Around the Continent: Roger’s Corner – 6/17/14
A weekend to remember as play resumed in Europe!
[su_dropcap]I[/su_dropcap]f you thought that the European American Football championships were exciting, this past weekend offered excellent club football action from around the continent.
The EFAF Big6 Tournament games were as tight and exciting as ever. Involving six of the best teams in Europe and some of the finest coaches and players the games are always a treat to watch. The tough physical battle displayed in Austria, where the Berlin Adler (Europe #2) upset the former number one ranked Swarco Raiders (Europe #3) was an example of this. It was intense and mesmerizing to watch. In Vienna, the Dresden Monarchs (Europe #4) came from behind to outscore the Vienna Vikings (Europe #5) 41-35. With so much offense, the game gave the crowd and the online audience plenty to enjoy.
One other EFAF Eurobowl game was played as the Cologne Falcons (Europe #8) beat the Dusseldorf Panther 43-36.
In the IFAF Europe Champions League, the playoffs are already set with the semifinals slated for July 11th and the championship game July 13th. The Thonon Black Panthers (Europe #11) from France will face the Serbian squad SBB Vukovi Belgrade (Europe #19) in one semifinal, while the Elancourt Templiers (also France) will play the Helsinki Roosters from Finland (Europe #13).
Next week we will break down the structure of American football in Europe.
Here then is what happened around the continent last weekend.
Austria
In the first league game in the Austrian league since May 17, the Danube Dragons (Europe #7) played host to the Prague Black Panthers (Europe #10) and in another thrilling offensive display beat the Panthers 49-45.
Belgium
In the Belgian semifinals, a team from each league prevailed. Representing the Flemish league, the FAFL, the Ghent Gators overcame a tough Ostend Pirates team to win 16-14. Meanwhile, the Brussels Tigers, the top team from the French league – the LFFAB – eked out a 7-3 victory over cross-town rivals the Brussels Black Angels.
So, on June 29, the Ghent Gators will play the Brussels Tigers for the Belgian title in Belgian Bowl XXVII. Read more next week on the game and the teams.
CEFL (Central European Football League)
No games were played this week, but there will be a full slate on June 21.
