NWFL 7s Finals Day Preview: Will it be all Chaos or can the Cheetahs put the cat amongst the pigeons?

NWFL 7s Finals Day Preview: The Stage is Set for a Thrilling Finale

This Saturday marks the finale of the NWFL Development Leagues, now referred to as NWFL 7’s with the finals day set in Tattenhall, the home of the Cheshire Bears. The stakes are high as the four remaining teams battle it out, with the winners of the "semi-finals" advancing to the championship game, while the losers vie for third place. Both the semi-finals and the final will showcase the intense competition that has defined this season.

Caledonia Chaos (8-0) vs Kent Exiles (5-3)

The undefeated Caledonia Chaos enter the finals as the team to beat. Dominating their opponents all season, they’ve averaged a staggering 40 points per game while conceding a mere 5 points on average. Led by their two GB stars, Rachael Moody and Abi Coleman, fresh off a silver medal victory with Team GB at the European Championships, the Chaos are poised to complete their perfect season with a 10-0 record.

Their opponents, the Kent Exiles, have experienced an up-and-down season, with their meetings against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs being a thorn in their side. Kent has averaged just under 20 points per game, while conceding slightly over 13 points, showing they can be competitive. However, they will face their toughest challenge yet against the Chaos, a team that has been untouchable all season. Without any previous matchups to reference, this game promises to be an intriguing clash of styles and strategies.

Hertfordshire Cheetahs (7-1) vs Cheshire Bears (3-5)

The Hertfordshire Cheetahs come into the finals on a hot streak, having won six consecutive games. Their defence has been particularly impressive, allowing just over a touchdown per game on average, while their offense has been efficient, scoring more than 24 points per game. With three GB players—Jessica Anderson, Yasmin Cazeau, and Emily Moriarty—bolstering their ranks, the Cheetahs are determined to continue their winning ways and claim the title.

The Cheshire Bears, on the other hand, have had a challenging season, finishing with a losing record. However, their experience against top-tier competition like the Caledonia Chaos has given them valuable lessons. Although they average 17 points per game and concede just over 18, they have shown resilience, bouncing back from a surprising loss to the Newcastle Shieldmaidens. If they can tighten up their offense, the Bears could present a formidable challenge to the Cheetahs, making this semi-final a game to watch.

Final Thoughts

As the NWFL 7's Finals approach, all eyes will be on these four teams as they compete for the ultimate prize. With the potential for upsets and outstanding individual performances, this promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the NWFL 7’s season. Whether it’s the unbeaten Chaos looking to complete a perfect season, or the Cheetahs aiming to continue their dominance, the stage is set for a memorable day of football in Tattenhall. No doubt the question on everyone’s mind will be, which of these teams will make the jump to the National League next season?