It is hard to know where to begin to review what was tremendous day, but perhaps first mention should go to the Junior Flag Finals and Woodham Warriors. Any of the four competing sides could and would have won the Junior Championship four or five years ago. That is no disrespect to those who did win back then, but more a mark of how the Warriors have moved the level of the sport on. They strolled into the final with a comprehensive 33 – 0 shutout of a very good Leicester Eagles side while Sussex Thunder saw off London Warriors 21 – 12 in a far closer encounter although the Thunder seemed well in charge of the game.

In the 3rd/4th Playoff Game the Eagles finally found their form romping passed London Warriors by 53 – 12. In the Championship Game Woodham were majestic, romping to victory 48 – 18 over a high quality Thunder side with an almost totally flawless display of flag football. These young Warriors are the finest exponents of this form of flag that have ever emerged from within BYAFA. It is easy to see why they are off to the World Schools Flag Finals; the difficulty is imagining anyone beating them. With continual development Woodham look set to build a dynasty over the next few years and it will take some exceptional sides or their own complacency to see them falter. Lewis Popely of the London Warriors was unanimously voted the MVP for the tournament, a fitting tribute to his displays throughout the year.

The drama came at youth level. Four exceptionally good teams met in the semi-finals with Sussex Thunder overcoming Woodham Warriors and South Wales Rebellion edging out Nottingham Caesars. Woodham claimed third spot against a Caesar side that has made massive strides in the last year and are a credit to all they are trying to achieve at their organization.

The final was without doubt one of the best for years, with both powerhouses producing football of the highest and fiercely competitive nature. As the tension grew teams from thee other matches took a spot on the sidelines fascinated with the speed and skill both the Thunder and Rebellion displayed. With neither side giving an inch they slugged out a final score of 19 – 19 before going into the inevitable overtime. The Rebellion took the ball first and drove downfield but were finally halted on virtually the Thunder goal line giving the ball back to the Susses side. The Thunder began moving the ball; the Rebellion stopping them in their tracks. With an atmosphere you could happily carve a knife with Sussex went in for the score on fourth down to climax a game that will live in the memory not only of the players but all those privileged to watch. A consolation perhaps, but Owen Pursall from the South Wales Rebellion deservedly took the tournament MVP crown.

Finally on to the fairytale. As at Thursday lunchtime the Lions were not due to appear, but the withdrawal of the London Warriors meant that Studley Bearcats “A” team were invited to attend. They in turn could not muster the players so the London Lions were offered their chance. In fairness to the London side, had they attended one more tournament they would have more than likely qualified by right, so perhaps the shock that was about to befall the finals was not as great as it appears. However, the side had not practiced since the Festival of Football when their season looked as if it was over. Some players returned from a school trip to France, others forced their parents to rearrange family days out so they could attend and take the opportunity. They grabbed it with both hands.

Trailing Woodham Warriors “1” by 19 – 0 just before the half they hit back in the semi-final. If the Youth Final was like the heavyweights slugging it out then these were the bantamweights with the Lions coming back off the ropes to claw a 30 – 25 victory. With the Woodham Warriors “2” disposing of an under strength Bearcats 45 – 14, the Lions merely had to overcome the defending champions in the final.

While the Warrior “1” side brushed aside the Bearcats 68 – 0 in the 3rd/4th play off, the minnows prepared to face up to the giants.

In a closely fought final the Lions were not to be denied their fate. Although the game was tight there was a certain confidence and invincibility about them. They have consistently tackled like no other Cadet side this season and for a bunch of youngsters their coverage is better than many of their older and more illustrious cousins. The sheer joy on their faces as they ran out 12 – 6 winners reminded us all of what we are in football for. The Warriors however did manage to snatch the MVP title with three of their players winning nominations from their four games. It was eventually awarded to Luke Catchpole who showed what a great competitive player he is.

So another BYAFA Flag season comes to a highly satisfactory conclusion. All eyes are now focused on Woodham Warriors and what they can achieve in the World Schools Flag Championships. Good luck to them and congratulations to you all for making it such a memorable season.