1989 JAFL Two-Touch
The 1989 JAFL Two-Touch Youth Season was one of the most expansive and competitive to date. With over 40 teams across 9 regional conferences, the league featured emerging dynasties, shocking upsets, and defensive dominance. From regular season excellence to a decisive championship win at Alexander Stadium, this season reflected the growing talent pool and structure of junior football in the UK.
📊 East London Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Rams | 7 | 0 | 1 | 205 | 17 |
| Monarchs | 5 | 2 | 1 | 87 | 25 |
| Basildon Wildcats | 4 | 4 | 0 | 82 | 95 |
| Biggin Hill Flyers | 1 | 6 | 0 | 38 | 103 |
| Waldron Warriors | 1 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 186 |
Summary:
The Kent Rams dominated East London with an unbeaten regular season, outscoring opponents by nearly 200 points. The Monarchs stayed competitive, but no one could match Kent’s blend of offense and defense.
📊 Southern Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farnham Knights | 8 | 0 | 0 | 133 | 18 |
| Thames Valley Chargers Jnrs | 5 | 3 | 0 | 117 | 31 |
| Eastleigh Royals | 4 | 4 | 0 | 45 | 129 |
| Basingstoke Ironsides | 1 | 5 | 0 | 43 | 98 |
| White Horse Warriors | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 160 |
Summary:
Farnham finished as one of only a few perfect teams across the nation. Their defense gave up just 18 points all year, while Thames Valley pushed hard for second place.
📊 East Midlands Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotherham Braves | 8 | 0 | 0 | 205 | 10 |
| Newark Vulcans Jnrs | 6 | 2 | 0 | 142 | 64 |
| Lincoln Bombers | 4 | 4 | 0 | 92 | 129 |
| Boston Blitz | 1 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 61 |
| Hull Bandits | 0 | 7 | 0 | 16 | 224 |
Summary:
Rotherham were a juggernaut, putting up 200+ points and conceding just 10. Newark also looked strong, but the Braves were the clear class of the division.
📊 Western Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Celts | 6 | 0 | 0 | 145 | 16 |
| Swansea Dragons Jnrs | 3 | 2 | 0 | 38 | 66 |
| Bristol Packers Jnrs | 2 | 3 | 0 | 22 | 117 |
| Hereford Charger Colts | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Summary:
Cardiff dominated the West, shutting out most of their opposition. Swansea were solid, but the Celts were one of the top defensive outfits in the league.
📊 East Anglian Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Coyotes | 8 | 0 | 2 | 236 | 12 |
| Norwich Demons | 7 | 2 | 1 | 51 | 27 |
| Colchester Eagles | 7 | 2 | 1 | 100 | 32 |
| North Sea Tigers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 48 | 73 |
| Ramsey | 3 | 7 | 0 | 25 | 167 |
| Tiptree Titans | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 149 |
Summary:
Cambridge were nearly perfect, dominating the division with a staggering 236 points scored. Norwich and Colchester were both strong, making this one of the deepest divisions in the league.
📊 West Midlands Conference (1)
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shropshire Giants | 8 | 0 | 0 | 404 | 19 |
| Lancashire Braves | 4 | 4 | 0 | 84 | 80 |
| Kingswinford Cobras | 3 | 5 | 0 | 56 | 229 |
| Swanshurst Raiders | 0 | 8 | 0 | 18 | 310 |
Summary:
Shropshire were terrifyingly good—over 400 points scored, just 19 allowed. Their offense was unmatched, and their defense just as formidable.
📊 West Midlands Conference (2)
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burton Barons Jnrs | 7 | 1 | 0 | 99 | 29 |
| Locomotive Derby Jnrs | 6 | 2 | 0 | 120 | 66 |
| Nottingham Caesars | 3 | 5 | 0 | 84 | 147 |
| Walsall Titans | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 179 |
Summary:
Burton and Derby went toe-to-toe in a competitive conference, but the Barons edged out the title. The rest struggled against the top-tier sides.
📊 Home Counties Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luton Junior Flyers | 8 | 0 | 0 | 160 | 11 |
| Northants Stormbringers | 6 | 2 | 0 | 135 | 43 |
| Chiltern Cheetahs | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 109 |
| Bedford Yearlings | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Summary:
Luton were clinical and composed, allowing just 11 points in 8 games. Northants weren’t far behind, making this another region of elite defensive play.
🏈 Playoff Recap
The postseason brought big matchups and stunning results. Despite going unbeaten in the regular season, multiple top teams were taken down in tense defensive battles. The Shropshire Giants and Kent Rams eventually emerged as the class of the field, earning spots in the 1989 final.
🔹 1st Round Divisional Playoffs
- Farnham Knights 8–0 Swansea Dragons Jnrs
- Cardiff Celts 28–6 Thames Valley Razorbacks
- Newark Vulcans Jnrs 6–0 Cambridge Coyotes
- Rotherham Braves 10–6 Norwich Demons
- Luton Junior Flyers 6–0 Monarchs
- Kent Rams 30–12 Northants Stormbringers
- Shropshire Giants 26–8 Locomotive Derby Jnrs
- Lancashire Braves 8–6 Burton Barons Jnrs
🔹 Quarter-Finals
- Rotherham Braves 41–0 Newark Vulcans Jnrs (some reports suggest 26–6)
- Kent Rams beat Farnham Knights
- Shropshire Giants beat Luton Junior Flyers
- Cardiff Celts beat Lancashire Braves
🔹 Semi-Finals
- Kent Rams 6–0 Cardiff Celts
- Shropshire Giants 6–0 Rotherham Braves
🏆 Final – Alexander Stadium, Birmingham
Kent Rams 28–0 Shropshire Giants
In one of the most dominant championship performances of the decade, the Kent Rams shut out the previously unbeaten Shropshire Giants, claiming the 1989 JAFL National Title. It was a complete team display—clinical on offense, airtight on defense, and a testament to the Rams’ resilience throughout the season.