Team UA2 Claim Ruislip Bowl I in 1st Tournament of 2006

8th February 2006

On a gloriously sunny day in West London, it was the hometown Team UA2 that triumphed with a thrilling 13-12 win over the upstart Eastbourne Crusaders in the final of the first 5-man English Senior Flag League tournament of 2006. Playing with the superb facilities and hospitality of the hosts in Ruislip, the 8 competing teams were split into two groups of 4, and Team UA2 immediately made their presence felt with a crushing 28-0 win over Bournemouth Raiders, and went onto top the group despite a loss to the newcomers Fen Harriers. In Group 2, all the teams were evenly matched and no team won every game. Leicester Eagles ran over Team UA1 34-14, but then fell to Team Voodoo (13-25). Team UA1 won their other games and ended up winning the group.

Onto the quarter-finals, and both UA strolled into the semi-finals after wins over Bournemouth and Team Voodoo. Eastbourne Crusaders caused an upset by turning over the fancied Chichester Sharks, and Leicester defeated Fen Harriers 12-6. In the semi-finals, Eastbourne took on Leicester who had already defeated them 26-19 in the group matches. This time though it was Eastbourne who would gain revenge with a 14-12 victory. In the other semi-final, Team UA2 defeated Team UA1 8-6.

In the final, UA2 led 13-6 with time running out. After stopping Eastbourne with seconds to go a defensive penalty was called, and with the game not being able to be called on a penalty Eastbourne had a final opportunity to score which they did to close to 13-12 as time expired. The Crusaders bravely went for the 2 PAT to win the game and tournament but the pass failed and Team UA2 clung on to win their tournament.