Lions and Titans win on BUCS Finals Day

After some near misses in the past two seasons the Birmingham Lions once more sit proudly at the top of the British University tree. This past Sunday in Leeds they overcome old adversary Stirling Clansmen 19-13 in a game as close as the scoreline suggests.

As was expected both teams defenses were on top for the majority of the game and the Lions had to rely on two well executed long passes to get a foothold in the game. On a bright, clear day perfect for football it was the Clansmen who opened the scoring when Alex Crowe caught a well-designed pass play from Andres Donat. The response was swift as the Lions’ Michael Akinlade hauled in a pass from Sammy-Lee Baker and raced 65 yards to the end zone.

Image courtesy of Andy Neale - Whizzyfingers Photography

Stirling started to boss the play and dominated for large periods but couldn’t punch the ball in. The Lions D had been on top form all year and that form didn’t desert them when it mattered. Two 4-and-outs and a blocked field goal were enough to galvanise the Birmingham offense and Xavier Ajuwon bulldozed his way in to score from 30 yards out, shrugging off would be tacklers.

13-7 down it was time for Stirling to bounce back and QB Donat tied the scores up when he dashed into the end zone. Akinlade then broke the tied game and got the winning score with another long run slicing through the Stirling D. The Lions D were not letting their colleagues on offense have the final say as they intercepted a last ditch Hail Mary to secure the win. Michael Akinlade was deservedly named the games MVP with his two scores proving pivotal moments in the game.

Image courtesy of Andy Neale - Whizzyfingers Photography

In the Division One title game the Swansea Titans prevailed over the NTU Renegades in another close game. NTU were first on the board with a short pass from Callum Doherty to Kieran Goncalves. After a fumble recovery for a touchdown the Titans were back in business. NTU tacked on a field goal but Swansea QB Joe Cotterill ran in for a short score before finding Rui Rodrigues for another TD. The Renegades kept on plugging away but couldn’t seem to find that killer touch that saw them progress through the playoffs, Swansea ending up 21-16 winners. Titans Jacob Amadi was named MVP with his bruising running help keep the clock ticking.