In the opening games the Glasgow Tigers the Scottish Conference Champions faced defending National Champions Sussex Thunder and English Conference runners-up for this season. The Highland Wildcats as runners up in Scotland took on the new English Champions, Sheffield Tomahawks in the other fixture.

The Wildcats, based in Inverness and hence stuck with the longest journey any side could wish for, did themselves proud. They overhauled a solid Sheffield side eventually outscoring them 34 – 19 in a game that was full of thundering tackles, great runs, good passes and solid blocks. It was played in the perfect spirit too with a great deal of mutual respect between the two teams.

The Tigers v Thunder clash was no different, with the Tigers’ passing game proving entertaining to watch. Several last ditch tackles preserving the Thunder’s line on a few occasions. As in a few other instances this season, the Thunder have proved they can always dig deep and find a way to win. They are blessed with some talented athletes, and an iron resolve, the combination of which can be and often is unbeatable. They edged past the plucky Glasgow side 24 v 29, to set up a showdown with the Wildcats.

Ironically the two Conference Champions were both eliminated, forcing them to battle out for the 3rd/4th spot in a game that the Tigers always had control over. Despite some typical resolute Tomahawks defense the incisive passing game of the Tigers took its toll with the Glasgow side sealing third spot with a 37 – 19 victory.

In the final Wildcats v Thunder final the Highland side were always in contention, trailing by a single score at the half. However the Sussex side again came through to retain their title by the staggering score line of 52 – 34 which was a little flattering to the Thunder and hardly did the Wildcats justice.

In all four players were nominated for the Game Day MVP, with votes for Euan Rennie of the Wildcats, Dominic Gould from Sussex Thunder, Andrew Steen from the Tigers and finally Dana Neale again from the Thunder. After careful consideration Dominic Gould just shaded it from his Thunder teammate to round off a perfect afternoon.

For those who wonder what is being done to develop youth football they have no need to look any further than these finals. The Tigers are securing their long term future, bringing on and developing them for both their youth and eventually senior teams. The Tomahawks, Wildcats and Thunder all have large numbers and are well equipped to make that next step either next season or the one after into Youth. Others well worth looking out for as they develop are the Chorley Buccaneers and Bolton Braves whose players will move on to enhance the Lancashire Wolverines along with Manchester Titans who will be a force at whatever level they compete next year.

The foundations are solid, the futures is bright.