A dominant performance from saw Great Britain women defeat Sweden 40-0 in the IFAF European Championship. The Lions scored an impressive six touchdowns with scores by Ruth Matta, Siobhan Walker, Sydney Green, Angelina Fisher and two from Stephanie Wyant, who also earned MVP.
The result at the Sixways Stadium, Worcester on Saturday meant Great Britain got off to the best possible start in the first game of 10 to be played over the next 18 months as part of a round-robin tournament to decide the IFAF European Champions.
It was sweet revenge for the Lions over Sweden – who fell to 9-6 defeat when the two nations last met in Leeds at the 2019 European Championships. And the history between the two nations goes back further – with the game also marking the 10th anniversary of GB Women making their debut on the international stage – also against the Scandinavians.
A jubilant Wyant, who was giving the opportunity to rep offence for the first time, gleefully took full advantage: “It was amazing today. The girls did me proud on blocking which made my life very easy,” she said.
Head Coach Chris Stone said: “We’ve got a great offensive line and that’s where it all starts. It makes so many things possible. I don’t have to rely on any one individual and that’s the way we look at things on offence. Whether it’s the running backs, receivers or quarter backs. We don’t have one player that needs to carry the load. I’ve got multiple Ferraris in the garage.”
The defensive also drew much credit. Defensive Co-ordinator Wayne Hill added: “We had objectives to start fast, play physical and do our job. We have a lot of athletes on our defensive unit and were able to showcase that today. We know that if we control the tempo we are going to be good.”
The Lions now look ahead to a trip to Germany in May.
Images: Geoff White
