Amsterdam Crusaders Capture 18th Dutch Title in Tulip Bowl XXXII

The Amsterdam Crusaders extended their run as Dutch national champions Saturday, cruising to a 40-6 win over the 010 Trojans from Rotterdam. The ‘Cru’ picked up their 18th Tulip Bowl title in front of 1,200 spectators in Amsterdam.

Crusader quarterback Allan Bridgford closed out his season in Amsterdam with an MVP performance, throwing for 325 yards and 5 touchdowns. Running back Miquel Castelen showed the form reminiscent of seasons past as he knifed through the Rotterdam defense for 197 yards.

Bridgford found Jasper Nijland for the first score of the game and came back to him in the second quarter having also thrown a touchdown to Dylan von Gerhardt. Meanwhile, the stalwart Amsterdam defense was giving very little up and keeping Rotterdam quarterback Anthony Slootmaekers under constant pressure. Rotterdam took some inspiration from a 38 yard scamper to the end zone by Trojan running back Kevin Wesseling to close out the first half scoring

The second half turned out to a be a more-of-the-same show for the Crusaders. Former California Bear Bridgford, laid a perfectly delivered ball into the hands of Antillean sprint champ Ashneal Werleman for a third quarter highlight. In the fourth quarter, both of the offensive stars for the Cru figured in two more six-pointers. Bridgford found Melvin Maasdamme for a 22 yard passing touchdown and Miquel Castelen placed the ball past the end zone pylon to cap a 22 yard run.

Bridgford was awarded the game MVP by IFAF General Secretary Zorica Hofman who was on hand for the championship games.

Story: AFBN (Dutch American Football Federation)

Photo Credit: Sander Evenwel