Scotland defeat England in the 2005 Challenge Match

2nd April 2005

From the ashes of almost disaster rose the phoenix of success. A last minute let down almost stopped this fixture in its tracks. The scheduled venue Bellahouston Park had been double booked and there was nothing that could be done to ensure the fixture going ahead there. However it was with great thanks to senior squad member Carlos Yanes-Roca that an alternative venue was secured out at the Stirling University campus. The fixture would be able to be held but this time with the splendour of the University campus backdrop and the great facilities available.

The Challenge Match
England won the coin toss and started with first possession. Team England opened the game with a well executed drive to what would become a very exciting first half. They topped the drive off with a great TD pass to #81 Mann. The 1pt attempt failed. Scotland were undeterred by this early score and with #18 Couper in the QB slot they managed to move the ball up field after a couple of tentative downs, but it wasn't long until Couper found #83 Yanes-Roca for the TD to level the score, but they too failed with the PAT.

The game then sees sawed as both offences found chinks in one anther's defensive armour. England scored again with a TD for #51 Harden and a 1pt PAT for Walker. Scotland replied with 2nd TD for #83 and the PAT by #8 Hunter. However after a 2nd TD for #81 Mann Scotland's #8 Hunter intercepted England's PAT attempt and ran it back for a vital 2pts. With time running out in the half Scotland used the clock to good effect and managed to end the half with a spectacular TD pass to #55 N. Arnold. The Pat was unsuccessful and the half ended Scotland 21 England 19.

Scotland started the 2nd half with a bit of a wobble when #18 Couper was sacked in the endzone for a safety #45 Patel. However England were unable to capitalise on this equalising score and went 4 an out on there next possession. Scotland on the other hand had the bit between their teeth and pushed down field to set up the 2nd TD for #55.

Team England just didn't have an answer on offence and failed to penetrate the Scottish defence but their own defence kept the game close with a very solid performance. However Scotland managed to kill the game off with a final TD to #83.

Final score Scotland 33 England 21.

England M.V.P. - #81 K. Mann (Chosen by Team Scotland)
Scotland M.V.P. - #8 R. Hunter (Chosen by Team England)

Game M.V.P. - #83 R. Yanes-Roca (Chosen by Mark Fletcher)

The Second Match - Friendly
Scotland won the coin toss and started the second game of the day with a blistering TD by #8 Hunter and a successful 1pt PAT to #34 Mooney. England however seemed to have lost their concentration and struggled to move the ball. Despite making a 1st down they were unable to get a TD and turned over possession to Scotland. Despite battling for every yard the Scots were able to show enough composure to score again. TD pass to #83 Yanes-Roca with 1pt PAT to #55 N. Arnold.

England just couldn't get it together as they saw numerous dropped or tipped passes thwart their efforts. Scotland defence were finding it easier to hold England as the game progressed giving the Offense the chance to score once again to extend the lead. Td pass to #34. The half ended Scotland 20 England 0.

Determined to save face Team England came out in the 2nd half with all guns blazing. Scoring with a Hail Mary pass to #81 Mann. Could they orchestrate a momentous come back? Scotland however had other ideas and immediately replied with their own TD when #67 Bramwell intercepted a tipped England pass and ran it in for the score. Both team traded scored for the rest of the game. Further TDs for England's #81 and #30, and 2 more for Scotland's #83. The game ended Scotland 38 England 18.

The day's events were rounded off with a final friendly game between Team England and the Scotland Veteran Squad. Team England dominated the game from the start and took and early lead sustaining it throughout the game. Although the Scots tried valiantly to pull the game back they were always playing catch up.

A win for Team England rounded off what was remarked upon as a great days Flag Football. It is hoped that this event can be repeated next year and that it may even become a regular fixture in both organisations calendar.