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.
🏅 Game MVP:
Simon Paris (London Acorn Lasers) – for his electrifying 94-yard kickoff return touchdown.
📊 Scoring Summary
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.
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.