1988 National Championship Game – The First Kitted Bowl Game!
Youtube video courtesy of ‘Naughty Badger’ on Youtube
Images screenshotted from the video.
1989 BYAFA Micro Two-Touch
In 1989, the British Youth American Football Association took another big step forward with the introduction of the Micro (Under-14) Two-Touch League, offering younger players a pathway into the game. With three regional conferences, fierce competition, and a national final held at Wembley Stadium, the inaugural micro season marked a milestone in grassroots gridiron.
📊 London Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Jets | 6 | 0 | 0 | 141 | 14 | 1.000* |
| London Ravens | 4 | 2 | 0 | 84 | 40 | 0.667* |
| Bournemouth Bearcats | 0 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 80 | 0.000 |
Summary:
The Heathrow Jets were unstoppable in the capital, racking up points while barely conceding any. The Ravens secured a playoff spot, but Heathrow’s dominance was absolute.
📊 Anglian Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newmarket Mustangs | 6 | 0 | 0 | 255 | 0 | 1.000* |
| Ramsey | 2 | 4 | 0 | 32 | 91 | 0.333* |
| Cambridge Crushers | 2 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 122 | 0.333 |
Summary:
Newmarket delivered a flawless season, shutting out every opponent and posting a staggering 255–0 points tally. Ramsey edged into the playoffs on points, while Cambridge showed promise despite tough matchups.
📊 Essex Conference
| Team | W | L | T | F | A | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford Cherokee Bucks | 6 | 0 | 0 | 117 | 12 | 1.000* |
| Tiptree Titans | 2 | 4 | 0 | 33 | 106 | 0.333 |
| Southend Sabres | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 119 | 0.000 |
Summary:
Chelmsford ran the table in Essex, dominating with a disciplined defense and efficient attack. Tiptree grabbed two wins, while Southend faced a challenging debut season.
🏈 Playoff Recap
The inaugural BYAFA Micro playoffs delivered a mix of drama and dominance. Despite being second-seeded, Ramsey shocked London Ravens in the Wild Card, while both conference champions—Heathrow and Newmarket—powered through the semi-finals.
🔹 Wild Card Round
- Ramsey 7–6 London Ravens
Summary:
A dramatic one-point upset saw Ramsey eliminate the Ravens and advance to the semis, despite finishing with a losing record.
🔹 Semi-Finals
- Newmarket Mustangs bt. Ramsey (score not listed)
- Heathrow Jets bt. Chelmsford Cherokee Bucks (score not listed)
Summary:
Both group leaders proved their class with confident wins. Heathrow dispatched the previously unbeaten Chelmsford, while Newmarket stayed perfect with another commanding victory.
🏆 Final – 6 August 1989, Wembley Stadium
Heathrow Jets 6–0 Newmarket Mustangs
A defensive showdown on the grandest stage of all. In a tight, physical championship game, the Heathrow Jets claimed the first-ever BYAFA Micro title with a 4th-quarter 1-yard sneak by game MVP and quarterback Duane Purdey. Newmarket’s incredible defensive streak finally ended—but they held their heads high after a dominant debut campaign.
🧩 Final Notes
- Heathrow Jets: National Champions, unbeaten, clinical when it counted.
- Newmarket Mustangs: Perfect regular season, 255–0 points tally, narrowly denied at Wembley.
- Ramsey: Shock wild-card winners, excellent playoff showing.
- Chelmsford Bucks: Regular-season dominance, edged out in the semis.
The 1989 Micro League not only set the foundation for the under-14 game in the UK—it showcased the future stars of British American football.
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