IFAF Women’s EC: Great Britain knock off defending champions Finland to capture silver

Great Britain beat reigning European champions Finland 21-14 at Sixways Stadium in Worcester on Saturday to claim the silver medal in the 2023/24 IFAF Women’s European Championships.

The seven-point win removed Germany from a potential three-way tie in the quest to finish second on the podium behind Spain, who were crowned champions in April. Multiple permutations could have been necessary to separate the teams eyeing bronze, but the result meant that Great Britain won the head-to-head tiebreaker along with silver, while Finland settled for bronze with Germany fourth overall.

Great Britain’s Becky Martin blocked a fourth quarter field goal that would otherwise have earned silver for Finland based on the points differential tiebreaker. Finland hurt their chances with four turnovers, including three interceptions.

Phoebe Schecter signed off from her GB career with the game winning score as she stripped the ball loose and returned a forced fumble for the all-important touchdown.

Finland took a first quarter 7-0 lead on a fourth down conversion with a pass over the middle from Milla Korhonen to Lea Kaszasin and a Laura Pulkkiselle point after.

Anna Page reeled in a pass to the end zone from Rachael Tumelty to level the score before the end of the opening quarter. Tumelty then connected with Siobhan Walker, who broke tackles to race for a touchdown and a 14-7 halftime lead.

Finland bounced back from an interception by the Lions’ Emily Mullen to again level the contest as Tia Jansen caught a pass unapposed in the end zone.

Schecter’s determined third quarter defensive touchdown, and the critical blocked field goal then secured victory and the silver medal for the hosts.