Clyde Valley Falcons
Crowned British Champions

Junior Kitted American Football

Finals MVP - Euan Shand (Glasgow Tigers)

The Falcons along with the Glasgow Tigers travelled to Birmingham to take part in BYAFA British Finals on Saturday, but it was the Falcons who came away crowned Best of British.

The other teams competing were Southern Conference winner Milton Keynes Pathfinders and PA Knights who came into the competition as a late substitute for Sussex Thunder.

On a day when the rain never halted the Falcons first opponents were PA Knights. As Northern Conference Champions Clyde Valley were the favourites to win this game and they came out strongly.

On the first drive QB William Winter connected on a 25 yard pass to Colin Nichol for the first score. The extra point attempt was no good.

The dominance of the Falcons defence showed on the Knights next drive when their goal line stance prevented the Knights from scoring. Colin Nichol added another score on a bobbing and weaving run for the TD.

Blake Kyle added the extra points on a power run. Blake Kyle added another 6 points when he caught a William Winters 35 yard pass.

The extra point was unsuccessful. In the second half Falcons continued to pile on the pressure with Blake Kyle forcing and recovering a fumble which CV took full advantage of when Colin Nichol scooted in from 2 yards out.

Mark Winter snared the pass for the extra points. On defence Colin Nichol intercepted a pass and carried it all the way to the end zone for the TD.

However on the EPA #52 of the Knights intercepted the ball and ran all the way to the end zone for 2 points of their own. Both teams changed possession before the final whistle blew with the score 34 – 2 in favour of the Falcons.

Glasgow Tigers were narrowly beaten in their semi final by MK Pathfinders 34 – 25. but they got some consolation when they then went on to beat PA Knights 25 – 18 for the third spot.

This set the stage for the championship game between CV Falcons and MK Pathfinders.

Both teams were awarded the Conference Championship trophies after the first round of games.

With both teams being Conference Champions this was a hard game to call. But Falcons had the dream beginning Blake Kyle took the handoff and went on a tackle breaking run the entire length of the field for the opening score.

The extra points were added by Fraser Anderson. Pathfinders were unable to make any progress against a swarming Falcons defence.

CV’s next drive added to the score when Colin Nichol reeled in a William Winter pass for the TD.

The Winter brothers connect for the extra point when Mark snared the pass from William.

Once again the defence remained firm with Graeme MacMillan, Colin Nichol and Ryan Rodgers putting in some fierce tackling. Colin Nichol added to his tally when he caught a 20 yard pass for the score.

The EPA was unsuccessful. Both teams traded possessions before the half-time whistle with the score 22 – 0.

Colin Nichol showed his versatility at the start of the second half when he intercepted a wayward pass and scampered 10 yards to the end zone.

The sure hands of Mark Winter pulled down the pass to score the extra points. Both teams were struggling to move the ball in the very wet conditions before MK Pathfinders took to the air and managed to gain some good yardage.

The QB connected with #89 for a score. The extra point attempt was no good.

Falcons followed suit and Blake Kyle caught a 45 yard William Winter pass to set up the 15 yard toss and run from Colin Nichol for the final TD of the day.

This made the final score 36 – 6. for the Falcons who would like to thank their sponsors Davidson Feeds, the cheerleaders, all the supporters who travelled to the game (they definitely were the 6th man on the field) and especially Heather Winter for all her hard work.

PIC C/O CLYDE VALLEY AMERICAN FOOTBALL ORGANISATION