Windlesham Jaguars progress to NFL Flag regional championships
220 players from 22 teams split into three different competitions, enjoyed an exciting day of stateside sport on the beautiful fields of Windlesham House
We recently hosted the regional NFL Flag tournament for the third time and it was certainly the biggest and best yet. 220 players from 22 teams split into three different competitions, enjoying an exciting day of stateside sport on the beautiful fields of Windlesham House. There was plenty to play for with three qualifying positions through to the regional finals available in each event.
The day started with a narrow loss for our more inexperienced U11 squad captained by Toby and Thomas but listening to Coach Wallis-Adams, there was quick improvement leading to impressive wins over Atelier 21 and Durrington to secure a playoff place. A hard fought win over Jolesfield put the home side in the semi-finals where they ran into a brick-wall against Thomas A Becket. The 3rd/4th playoff gave the team a final shot at qualification but in a rematch against Durrington, we just fell short. The team has plenty to be proud about finishing fourth. St Marys Primary went on to win the junior section.
Expectation was higher in the senior camp as holders. With such a strong group of players, two teams were entered. Playing against each in the first round - the first string Jaguars had a comfortable victory over the Warriors. Captain, quarterback and leading touchdown scorer two years in a row, Lucas alongside Max, in supreme form, the Jaguars were brilliant in their five group games, Warden Park and Cranleigh providing their sternest tests. The Warriors gathered momentum, playing superbly after lunch to beat Cranleigh and The Weald snatched the final semi-final spot.
The semi-final saw a slightly unfortunate re-match between our two home teams. While the result was the same, it was a very different game, quarterback Laith playing a great game with touchdowns by Maddie and Michael to seriously test the Jags. The Warriors had some 3rd/4th playoff heartbreak of their own against a strong Steyning Grammar side, winning inside the last minute. Steyning snatched victory with a late touchdown and with it the third qualification spot. Many of this squad will be back again next year for another go. The final saw Windlesham Jaguars take on Warden Park once again but as with last year's final, the team had saved their best until last, playing a near perfect match to shut out strong opposition 22-0.
March 2025