Photo: British American Football Association
This weekend, the pinnacle of British American football for under-16s is set to unfold in Sheffield, as the BAFA U16 Contact National Finals take centre stage. The event is split into two thrilling tournaments: the National Championship and the National Plate. The Championship will see the Northern and Southern #1 and #2 seeds clash, while the Plate features the Northern and Southern #3 and #4 seeds. With semi-finals, 3rd/4th place playoffs, and finals across both tournaments, the stage is set for an action-packed day showcasing the very best young talent in the country.
National Championship Semi-Finals
1 Tamworth Phoenix (10-0) vs 2 Solent Seahawks (10-0)
The first semi-final is a clash of the titans, as two undefeated teams, Tamworth Phoenix and Solent Seahawks, face off. Tamworth, known for their stingy defence allowing just 8.8 points per game, will be tested by Solent’s explosive offence, which averages a staggering 38.2 points per game. While Tamworth is making a return to the postseason after a hiatus, Solent is eager to take the next step after last year's disappointment in the Southern Finals. Despite nearly identical (simplified) strength of schedules (Tamworth at 0.389 and Solent at 0.391), this game promises to be a true test of grit and execution.
1 Rushmoor Knights (10-0) vs 2 Highland Wildcats (10-0)
In what has become a familiar postseason rivalry, the undefeated Rushmoor Knights and Highland Wildcats will battle it out once again. Rushmoor, the 2022 champions and 2023 runners-up, hold the upper hand historically, having beaten Highland in their last two meetings, including a dominant 65-20 victory in the 2022 final. However, Highland's improved defence, conceding just 11.9 points per game, combined with their potent offence, makes this a must-watch encounter. With Rushmoor’s own formidable offence and defence, this clash could go down to the wire, as Highland seeks to overcome their nemesis finally.
National Plate Semi-Finals
3 East Kilbride Pirates (7-3) vs 4 Swindon Storm (6-4)
The National Plate kicks off with East Kilbride Pirates facing off against Swindon Storm. East Kilbride, who missed out on the National Finals last year, will be eager to prove their mettle, boasting a solid offence averaging 31.5 points per game. Swindon Storm, returning to the Plate competition for the second consecutive year after finishing as runners-up last season, comes into this matchup with an explosive offence scoring 38.8 points per game. With both teams eager to secure a spot in the final, this game is poised to be a high-scoring affair, with the slight edge in strength of schedule (simplified) favouring Swindon (0.609 to 0.593).
3 Northants Knights (8-2) vs 4 Chorley Buccaneers (6-4)
Rounding out the semi-finals, the Northants Knights take on the Chorley Buccaneers in a contest between two teams that missed out on the National Finals last season. The Knights, with a stingy defence conceding just 9.3 points per game, will look to impose their will on the Buccaneers, whose balanced attack has produced 28.1 points per game. However, Chorley’s slightly tougher strength of schedule (0.583 to Northants’ 0.536) suggests they have been battle-tested this season. This match could be a defensive slugfest, with both teams aiming to cap off their seasons with a Plate final appearance.
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