ESSEX Spartans American Football Academy U17 put in three dominant performances in Bedfordshire to end their third tournament at 9-0, and crowned BAFA Outer London East Division Champions with three games remaining, securing a place in the BritBowl National Finals.
With six victories already, the Thurrock based Spartans entered the tournament as the number one seed, and knew that three victories would be required if they wanted to claim the Division title on the day – anything less, and it would be down to the final tournament in July.
The Spartans opened the day with a 41-0 drubbing of Hertfordshire Cheetahs, followed by an 18-6 victory over Essex based rivals the Colchester Gladiators. A win in the final game would see the Spartans take the division and the boys didn’t disappoint with an emphatic 48-20 win over the Bedfordshire Blackhawks.
Academy Head Coach Steve Watson said, "It’s a great achievement to take the Division title and a place at the national finals.
"A fantastic job has been done by all our players, and our coaches, to make this happen."
As ever the Spartans were followed to Bedfordshire by an army of supporters and parents.
"A massive thank you is due to all the fans whom have travelled with us to all our tournaments, and were with us at this one to cheer the team on," said Watson. "It makes a huge difference to the boys."
The Under-17 season concludes with a final fourth tournament held at the Spartans senior home ground of Thurrock Rugby Club, Grays on 23rd July, followed by the BritBowl finals in September.
No time for a rest though, says the Head Coach.
"We want to finish the season undefeated," he said.
"We now need to focus on working hard for that home tournament to make it happen."
The Spartans Academy accept boys and girls aged 14-19 for American Football training and competitive games. Anyone looking to get involved should email info@essexspartans.co.uk stating their age.
