Blackhawks so close to sealing a national championship place
NEWCASTLE Blackhawks flag American football team fell at the final hurdle in their bid for Brit Bowl glory.
The Tynesiders took part in the North of England and Scotland PlayOffs in Glasgow, from which two clubs would go on to contest the Bowl - the sport’s national championships.
The first play-off game for the Blackhawks was against the Dunbeth Dragons, which they won 26-13.
Torrential rain made it difficult for both offences.
However. the Blackhawks kept their noses in front with quarterback Ewan Miller finding Mantas Ceckauskas, Mike Dunn and Alan Bartholomew for touchdowns.
Blackhawks’ safety James Campbell sealed the match when he intercepted the Dragons’ quarterback and returned the ball for a touchdown.
The Blackhawks advanced to play the Sheffield Giants for a Brit Bowl place - but narrowly lost 32-25. The Giants had the ball first and their quarterback led them down field efficiently for an early touchdown.
Miller responded in exceptional fashion for the Blackhawks, first tossing a perfect ball which Bartholomew grabbed in the end zone for a touchdown, then returning to the same player running to the opposite side of the field for the extra point to tie the game.
The Giants went back ahead 19-7 at the break before Miller connected with Dunn and Ceckauskas to tie the game at 19-19.
The Giants’ offence nudged ahead again 25-19, the Blackhawks levelling again through Dunn before Sheffield sealed the victory.
Team captain Bartholomew said: “We were gutted not to make it to the nationals.
“However, the team has made massive strides and the future of flag football in the North East is certainly bright.”