001

Final Standings

BSFL 5on5 Tournament Beach Bowl I Winter 2001

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA	Net Pts	Streak
1	Southern Sundevils	4	0	1.000	102	38	64	W4
2	Bournemouth Raiders	3	1	0.750	62	58	4	W1
3	Brockenhurst Exiles	3	1	0.750	62	65	-3	W1
4	Leicester Eagles	2	2	0.500	78	39	39	L1
5	North Devon Dogs	2	3	0.400	99	65	34	L2
6	Birmingham Raiders	0	3	0.000	26	93	-67	L3
7	Sussex Thunder	0	4	0.000	27	98	-71	L4

Schedule

British Senior Flag League 5on5 Tournaments Beach Bowl I Winter 2001


Match Day Round 1
December 16, 2001 (Round 1) 25 - 12 N/A Bournemouth Raiders vs Birmingham Raiders
December 16, 2001 (Round 1) 12 - 26 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Southern Sundevils
Match Day Round 2
December 16, 2001 (Round 2) 12 - 26 N/A Sussex Thunder vs Southern Sundevils
December 16, 2001 (Round 2) 14 - 12 N/A Brockenhurst Exiles vs North Devon Dogs
Match Day Round 3
December 16, 2001 (Round 3) 28 - 8 N/A Brockenhurst Exiles vs Sussex Thunder
December 16, 2001 (Round 3) 13 - 12 N/A Bournemouth Raiders vs Leicester Eagles
December 16, 2001 (Round 3) 8 - 30 N/A Birmingham Raiders vs Southern Sundevils
Match Day Round 4
December 16, 2001 (Round 4) 14 - 18 N/A North Devon Dogs vs Bournemouth Raiders
December 16, 2001 (Round 4) 28 - 0 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Sussex Thunder
Match Day Round 5
December 16, 2001 (Round 5) 6 - 38 N/A Birmingham Raiders vs North Devon Dogs
December 16, 2001 (Round 5) 0 - 26 N/A Brockenhurst Exiles vs Leicester Eagles
Match Day Round 6
December 16, 2001 (Round 6) 6 - 20 N/A Bournemouth Raiders vs Southern Sundevils
December 16, 2001 (Round 6) 7 - 16 N/A Sussex Thunder vs North Devon Dogs
December 16, 2001 (Round 6) 20 - 19 N/A Brockenhurst Exiles vs North Devon Dogs

Report

Southern Sundevils won the British Senior Flag League’s 5on5 Tournament in Bournemouth on 16th December 2001. Beach Bowl I featured seven teams each playing a 4 game league with no playoffs. The Sundevils won all four of their games, with Bournemouth Raiders in second on 3-1. Ryan McKeon, a player with an Irish name made a number of crucial tackles for the Bournemouth Raiders in their victories over Leicester Eagles (13-12) and North Devon Dogs (18-14).

Brockenhurst Exiles, a team made up of Youth Kitted players did very well against the Adult Flag players, also finishing 3-1 in third, while Leicester Eagles and North Devon Dogs both finished 2-2. North Devon Dogs had left Barnstaple at 5:30 AM in order to be in Bournemouth in time for the first games. Birmingham Raiders and Sussex Thunder while both losing all four games were competitive throughout.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Kate Hartnett and Laura Shadbolt.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 17 August 2021

August 16, 2021October 29, 2023

British Senior Flag League 5v5 Tournament Autumn 2001

Final Standings

British Senior Flag League 5v5 Tournament Autumn 2001

Pos	Team	W	L	Pct	PF	PA	Net Pts
1	West Coast Offense	5	1	10	102	52	50
2	Leicester Eagles	4	2	8	110	58	52
3	North Devon Dogs	3	3	6	91	125	-34
4	Birmingham Raiders	0	6	0	58	126	-68

Results

British Senior Flag League 5v5 Tournament Autumn 2001


Match Day Round 1
August 26, 2001 (Round 1) 19 - 0 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Birmingham Raiders
August 26, 2001 (Round 1) 20 - 14 N/A West Coast Offense vs North Devon Dogs
Match Day Round 2
August 26, 2001 (Round 2) 15 - 14 N/A North Devon Dogs vs Leicester Eagles
August 26, 2001 (Round 2) 12 - 0 N/A West Coast Offense vs Birmingham Raiders
Match Day Round 3
August 26, 2001 (Round 3) 18 - 12 N/A Leicester Eagles vs West Coast Offense
August 26, 2001 (Round 3) 18 - 14 N/A North Devon Dogs vs Birmingham Raiders
Match Day Round 4
August 26, 2001 (Round 4) 32 - 0 N/A West Coast Offense vs North Devon Dogs
August 26, 2001 (Round 4) 26 - 12 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Birmingham Raiders
Match Day Round 5
August 26, 2001 (Round 5) 27 - 12 N/A Leicester Eagles vs North Devon Dogs
August 26, 2001 (Round 5) 19 - 14 N/A West Coast Offense vs Birmingham Raiders
Match Day Round 6
August 26, 2001 (Round 6) 32 - 18 N/A North Devon Dogs vs Birmingham Raiders
Match Day Deciding Match
August 26, 2001 (Deciding Match) 7 - 6 N/A West Coast Offense vs Leicester Eagles
Match Day Round 1
December 16, 2001 (Round 1) 12 - 26 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Southern Sundevils
Match Day Round 4
December 16, 2001 (Round 4) 28 - 0 N/A Leicester Eagles vs Sussex Thunder

Report

The British Senior Flag League, organising 9v9 National Flag Football (non-contact American Football) since 1998, began organising a series of seasonal 5v5 Tournaments in 2001, beginning with the August 2001 Tournament hosted by Leicester Eagles at Belgrave RFC. Four teams entered: Birmingham Raiders were competitive but lost all six matches; North Devon Dogs from Barnstaple, finished with a 3-3 record, which was excellent considering it was their first tournament; and West Coast Offense from Glasgow and hosts Leicester Eagles. With the Tournament being decided on a Double Round-Robin League basis, the last match ended up the deciding match, and was won by West Coast Offense 7-6 versus the hosts.

References

[1] Anon. (2001) “Nobody can take Offense” First Down. August 30-September 5, 2001. Pg. 16

Websites

[2] English Senior Flag League | Wayback Machine (2007) [Standings][click here to access the Archive]BSFL Standings 5 on 5 Senior Tournaments 2001][Leicester 5 on 5 Tournament][Results] [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20070205062603/http://www.seniorflag.co.uk/ [Accessed 12 November 2019]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Kate Hartnett and Laura Shadbolt.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 16 August 2021

April 23, 2021October 29, 2023

British American Football Association Senior League Division 1 1998

BAFA Logo [References: 20]

Final Standings

BAFA SL D1 1998	P	W	L	T	PF	PA	Pct
North Conference
Birmingham Bulls (C)	10	9	1	0	259	47	.900
Sheffield Saxons (P)	10	6	3	1	172	94	.650
Nottingham Caesars	10	5	5	0	144	170	.500
Gateshead Senators	10	4	5	1	133	227	.450
Merseyside Nighthawks	10	3	6	1	71	178	.350
Staffordshire Surge	10	1	8	1	94	157	.150
South East Conference
London O’s (C)	10	10	0	0	501	30	1.000
Norwich Devils (P)	10	7	3	0	133	178	.700
Essex Chiefs (P)	10	6	4	0	202	158	.600
Ipswich Cardinals	10	4	6	0	145	248	.400
Cambridge Cats	10	2	8	0	63	242	.200
Redbridge Fire	10	1	9	0	58	246	.100
South West
Sussex Thunder (C)	10	10	0	0	376	54	1.000
Bristol Aztecs (P)	10	7	3	0	144	169	.700
Oxford Saints (P)	10	5	5	0	250	204	.500
PA Knights	10	4	6	0	163	193	.400
London Blitz	10	4	6	0	127	218	.400
Plymouth Admirals	10	0	10	0	88	310	.000

[References: 16]

Playoffs

Date	Home Team		Away Team
	Quarter-Finals
09.08.1998	London O’s	43	Oxford Saints	7
09.08.1998	Sussex Thunder	40	Essex Chiefs	14
09.08.1998	Birmingham Bulls	34	Sheffield Saxons	12
09.08.1998	Bristol Aztecs	22	Norwich Devils	21
	Semi-Finals
16.08.1998	London O’s	28	Bristol Aztecs	0
16.08.1998	Sussex Thunder	26	Birmingham Bulls	24
	Final
23.08.1998	London O’s	20	Sussex Thunder	0

[References: 16-18]

Regular Season Results

Date	Home Team		Away Team
	Week 1
19.04.1998	Birmingham Bulls	12	Sheffield Saxons	6
19.04.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	14	Norwich Devils	15
19.04.1998	Essex Chiefs	28	Cambridge Cats	6
19.04.1998	London O’s	64	Redbridge Fire	6
	Week 2
26.04.1998	Redbridge Fire	0	Cambridge Cats	6
26.04.1998	Bristol Aztecs	13	Plymouth Admirals	0
26.04.1998	PA Knights	0	Sussex Thunder	53
	Week 3
03.05.1998	Oxford Saints	13	Sussex Thunder	39
03.05.1998	Norwich Devils	0	London O’s	40
03.05.1998	Essex Chiefs	26	Redbridge Fire	0
03.05.1998	Plymouth Admirals	20	London Blitz	28
03.05.1998	Sheffield Saxons	41	Nottingham Caesars	6
03.05.1998	Gateshead Senators	24	Merseyside Nighthawks	8
	Week 4
10.05.1998	Birmingham Bulls	28	Staffordshire Surge	6
10.05.1998	Cambridge Cats	12	Ipswich Cardinals	16
10.05.1998	Essex Chiefs	30	Norwich Devils	19
10.05.1998	Merseyside Nighthawks	6	Sheffield Saxons	20
10.05.1998	PA Knights	9	Bristol Aztecs	10
	Week 5
17.05.1998	Bristol Aztecs	14	Sussex Thunder	24
17.05.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	27	Redbridge Fire	0
17.05.1998	Gateshead Senators	13	Birmingham Bulls	45
17.05.1998	London Blitz	22	Oxford Saints	6
17.05.1998	Plymouth Admirals	6	PA Knights	27
17.05.1998	Staffordshire Surge	28	Nottingham Caesars	20
	Week 6
24.05.1998	Sussex Thundcer	36	London Blitz	0
24.05.1998	Redbridge Fire	6	Norwich Devils	30
24.05.1998	Sheffield Saxons	33	Gateshead Senators	14
24.05.1998	Essex Chiefs	18	London O’s	26
24.05.1998	Oxford Saints	49	Plymouth Admirals	0
24.05.1998	Nottingham Caesars	12	Merseyside Nighthawks	7
	Week 7
31.05.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	22	Essex Chiefs	48
31.05.1998	Gateshead Senators	21	Nottingham Caesars	33
31.05.1998	Merseyside Nighthawks	3	Birmingham Bulls	29
31.05.1998	Oxford Saints	54	Bristol Aztecs	17
	Week 8
07.06.1998	London Blitz	0	PA Knights	12
07.06.1998	London O’s	73	Ipswich Cardinals	6
07.06.1998	Norwich Devils	6	Cambridge Cats	3
07.06.1998	Plymouth Admirals	0	Sussex Thunder	60
	Week 9
14.06.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	12	Cambridge Cats	6
14.06.1998	London Blitz	42	Plymouth Admirals	20
14.06.1998	Merseyside Nighthawks	8	Gateshead Senators	27
14.06.1998	Nottingham Caesars	9	Sheffield Saxons	0
14.06.1998	Redbridge Fire	14	Essex Chiefs	12
14.06.1998	Staffordshire Surge	6	Birmingham Bulls	23
14.06.1998	Sussex Thundcer	41	Oxford Saints	9
	Week 10
21.06.1998	Birmingham Bulls	42	Merseyside Nighthawks	0
21.06.1998	Bristol Aztecs	22	PA Knights	21
21.06.1998	Gateshead Senators	6	Sheffield Saxons	36
21.06.1998	Plymouth Admirals	20	Oxford Saints	51
	Week 11
28.06.1998	Cambridge Cats	3	Norwich Devils	26
28.06.1998	London O’s	37	Essex Chiefs	0
28.06.1998	Nottingham Caesars	35	Staffordshire Surge	24
28.06.1998	PA Knights	16	London Blitz	20
28.06.1998	Redbridge Fire	18	Ipswich Cardinals	24
28.06.1998	Sussex Thunder	43	Bristol Aztecs	8
	Week 12
05.07.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	0	London O’s	47
05.07.1998	Essex Chiefs	28	Cambridge Cats	14
05.07.1998	London Blitz	0	Sussex Thunder	48
05.07.1998	Merseyside Nighthawks	21	Nottingham Caesars	16
05.07.1998	Norwich Devils	6	Redbridge Fire	0
05.07.1998	Plymouth Admirals	8	Bristol Aztecs	14
05.07.1998	Sheffield Saxons	13	Birmingham Bulls	19
05.07.1998	Oxford Saints	30	PA Knights	14
05.07.1998	Gateshead Senators	1	Staffordshire Surge	0 #
	Week 13
12.07.1998	Birmingham Bulls	51	Gateshead Senators	0
12.07.1998	Bristol Aztecs	14	Oxford Saints	7
12.07.1998	Cambridge Cats	0	London O’s	56
12.07.1998	Essex Chiefs	12	Ipswich Cardinals	8
12.07.1998	PA Knights	26	Plymouth Admirals	14
12.07.1998	Sheffield Saxons		Merseyside Nighthawks
	Week 14
19.07.1998	Norwich Devils	12	Essex Chiefs	0
19.07.1998	Nottingham Caesars	13	Gateshead Senators	28
19.07.1998	Redbridge Fire	0	London O’s	38
19.07.1998	Staffordshire Surge	0 #	Sheffield Saxons	1
19.07.1998	Oxford Saints	27	London Blitz	12
19.07.1998	Sussex Thunder	1	Plymouth Admirals	0 #
	Week 15
26.07.1998	Cambridge Cats	13	Redbridge Fire	12
26.07.1998	Ipswich Cardinals	16	Norwich Devils	17
26.07.1998	London Blitz	3	Bristol Aztecs	22
26.07.1998	Merseyside Nighthawks	18	Staffordshire Surge	8
26.07.1998	Sussex Thunder	32	PA Knights	10
	Week 16
02.08.1998	London O’s	64	Norwich Devils	0
02.08.1998	PA Knights	25	Oxford Saints	6

[References: 1-16]

Report

London O’s won the British American Football Association Senior League Division 1 (the top level in Britain) with a 20-0 victory over Sussex Thunder in the Final (Brit Bowl). Three of the four teams in the British Independent Gridiron Conference (Big C) which had split off to form their own Super League in 1997 were back in the fold, with only Milton Keynes Pioneers staying out, scheduling an Independent set of matches against European, British and Irish opposition. The O’s were the former London Olympians but had lost their name when the owner and founder left the team after the 1997 season.

Birmingham Bulls won the North Conference with a 9-1 record and Sussex Thunder and London O’s won the South West and South East Conferences respectively, both undefeated on 10-0. Also making the playoffs were Sheffield Saxons (North, 6-3-1), Norwich Devils (SE, 7-3), Essex Chiefs (merger of Basildon Chiefs and Southend Sabres, SE 6-4), Bristol Aztecs (SW 7-3) and Oxford Saints (SW 5-5). Sussex Thunder narrowly defeated Birmingham Bulls 26-24 in the Semi-Finals, while London O’s had an easier time against Bristol Aztecs, although only won 28-0 in the end. Staffordshire Surge (Stoke, North 1-8-1) and Plymouth Admirals (SW 0-10) both pulled out of the league in the last few weeks, forfeiting their remaining fixtures. Other teams were Gateshead Senators (North, 4-5-1), Merseyside Nighthawks (North, 3-6-1), Ipswich Cardinals (SE, 4-6), Cambridge Cats (SE, 2-8), Redbridge Fire (East London, SE 1-9), Personal Assurance Knights (Amersham, Berkshire, SW 4-6) and London Blitz (SW, 4-6).

Ireland coach Kurt Smeby signed on as Assistant Coach for the Redbridge Fire. He had previously coached Northants Storm.

References

[1] Anon. (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 25 April, 1998. pg. 21

[2] Anon. (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 2 May, 1998. pg. 21

[3] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 9 May, 1998. pg. 21

[4] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 16 May 1998 pg. 21

[5] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 23 May 1998 pg. 21

[6] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 30 May 1998 pg. 21

[7] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 6 June 1998. pg. 21

[8] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 13 June 1998. pg. 21

[9] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 20 June 1998. pg. 21

[10] Anon. (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 27 June 1998. pg. 21

[11] Anon. (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 4 July 1998. pg. 18

[12] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 11 July 1998. pg. 20

[13] Anon. (1993) “Euro News” First Down. 18 July 1998. pg. 19

[14] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 25 July, 1998. pg. 16

[15] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 1 August, 1998. pg. 16

[16] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 8 August, 1998. pg. 16

[17] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 15 August, 1998. pg. 16

[18] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 22 August, 1998. pg. 16

[19] Anon (1998) “Euro News” First Down. 29 August, 1998. pg. 16

Logos

[20] BAFA Wayback Machine (2004) Bafa_Logo_New [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20040820152919im_/http://bafa.org.uk/assets/images/Bafa_Logo_New.jpg [Accessed 23 April 2021]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Derek Walsh.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 23 April 2021

Date	Event	Time/Results	Venue	Article	Match Day
1987-09-12 06:09:23September 12, 1987	Belfast Blitzers vs Craigavon Cowboys	20 - 28		Recap	Semi-Finals
1987-09-13 14:00:10September 13, 1987	Dublin Celts vs Belfast Giants	43 - 0	Drogheda Rugby Club, Drogheda, Co. Louth	Recap	Semi-Finals
1987-09-26 15:00:18September 26, 1987	Dublin Celts vs Craigavon Cowboys	43 - 25	North Rugby Club, Ormeau Road, Belfast	Recap	Shamrock Bowl II