BUAFL Results: National Championship Final

BUAFL National Championship Final

Birmingham Lions (12-0) 42 vs Newcastle Raiders (11-1) 2

As the smoke cleared on Sunday evening it was the Birmingham Lions who emerged victorious, claiming the 2008/09 BUAFL National Championship Title. The Lions proved too much for the Newcastle Raiders as they cruised to a comprehensive win. Their potent offence wasn't phased by the occasion or impressive record of the Raiders D, as they ate up yardage through both the the arm of rookie sensation Tristan Varney and running of Bowl MVP Mark Smith, on route to 6 touchdowns. Newcastle's methodical Double Wing struggled to keep the Raiders in touch as the well matched up Lions defence sought to do what it does best and shut down the run. The Raiders broke their scoring deadlock by returning a blocked extra point in the 4th Quarter, a testament to the fact that they kept fighting right up to the final whistle. It marks an impressive finale to the season for this unbeaten Lion's squad and especially Head Coach Tony Athersmith who has now brought the National Title back to Birmingham in only his second season in charge.

With this victory the South's Championship winning streak is further extended and a Southern team has now claimed the previous 6 National Titles. The North's last victory came back in 2003 when the Clansmen edged the 'Canes 22-17. Look for the North to try and win back some pride in the MVP game in a few weeks time.

Well the Predict-O-Matic backed the right horse in this (Grand) National Championship (as well as our guest predictor The All Seeing I) although was off with the scoreline as well as his pick for MVP, which went to Brum running back Mark Smith. As the season reaches its end we break down the 'Matic's record:

National Championship: 1-0 (100%)
Challenge Trophy Final: 1-0 (100%)
Playoffs: 15-1 (94%)
Regular Season: 60-10 (85%)

Total: 72-11 (87%)

I think we can safely say it was a successful year for the 'Matic and its not over yet as it will be back to make its pick for the BUAFL MVP game. Indeed although this was the final game of the BUAFL season we've still got lots to come here at the BUAFL Blog. We'll be rounding things off with some great articles including extensive coverage of the BUAFL MVP game as well as handing out some end of season awards. Watch this space.

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