u16 To the moon..
Updated: Sep 8
Following a successful unbeaten 8-0 season the Seahawks u16 headed for the National Semi Finals in Kent, ranked #1 in the UK and understandably full of confidence.
National Semi Finals
The Semi Finals comprise of 2 game format that saw us face off against a tough and under-rated London Blitz team in game one followed by the Kent Exiles in game with the winners heading to the National Finals.
Game 1 v London Blitz
In an understandably nervy first half both teams offenses managed to score but the Seahawks leaned on some excellent defense and some great hard hitting tackles. In the second half the offense kicked into gear and we came away with a comfortable 32-17 victors.
Game 2 v Kent Exiles
In the biggest game of the season to this point, we pulled out probably our best performance of the season. The offense came out firing scoring on the first three possessions, with pick 6 from the defense in between and we were 26-0 up at Half Time. We continued to dominate in the 2nd half and took the opportunity to rotate our young squad, giving everyone valuable experience and running out as 46-7 winners and earned our place at the National Finals and the #1 ranked team in the country.
National Finals
Like the Semi Finals, the Finals consists of 4 team, 2 game format with a Semi Final and Final.
National Semi Final v Yorkshire Assasins
In the National Semi Final we faced off against the #4 ranked Yorkshire Academy Assassins. After a summer of Saharan heat, it was typical that the National Final would be played in wet, blustery conditions which slightly hampered our passing attack, however our running game is equally potent and we leaned on it during this game, utilising all of our backs, scoring 20 points and our Defense shut down the Assassins offense, shutting them out on the scoreboard thanks to two goal line stands, however a safety against the offense resulted in two points. Regardless, in a game that we largely dominated from start to finish we ran out 20-2 victors and earned our place in the National Final.
In the other National Final, the Manchester Titans faced our old nemesis Rushmoor Knights, with the Knights running out comfortable winners to set up a repeat of the 2024 Final.
National Final v Rushmoor Knights
With the #1 and #2 ranked teams facing off against each other, the final promised to be somewhat of a blockbuster and it didn't disappoint.
With the weather clearing up slightly, the Seahawks were finally able to open up the passing game and we quickly jumped into a 12-0 lead and our defense completely stuffing the much vaunted Rushmoor run game to very little yardage things were looking good. However, we knew the Knights would not roll over easily and just before the half, with our defense still holding their run game, they managed to complete a big pass which they turned into a touchdown before the half, and the game we all expected was on.
The Knights came out fighting in the second half and they started to get their run game going and with a tiring defense, they turned the score around to take an 18-12 lead. But the Seahawks are not giving this up lightly and our offense drove down the field to score the game tieing touchdown with less than 2mins left and it all came down to a nailbiting finish. By now, despite a valiant effort, our defense has been ground down and the Knights were able to break through for what would be the game winning score. The Seahawks offense got the ball back with 30 seconds left to go, but with the whole length of the field to go, the Knights defense was able to hold strong and an interecption on a desperation 4th down saw the complete the comeback and win their 3rd consecutive u16 National Championship.
Congratulations to them for their amazing achievement !
Comments