The Great Britain Lions took another step to joining the top nations in Europe for the European championships in 2018 by defeating the Czech Republic 38-13 Sunday at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.
The Great Britain Lions capped an excellent weekend at Sixways Stadium in Worcester, England with a IFAF Europe Qualifying Tournament title. The victory means that Great Britain will travel to either Sweden or Denmark to play in a final European Championship qualifying game.
The final, like all the games in Worcester over the weekend, was broadcast live by Double Coverage, and produced by End Run Productions.
Great Britain came out hot scoring on their first drive after a short pass and busting big runs up the middle. The drive ends with British QB #17 Jerome Allen dropping finding WR #10 Jack Daley in the corner of the end-zone. The PAT was good as Great Britain takes the early lead 7-0.
The quick Lions defense forced the Czech Republic to a quick three and out, stuffing run after run on the Czech’s first possession.
After a Czech punt, the British were quickly on the attack again. Taking over on their own 30, QB Allen found WR #89 Sam Rogers on the left side where he slipped the defender and raced for a 54-yard game before being taken done deep in Czech territory. The British drive stalled soon after and but Jack Daley’s 29-yard FG attempt was good. The British now led 10-0.
The Czech offense looked a little better on their second drive as QB Jan Dundáček tried to distribute the ball among several receivers. Šindler, Kršák, Balažovič, Woleský all caught quick and short passes before the Czech drive was stopped short of mid-field.
After another Czech punt, WR Balažovič subsequently moved from to the defensive backfield and Ondrášek was now in at cornerback. The changes brought success to the Czech defense stepped up and forced a quick punt the home team.
Unfortunately for the Czech team, the improved defense failed to stimulate the offense. Forced to punt again, the punter Woleský barely managed to catch a high snap. His rushed kick just made it back to the line of scrimmage. The British took over with excellent field position on the Czech 37 yard line.
Jerome Allen was quickly on the attack, throwing a pump fake before finding his favorite target Jack Daley wide open down the right side. Great Britain now lead the Czech Republic 17-0. The first half Jerome Allen show continued when the quarterback found a diving Alex Laird in the back corner of the end-zone. After a video review, Laird’s TD was confirmed along with the Brits 24-0 lead.
Great Britain #20 Josh Amis goes 65 yards for the punt return touchdown. Photo: Biff Crabbe
The Czech offense continued their dismal offense performance and gave the ball to their punter once again. This time it was the Lions special teams to step up. Returner #20 Josh Amis increased the route after a fantastic punt return from the British 35. Amis crossed the field left to right, tearing by defenders and then racing up the far sideline. 31-0 Great Britain.
The Czech offense finally mobilized their forces at the end of the first half, and with the help of some British penalties, scored their first points. With two seconds left in the first half Dundáček found Balažovič for a 30 yard score. This sent the teams to the dressing room with the score 31-7.
The second half began punts on both sides. After a British turnover, the Czechs were again able to get more points on the scoreboard. The Czech running back Lukas Ruzek was able to get the edge and score. The PAT was blocked, so the score was 31-13 in favor of Great Britain.
The last British score sealed the victory as Rogers pulled in a 9-yard slant from Allen. Final score Great Britain 38 Czech Republic 13.
British quarterback Jerome Allen was named MVP. Allen was 27/36 with 305 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Czech team leaves England and carrying the silver medal, the dream of moving to the next stage of qualification seized by the Brits. The victory means that Great Britain will travel to either Sweden or Denmark to play in a final European Championship qualifying game.
The Czech Republic reached the second qualifying game after defeating the Netherlands 20-13 on Friday. The Dutch were able to defeat Russia 17-6 in the runners up game on Sunday morning.
04 settembre 2016 / c/o Stadio Comunale G. Teghil – Viale Europa 142 – Lignano Pineta (UD) Italy / Football Americano – IFAF – CAMPIONATI EUROPEI di FOOTBALL AMERICANO Torneo di Qualificazione – Finalissima 1/2 posto Blue Team Italia Vs. Serbia / © 2016 Ph. Luca Nava. All Right Reserved / lucafoto@alice.it / www.lucanava.com / www.nikonphotographers.it/lucanava