Tiptree Titans 21–6 Gateshead Senators
Relive the game courtesy of Neil Saunders on Youtube.
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.
Tiptree Titans 10 – 6 London Acorn Lasers
📍 Venue: ?
📅 Final Score: Tiptree Titans 10, London Acorn Lasers 6
A defensive battle and special teams showcase highlighted the 1988 JAFL National Final, where the Tiptree Titans edged out the London Acorn Lasers in a hard-fought 10–6 victory.
Both teams got off to a slow start offensively, with the first quarter ending scoreless. Tiptree’s kicker Simon Dobinson broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a 40-yard field goal, recovering from a missed 27-yarder earlier in the game to give the Titans a 3–0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw the game spring to life. Titans quarterback Dominic Harvey connected with James Cooke to advance deep into Laser territory. On a cleverly executed fake field goal, holder and free safety Stephen Lamb threw to Michael Lane in the endzone for the game’s only offensive touchdown. Dobinson added the extra point, giving Tiptree a 10–0 lead.
The Lasers struck back immediately—Simon Paris returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a stunning special teams touchdown, thanks to strong blocking up front. However, their two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving them trailing 10–6.
Despite both teams battling hard in the fourth quarter, the scoreline held. Tiptree’s defense tightened up, while the Lasers struggled to find rhythm on offense.
Simon Paris (London Acorn Lasers) – for his electrifying 94-yard kickoff return touchdown.
| Quarter | Team | Scoring Play | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | — | No Scoring | 0–0 |
| Q2 | Tiptree Titans | Simon Dobinson – 40-yard Field Goal | 3–0 |
| Q3 | Tiptree Titans | Michael Lane – 20-yard Pass from Stephen Lamb (XP Good) | 10–0 |
| London Lasers | Simon Paris – 94-yard Kick Return (2XP Failed) | 10–6 | |
| Q4 | — | No Scoring | 10–6 |
Tiptree’s clever play-calling and disciplined defense were the difference on the day, as they lifted the 1988 Junior American Football League Championship and etched their name into the early history of British youth gridiron.