STUDLEY BEARCATS player Jonathon Williams played a vital role in helping the British Blades to runners-up spot in an international American flag football competition.
A group of eight 14/15-year-olds represented Britain in the Italian event which featured teams from across Europe. Flag is the non-contact sport of American football in which tackles are made by pulling off a flag which is worn by all players.
Joel Chesters and Brad Temple from Carnforth, north Lancashire, joined the rest of the British Blades squad – Andrew Carr, Josh Atkins, Lewis Wyatt, Theo Smith, Nathan Smalley and Williams – as they faced national teams from Austria, Italy and the Czech Rebublic, as well as regional and local teams.
On a successful first day at the 7 Lakes International Bowl the British Blades won all four of their games in the group stage, albeit with a far smaller squad than many of the other national teams, beating Austria, the Czech Republic and both the Italian national A and B teams along the way.
This set them up for a semi-final against the hosts of the tournament – Skorpions of Varese – the next day.
After winning their semi-final 27-7, the Blades faced the Italian national team once again in the final and an exciting and nail-biting game went down to the final seconds before the Italians claimed the title 32-29, leaving the now exhausted Blades to take home the runners-up trophy.
As well as enjoying team success, Williams was named MVP ‘Most Valuable Player’ on offense for the whole tournament.
Blades coach Graeme Chesters said: ” I couldn’t be prouder of the team. We’re really pleased with the Blades’ achievements and feel like we’ve put down a marker for the British game against some talented, well-funded and very well coached teams.
“This is a rapidly expanding sport which is accessible to all and it’s great to have been part of something which has brought players together from across Europe.
“Our hosts – Skorpions of Varese – have been absolutely wonderful and the facilities have been excellent too, with a real sense of comradeship and sporting behaviour throughout.”
