Fast. Fearless. Family. The mantra of the Great Britain U17 contact programme rang true on Sunday as they hosted an exhibition game against EXACT All American following a weekend of joint camp.
With a roster made up primarily of players new to the Great Britain programme, and consequently many new to the 11-a-side format, the Lions fought through a 0-14 defeat at the University of Derby Sports Centre.
Great Britain’s defense shone in particular, conceding just two scores against a technically and physically impressive side from EXACT.
Graduating linebacker and defensive captain Ethan Christie acknowledged just how significant the weekend had been for his side and highlighted the efforts of those behind-the-scenes in the programme.
“It’s been a crazy experience,” said Christie.
“As British guys you don’t get to compare yourselves to the next level in America, and so being able to compare and compete, even to win reps against these Americans has been an amazing opportunity.
“As a defensive captain I love these boys so much, and to see everyone ball out not just my position group but everyone, we were so hyped today and such a unit.
“Nothing happens without Rebecca and Mark [Nequest], they have been the glue that holds us together. Mikey [Davies] is our leader, I think we’d all say that we’d fight for Mikey and we love him to bits, for everything he does on the field and behind the scenes.”
