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.
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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch the final on Youtube! – HERE