BAFA U19 Contact Division 1 Semi-Finals Preview
- Andy Taylor
- Aug 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Photo: James Reuberson (Provided by Rushmoor Knights)
The BAFA U19 Contact Division 1 Semi-Finals are set to be a thrilling encounter as four of the top teams in the nation vie for a spot in the Championship game. The semifinals will feature the best of the North Division against the North-Central Division, and the top teams from the South East and South West divisions. With East Kilbride Pirates and Rushmoor Knights holding the home-field advantage as the number-one seeds in their respective conferences, all eyes will be on these matches as we prepare to crown a new U19 Division 1 National Champion. The London Blitz, who have dominated the competition for the past 12 years, will not be in the final this year, ensuring that a new team will lift the trophy on September 1st at Butts Park Arena in Coventry.
Northern Conference
East Kilbride Pirates (5-1) vs Nottingham Caesars (5-1) - 2 pm
P | W | L | T | PS | PA | NPPG | Win% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East Kilbride Pirates | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 291 | 133 | 26.3 | 0.833 |
Nottingham Caesars | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 139 | 61 | 19.5 | 0.833 |
In the Northern Conference, the East Kilbride Pirates enter the semifinals as the top seed after an impressive regular season. The Pirates boast the most prolific offence in the league, averaging a staggering 48 points per game. After a stumble in their opening game, the Pirates have been unstoppable, riding a five-game win streak into the postseason. Their high-powered offence, combined with home-field advantage, makes them the favourites heading into this matchup.
The Nottingham Caesars, on the other hand, had a slightly rockier road to the semifinals. Despite finishing with a strong 5-1 record, the Caesars faced two walkovers as their opponents forfeited to finish the season, which impacted their seeding. Nonetheless, they possess one of the stingiest defences in the league, allowing only 15 points per game. Last year’s finalists, the Caesars are no strangers to the pressure of the playoffs, but this time they face the added challenge of travelling to Scotland. With both teams bringing strong credentials into the game, this is poised to be a clash of offensive firepower against defensive resilience.
Southern Conference
Rushmoor Knights (6-0) vs London Warriors (5-1) - 12 pm
P | W | L | T | PS | PA | NPPG | Win% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rushmoor Knights | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 170 | 30 | 35.0 | 1.000 |
London Warriors | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 180 | 121 | 9.8 | 0.833 |
The Southern Conference semi-final pits the undefeated Rushmoor Knights against the formidable London Warriors. The Knights have been a model of consistency throughout the season, dominating on both sides of the ball. Their defence has been nearly impenetrable, conceding just over one touchdown per game, while their efficient offence has racked up over 42 points per game. Having reached this stage last year, only to fall to the eventual champions, the London Blitz, the Knights will be determined to go one step further this season.
The London Warriors, meanwhile, have had a season of highs and one notable low. They were on track for an undefeated season until a narrow 28-14 loss to their fierce rivals, the London Blitz, in the final regular season game. Despite this setback, the Warriors have shown resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in their victory over the Blitz earlier in the season. This is the Warriors’ first appearance in the postseason since 2019, and they have demonstrated they can compete with the best by defeating the Blitz. However, their net points per game of 8 suggests they’ve had tighter victories compared to the Knights, who have a 35-point differential. This game will test whether the Warriors’ experience and tenacity can overcome the Knights’ unbeaten streak and home-field advantage.
As these teams prepare to battle it out this weekend, one thing is certain: the stage is set for an epic showdown. With a spot in the U19 Division 1 Championship on the line, fans can expect high-octane football as these young athletes leave it all on the field. Who will emerge victorious and earn the right to compete for the national title in Coventry? We’ll find out soon enough.