Photo provided by Colchester Gladiators, credit Drew Eaton Photography
The 2024 BAFA Adult Contact Division 2 Championship Final is set to be a thrilling showdown between two very good teams—Sandwell Steelers and Colchester Gladiators. The game, kicking off at 12 pm on Saturday 7th September, at Butts Park Arena in Coventry, represents more than just a battle for the Division 2 title: it's a testament to perseverance, grit, and a journey back to prominence for both clubs.
A Season of Redemption and Renewal
For both the Sandwell Steelers and the Colchester Gladiators, this season has been about redemption. Both teams have endured a tumultuous few years, dropping from higher divisions and fighting their way back to relevance. This final represents the culmination of years of rebuilding and retooling, as well as the promise of a bright future in Division 1.
Sandwell's story is particularly compelling. After earning promotion to the Premiership in 2019, the team saw its progress derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to instability within the organisation and a steep fall to Division 2. Their Week 1 victory this season, a 25-23 triumph over Leigh Miners, was their first competitive win in four years. Interim Head Coach Dave Butler admitted the significance of that win, acknowledging the long road the club has travelled to rebuild itself. “We are here a year ahead of schedule,” Butler remarked, adding that the team’s growth this season has been a year-on-year process. The final will be the Steelers’ first opportunity to clinch silverware since their promotion campaign in 2019.
On the other hand, the Colchester Gladiators, who were once a Premiership mainstay after their 2014 promotion, have also faced a rocky few years. By 2019, the team had been relegated to Division 2, but the Gladiators’ recent resurgence has been driven by steady progress. Their march to the final has been a four-year journey of rebuilding and overcoming challenges. According to Club Secretary David Ironmonger, “This final is a nice reward for all the improvements we’ve made.”
Road to the Final
Both teams have had impressive runs to the championship game. The Sandwell Steelers navigated their NFC 2 schedule with a 9-1 record, their only loss coming to the Staffordshire Surge in a close contest. However, they avenged that defeat by defeating the Surge in the semi-final, a gritty 9-3 defensive battle that exemplified their resilience. The Steelers’ offence, which averages 27.2 points per game, has been prolific, but their defence has been equally dominant, conceding only 11.6 points per game.
The Colchester Gladiators also posted a 9-1 record, with their only defeat coming at the hands of the Ouse Valley Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 contest. The Gladiators rebounded with authority, recording dominant wins throughout the season. Their 41-0 shutout victory over the Berkshire Renegades in the quarterfinals was followed by an intense semi-final showdown against the Essex Tridents, which they won 14-7 in overtime. Ironmonger highlighted the resilience of his team: “We are going to have to put in the hard graft to come out with the win.”
Key Matchups and What to Expect
The stage is set for a battle of two evenly matched teams, both boasting formidable defences and explosive offences. For Sandwell, the key to victory will lie in their offensive line's ability to neutralise Colchester’s imposing defensive front. “The key to the game will be our offensive line vs their defensive line,” said Dave Butler, emphasising the importance of winning the battle in the trenches. The Steelers’ running game, led by their first-ever 1,000-yard rusher, will look to find gaps in Colchester’s defence, but Butler predicts a low-scoring affair: “I think it’s going to be a low-scoring defensive game and mistakes will be the difference.”
Colchester’s strength has been its versatility and depth on offence. With a rotation of four running backs, led by Kieran Polly who ran for over 100 yards in the semi-final, and a creative playbook, the Gladiators will look to outmanoeuvre Sandwell’s aggressive defence. However, Ironmonger acknowledges the challenge they face: “Sandwell have a very good defence, aggressive linebackers, and cornerbacks. We will need to be smart in the passing game.” On the defensive side, Colchester has recorded around 30 sacks in the regular season, and their ability to generate pressure will be crucial to disrupting Sandwell’s game plan.
Both coaches and players have emphasised the role that special teams could play in determining the outcome. Colchester’s punter, Brad Ling, was a standout performer in the semi-finals, pinning Essex deep in their own territory early on. Meanwhile, Sandwell will be relying on their returners to make big plays when it counts. Butler’s acknowledgement of special teams as a potential deciding factor adds another layer of intrigue to what is already a closely matched contest.
A Legacy-Defining Moment
Sandwell has several core players who are set to retire after the game, making this final appearance even more meaningful. “We have a few core players who stuck around since 2019 who are retiring, and a win on Sunday would be a great send-off for them,” Butler shared. The emotional weight of this game cannot be understated.
On the other hand, Colchester views this final as the culmination of a four-year process of rebuilding, with Ironmonger noting that it’s a reward for the team’s hard work and perseverance. Both teams know that a win on Saturday will not only secure the Division 2 championship but also serve as a launchpad for success in Division 1 next season.
Final Thoughts: Expect Drama
The 2024 BAFA Division 2 Championship Final promises to be a hard-fought, tense affair between two clubs with something to prove. Sandwell is aiming to complete their stunning turnaround from years of struggle, while Colchester seeks to cap off their journey back to prominence with a championship win. Both teams have demonstrated resilience, talent, and determination throughout the season, and this final will likely be decided by a few key plays or mistakes.
As both coaches have acknowledged, the battle in the trenches, special teams play, and defensive intensity will shape the outcome. With two evenly matched sides, we can expect a dramatic and intense contest. Regardless of the result, this game will stand as a defining moment for both clubs as they prepare for life in Division 1.
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