Photo: Ben Rogers @br7film
A clash between Great Britain’s Contact Under 19 team and Germany’s Paderborn Dolphins Under 20s on Saturday 6th April where fans were treated to witnessing some exciting prospects for the future.
Despite BAFA’s recent decision to withdraw the GB squad from IFAF competitions, the young athletes showcased their talent and resilience in what turned out to be an enthralling international friendly. The match ended in deadlock, finishing 16-16, but there were interceptions, powerful running and strategic manoeuvres that paid testament to the determination and skill of the players and coaches on both teams. Let’s delve into the highlights and key moments of this encounter.
The first quarter set the tone with both teams exchanging possessions and defensive stands. GB’s defensive line created havoc in Paderborn’s backfield. Along with a standout performance from Stirling Clansmen’s Luca Clements at inside linebacker, who played most of the defensive snaps, they proved a formidable force. GB’s defence was able to disrupt Paderborn’s offensive rhythm and force turnovers. However, Paderborn’s spread offence posed challenges for the GB defence, particularly with their effective power running and clever use of the hard count, catching GB’s defensive line off guard a few times.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, GB’s offence started to find its footing but was thwarted by penalties and turnovers. However, they were backed up by their defence with a tackle for loss by North East Giant’s Harrison Gilroy which led to a 3rd & 16 and the front seven continuing to make life difficult to Paderborn’s quarterback. It seemed they gained more success against the Paderborn power running when they dropped outside linebacker Michael Alade of the Rushmoor Knights into the second level of the defence. The first half finished 0-0.
In the third quarter, GB brought back starting quarterback Corey Badry, of London Blitz, who had shaken off the first quarter interception. It was clear to see his arm talent and notably his ability to stand in the pocket. He orchestrated an impressive drive with connections through the air to Mark Kosgei (Cardiff Cobras) and Isiah Nuptial (Oxford Saints) and led GB to the 2-yard line. GB finally broke the deadlock with a touchdown from Portsmouth Dreadnought’s Nebechi Abana, followed by a successful two-point conversion by Luca Garner-Beynon of South Wales Warriors.
Photo: Ben Rogers @br7film
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Paderborn responded quickly with 8 points of their own following a fumble recovery from GB’s offence. Even though there were flashes from GB including a return on special teams by Enrique Aspinall, that set GB up in opposition territory, it took the GB defence to secure a turnover to put GB in scoring position. A fumble recovery from Jack Redhead, of the University of Nottingham, allowed GB to start on the 5-yard line and it took an end around from South London Renegade’s Aspinall, running behind a solid offensive line, to put GB back in front. Another two-point conversion from Garner-Beynon made the score 16-8 to GB.
Heading towards the end of the game Paderborn refused to back down. Following what seemed the only break in coverage all game by the GB defence and good running by the Paderborn quarterback they were able to capitalise and tie the game with a touchdown of their own and a further two points to tie the game 16-16.
The match may have ended in a draw, but the spirit of competition and camaraderie between GB Contact U19s and Paderborn Dolphins Under 20s was evident. With promising young talent on display from both sides, the future of international American football looks bright.