Great Britain have beaten Canada 20-13 to make it into the final of the Women’s World Championships for the first time in their history.
All photos credit: gw-images.com
The Lions defied the odds overcoming second-favourites Canada 20-13 on Wednesday to set up a final showdown with the USA on Sunday evening.
There were jubilant scenes as – with just seconds to go – wide receiver Siobhan Walker of the London Warriors scored the decisive touchdown.
The tournament – taking place in Vantaa, Finland – brought together the eight top-ranked teams in the world including European Champions Finland, and reigning World Champions United States.
”It was an incredible feeling, but I had every belief that we were going to score one way or another. The standard had been set and our focus was clear. We were ready to make history and show the world what Great Britain is about!”
Siobhan WalkerWide Receiver #27
Canada scored early, but a “pick-six” interception and touchdown by Lucy Peaty of the Surrey Stingers got GB back on track – selecting the perfect moment to score her first touchdown for the national team.
”To me, that touchdown made me feel so, so proud to wear the GB jersey. It really represented the hard work that everyone has put in over the last year. To get to that end zone and be surrounded by my teammates, my family, was just unbelievably amazing,”
Lucy PeatyDefensive Back #36
Sydney Green of the Birmingham Lions put Team GB ahead with rushing touchdown by the quarter-back at the midway point before Canada were able to level matters at 13-13 in the third quarter.
But Walker’s match winning catch in the end zone put-paid the second-favourites’ hopes in dramatic fashion.
”Playing against Canada was certainly the experience the team needed to put into practice all our hard work and efforts leading up to the competition. The intention was to put GB back on the map and inspire the future generations to come. I am proud of what we have achieved thus far and hope we can continue to set the standard leading to the final game.”
Vanessa MansarayOffensive Line #50
”Throughout our preparations for this tournament our goal was always to make history and create a legacy. The win against Canada validated all of the work, commitment and sacrifices everyone put in from players to coaches.
No matter the result on Sunday they can leave the field with their heads held high knowing they’ve made history and undoubtedly become trailblazers for the next generation.”
Chris StoneTeam GB Head Coach
