1989 BYAFA Kitted
The 1989 BYAFA Kitted League season delivered a thrilling and hard-fought campaign across the UK, with rising regional powers, breakout teams, and a final that capped one of the most competitive youth kitted seasons to date. With six regional conferences and standout programs from every corner of Britain, the stage was set for a compelling playoff and a deserving national champion.
📊 Northern Conference
| Team | W | L | T | PF | PA | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateshead Senators | 8 | 0 | 0 | 178 | 54 | 1.000* |
| Steel City Warriors | 6 | 2 | 0 | 136 | 64 | 0.750 |
| Glasgow Lions | 5 | 3 | 0 | 112 | 91 | 0.625 |
| Mancunian Colts | 3 | 4 | 0 | 30 | 100 | 0.429 |
| Leeds Cougars | 2 | 5 | 0 | 32 | 169 | 0.286 |
| Wirral Wolves | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.000 |
Summary:
The Senators were untouchable in the North, going a perfect 8–0 and boasting one of the strongest point differentials in the country. Steel City and Glasgow proved strong contenders, but Gateshead were clearly a cut above.
📊 South Eastern Conference
| Team | W | L | T | PF | PA | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiptree Titans | 6 | 1 | 1 | 187 | 20 | 0.813* |
| Essex Buccaneers | 3 | 2 | 0 | 34 | 25 | 0.600* |
| South Herts | 4 | 3 | 0 | 127 | 26 | 0.571 |
| Southend Sabres | 2 | 3 | 1 | 57 | 102 | 0.500 |
| Colchester Gladiators | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 234 | 0.000 |
Summary:
Tiptree led the way with a powerful offense and stingy defense, conceding just 20 points all year. Essex and South Herts also looked dangerous, but no one could keep pace with the Titans’ consistency.
📊 Central Conference
| Team | W | L | T | PF | PA | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delyn Valley Heroes | 7 | 0 | 0 | 149 | 24 | 1.000* |
| Nottingham | 4 | 2 | 1 | 77 | 66 | 0.643 |
| West Brom | 3 | 3 | 1 | 36 | 73 | 0.500 |
| Chester Romans | 3 | 4 | 0 | 38 | 129 | 0.429 |
| Stoke Hurricanes | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 |
Summary:
Delyn Valley were flawless, boasting a perfect season and a defense that gave up just 24 points. Behind them, Nottingham and West Brom competed well, but the Heroes were dominant.
📊 Capital Conference
| Team | W | L | T | PF | PA | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ealing Eagles | 7 | 0 | 0 | 88 | 29 | 1.000* |
| Maidstone Pumas | 5 | 2 | 0 | 37 | 38 | 0.714 |
| Medway | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 25 | 0.000 |
| London Ravens | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 33 | 0.000 |
Summary:
The Eagles soared to an undefeated record in the capital, shutting down opponents and keeping every game under control. Maidstone kept it close, but Ealing’s balance secured them the top spot.
📊 South Western Conference
| Team | W | L | T | PF | PA | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth Warriors | 5 | 1 | 1 | 136 | 36 | 0.786* |
| Cheltenham Chieftains | 4 | 3 | 0 | 130 | 75 | 0.571 |
| Bournemouth Jnr Bobcats/Renegades | 1 | 4 | 1 | 34 | 118 | 0.250 |
| Swindon Samuri | 1 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 99 | 0.200 |
Summary:
Portsmouth led the South West with strength and scoring power, while Cheltenham followed closely. Despite a late-season default, the Warriors looked poised for a playoff run.
🏈 Playoff Recap
The 1989 BYAFA playoffs saw some of the most exciting and unpredictable action of the year. While dominant teams like Gateshead, Ealing, and Tiptree held true to form, surprises came in the form of defaults, tight overtimes, and narrow victories on the biggest stage.
🔹 1st Round Playoffs
- Tiptree Titans 1–0 Portsmouth Warriors (default – Portsmouth did not turn up)
- Ealing Eagles 8–0 Essex Buccaneers
- Gateshead Senators – advanced (score not listed)
- Steel City Warriors beat Delyn Valley Heroes
Summary:
Tiptree advanced via a surprising forfeit, while Ealing cruised past Essex. The biggest upset came as the Steel City Warriors stunned the undefeated Delyn Valley Heroes, eliminating one of the league’s most dominant regular-season teams.
🔹 Semi-Finals
- Gateshead Senators 20–15 Steel City Warriors
- Tiptree Titans 12–6 Ealing Eagles (Overtime) – Watch on YouTube! – HERE
Summary:
A thrilling pair of semifinals! Gateshead narrowly edged their Northern rivals in a physical showdown, while Tiptree and Ealing went the distance, with the Titans advancing thanks to an overtime score.
🏆 Final – Moorways Stadium, Derby
Tiptree Titans 21–6 Gateshead Senators
Summary:
The final was a statement game for Tiptree, who controlled both sides of the ball. After surviving OT in the semis, they came out firing and comfortably dispatched the Senators. The Titans’ defense was suffocating, and their offense hit at key moments—earning them the 1989 BYAFA Kitted League Championship.
🧩 Final Notes
- Tiptree Titans: National champions, elite defense, clutch in overtime.
- Gateshead Senators: Undefeated regular season, strong playoff run.
- Ealing Eagles & Steel City Warriors: Fantastic seasons, fell just short in close semi-finals.
- Delyn Valley Heroes: Dominant in the regular season, shocked in the opening round.
Watch the final on Youtube! – HERE