NWFL Week 8 Preview: Final Games of the National League Regular Season

Photo: WAP Photography

The final round of the National Women's Football League (NWFL) regular season is upon us, with teams looking to make their last stand before the playoffs. As all games kick off at 12 pm, NWFL Week 8 promises excitement and fierce competition. Here's a preview of the matchups:

Birmingham Lions (3-0) vs Leeds Chargers (1-2)

The Birmingham Lions have already secured their spot in the finals and will face the London Warriors during BritBowl weekend. However, there's still something to play for: the Lions need to win and ensure they don't concede more than 19 points to finish first in the division. When these two teams met last season, it was an offensive shootout, ending 82-72 in favour of the Lions.

Coming off a 42-8 victory against Solent two weeks ago, the Lions are in strong form. The Leeds Chargers, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a 47-8 loss to the Warriors. For Leeds, this game is about pride and finishing the season on a positive note.

Manchester Titans (1-2) vs Teesside Steelers (2-1)

Neither team can make the finals, but there's still pride and positioning at stake. Teesside Steelers aim to finish third in the division, and a win will secure that position. The Manchester Titans, in their inaugural 9v9 season, have a chance to claim third place if they win and Leeds lose to Birmingham.

These teams have a competitive history, having met three times since 2022 with the Steelers winning twice. Their last meeting ended 40-28 in favour of the Titans. Two weeks ago, the Steelers dominated the Peterborough Royals with a 56-0 win, while three weeks ago, the Titans also defeated the Royals 49-26. This matchup promises to be an exciting battle as both teams strive for a strong finish.

Peterborough Royals (0-3) vs Solent Thrasher (0-3)

This game will determine who finishes at the bottom of the division. Both teams are yet to secure a win this season, making this matchup crucial for their standings. It's the first meeting between these two since the formation of Solent, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Both teams have struggled offensively, with Solent averaging 13 points per game and Peterborough averaging 8 points per game. Solent's last game was a 42-8 loss to the Lions, while Peterborough suffered a heavy 56-0 defeat to the Steelers. Both teams will be eager to show improvements and end their seasons on a more positive note.