Around the Continent: Roger’s Corner – 7/30/14
Holland
Earlier this month, the Alphen Eagles won Tulip Bowl XXX in a nail biter, beating arch rival the Amsterdam Crusaders 14-12. This was the third Tulip Bowl victory in a row for the Eagles.
Ireland
The Irish semi-finals did not provide the excitement many wanted. Last year’s finalists for the Shamrock Bowl will return to battle for the Irish title. The Belfast Trojans will defend their crown after handily beating the University of Limerick Vikings 28-6, although at times during the game, the Vikings threatened. Meanwhile Trinity College Dublin made short work of the crosstown Dublin Rebels overwhelming them 47-8. Having lost only one game between them this season, we have the makings of an exciting final. In the past 14 months, Belfast and Trinity have faced each other twice in competitive games, winning one each. Both teams were also finalists in the EFAF Atlantic Cup in 2013. The Irish championship game, the Shamrock Bowl takes place August 10. This is the first appearance in the Irish championship game for Trinity while the Trojans have won the last two.
Italy
The Milano Seamen (Europe #15) won their first-ever Italian championship – Super Bowl XXXIV earlier this month beating four-time champion the Parma Panthers handily 33-3.
Norway
The Norwegian championship was decided two weeks ago as the Kristiansand Gladiators beat heavy favorite the Eidsvoll 1814s 22-21 on the last second hail mary pass.
Poland
The Polish Super Final is finally here as the Wroclaw Panthers take on the Gdynia Seahawks. Look for a complete preview of the Polish Super Final game next week on AFI.
Serbia
Earlier this month, Vukovi Belgrade (Europe #11) made no mistake in the Serbian championship game beating rivals the Kragujevac Wild Boars 27-17, to cap a highly successful season. The Serbian squad also reached the finals of the the IFAF Europe Champions League tournament losing in a close one to Helsinki 36-27.
Spain
The season has ended with the Badalona Dracs as new champions.
Sweden
The Carlstad Crusaders (Europe #12) rolled over the Limhamn Griffins 69-7 to take over sole possession of first place. The Orebro Black Knights upended the Uppsala 86ers 30-20 in what was a tight game. The STU Northside Bulls, with quarterback Barney O’Donnell back in the lineup, have now won three in a row after easily beating the Stockholm Mean Machines 42-7. Finally, Kristianstad beat the Arlanda Jets 41-13. Carlstad has now created a gap at the top with a 6-0 record. The Royal Crowns are second at 6-1, Orebro moved up into third at 4-2 while Uppsala slipped down to fourth at 4-3.
Switzerland
The Basel Gladiators (Europe #15) won the Swiss Bowl two weeks ago for the first time in their history.
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