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Team List - L |
| L8 RAIDERS Based:
Wirral Wolves Training Ground, Arrowe Park & Birkenhead Rugby Club, Merseyside 1986 JAFFA Western Conference 6-0-0* LA PANTHERS Based: Fisher Athletic (also played at Herne Hill Stadium, Herne
Hill, London & Monkshill Sports Centre) 1991 BNGL Premier Division Midlands Conference 9-1-0* Team notes: The London Area Panthers started in 1985, and played 5 friendlies in 1986. At this time they were known as the Peckham Panthers. They won the Capital League title in 1987. Joined the BNGL in 1988 where they won every regular season game before losing in the first round of the playoffs. Also made playoffs in 1991 after winning the Midlands Conference of the BNGL Premier Division. Folded in 1991. Based: ? Team Notes: Played Eliburn Eagles in a friendly in 1986, losing 18-6. Based: Globe Stadium, Motherwell, Scotland 1988 Budweiser League Premier Division Scottish Conference 0-10-0 Team Notes: Played in the Budweiser Premier Division in 1988 and finished with a 0-10-0 record. Played in Britain's first purpose built American football stadium. Erected at a cost of �500,000. LANCASTER BOMBERS Based: Lancaster University 2002/2003 BCAFL
Northern Conference Eastern Division 4-4-0 Team notes: Northern University side who have made playoffs in 3 of the last 6 seasons. Competed in the Scottish Division for the first time in 2000/2001. Founded in 1990. LANCASTER BOMBERS Based: Heysham High School, Morecambe (also played at King George
Playing Fields, Morecambe) 1992 BNGL First Division North Western Conference 4-5-1 Team notes: Competed in the BNGL between 1988 and 1992, but failed to make the playoffs on any occasion. Were heavily reliant on personnel from the university. LANCASHIRE CHIEFTAINS Based: Chorley FC (also played at Deepdale Stadium, Preston,
Lancashire) 1989 BNGL Premier Division Northern B
Conference 3-7-0
Team notes: Competed in the Budweiser League and BNGL between 1986 and 1989. Got some players from the Leyland Roadrunners who merged into them. Didn't ever make the playoffs but did have a great year in 1987 winning 7 games out of 10. LANCASHIRE WOLVERINES Based: Harper Green Leisure Centre, Harper Green
Road, Farnworth, Bolton (also played at Leverhulme Park and
at Park Hall Sports and Leisure Club, Lancashire & Standish High School)
2003 BSL Division One Northern Conference 5-2-1* Team notes: Competed ever since 1989 and have been ever present. Were formed from the remnants of the Wigan Wolverines, and were bolstered by the merger with the Lancashire Chieftains in 1990. Competed in the BNGL during it's 6 year existence, and thereafter have been in the BAFA/BSL. Have made the playoffs on 7 occasions, but have yet to win a Bowl. Reached the BSL Division Two final in 1998. Promoted to Division One in 2002, and finished that season with a 3-7-0 record. Solidified in 2003, and compiled a winning record in Division One with a 5-2-1 record. They were destroyed 50-8 by the Birmingham Bulls in the playoffs though. LEE VALLEY COLTS Based: Lee Valley, London Team notes: Record unknown, but became All-England Youth champions, in 1986, with a 22-2 victory against the Leeds Cougars. LEE VALLEY GIANTS Based: Lee Valley, London Team notes: Played Oxford Saints in 1989. Believed to have been the reformed side of the Barbarians. LEE VALLEY WARRIORS Based: Eaton Manor Sports Centre, Lee
Valley, London
1986 Budweiser League Atlantic Premier Conference 1-9-0 Team notes: Played for the 1986 season in the Budweiser League winning one game. LEEDS CELTICS Based: Leeds University 2002/2003 BCAFL
Northern Conference Eastern Division 8-0-0* Team notes: They were the surprise team of the year in 1990/1991, losing only two regular-season games and defeating Strathclyde in the playoffs before losing to East Anglia. This initial success was achieved by good coaching, enthusiasm and the help of some experienced American players. The 1991-92 season saw a continuation of the Celtics' strong performance, as they won the Northern conference in the regular season before losing to eventual College Bowl finalists Glasgow 14-8 in a very hard fought encounter. In 1992-93 Leeds took yet another step forward, finishing the regular season undefeated and advancing to College Bowl VII, where the Celtics were finally stopped by Southampton 19-0. Following the College Bowl, coach Damian Bayford organised a college allstar team, including a great number of Leeds players, which defeated two German college teams. 1993-94 saw the Celtics finish second behind Glasgow during the regular season with a 6-0-2 record, despite winning every game they played. However, their drive to a second consecutive College Bowl was derailed in the fourth quarter of the Northern Conference Championship Game, as Glasgow came from 6-0 down to win 20-6. Five Leeds players were then selected for the first Great Britain national team; Tyrone White earned both player of the game in the Oregon All-Star game and co-defensive player of the Bulldogs' season. With the league realignment into divisions in 1994-95, the Celtics struggled but still won their first division title. They were then once again eliminated from the playoffs by Glasgow, this time by a score of 42-0.After a 24-14 loss to Loughborough in the 1995-96 opener, the Celtics hammered their other opponents, rolling up a record 296 points in winning the Eastern Division and finishing 7-1. Two victories on the road - at Strathclyde and at Loughborough - preceded the Celtics' 14-8 victory against Cardiff in College Bowl X, marking Leeds' first national title. Leeds' hopes for a second national title were obliterated in the playoffs by Loughborough 43-0.Leeds Celtics went a perfect 8-0 in the 1997-98 season, amassing 393 points and winning the Northern Conference Eastern Division. After wins against Hull and Glasgow , the Celtics season ended with a surprise loss to Hertfordshire in College Bowl XII. The Celtics won their fourth division title in five years, despite losing to Loughborough in week 2 of the season at home. They beat Strathclyde in the first round of the playoffs which set up a Northern Conference Championship game at Loughborough. Leeds were eliminated from the playoffs after a 20-14 loss to their bitter rivals. Leeds failed to make the playoffs for the first time in their 10 year history, coming runners up to Lancaster in the Division. However the Celtics had the pleasure of ending Lancaster's perfect record when the Bombers were beat in their final regular season game 6-0 in Leeds. Had a perfect regular season in 2002/2003 securing the Eastern division title, but fell in the first round of the playoffs. LEEDS COBRAS Based: Headingley Rugby Club (also played at Leeds University Rugby
Union Pitch, Oxley Hall, Weetwood, Leeds & Farsley Celtic FC) 1991 BNGL Premier Division North Eastern Conference 5-3-0 Team notes: Became the second senior kitted side in Leeds in 1986 when they joined the AAFC. Were strong in their first real test in the Budweiser League in 1987, but club struggled thereafter due to the travelling that they had to undertake. Folded in 1991 after two seasons in the BNGL. LEEDS COUGARS
Based: Odsal Stadium, Bradford (also played at Leeds United FC,
Elland Road, Leeds & Bramley Rugby League ground, Mclaren, Bramley, Yorks) Senior Kitted 1995 BAFA Division One 0-10-0 Youth Kitted 1995 BYAFA Northern Division 0-3-0
Based: Saffron Lane Stadium, Saffron Lane, Leicester 1998 BSL Division Two North Eastern Conference 2-7-1 Team notes: The second Senior Kitted side to take up the game in Leicester following the Panthers. Formed from a group of pub friends in 1984. Made the playoffs in their first 4 seasons, making the 1988 BNGL Final. Hopped leagues in their existence from BNGL to CGL to NCMMA back to the BNGL and then onto the BAFA and BSL. Run by former Leicester Panther general manager Cliff Parr. Folded at the end of 1998. LEICESTER HURRICANES Based: Leicester 1995 BYAFA Northern Conference 4-0-0* Team notes: Youth Kitted side who competed between 1993 and 1995. Made playoffs in 1994 and 1995 though failed to make an impact. LEICESTER LEMMINGS Based: Saffron Lane Stadium, Leicester 2001/2002 BCAFL
Northern Conference Central Division 4-3-1 Team notes: University side from Leicester. Have had some great sides over the years notably in 1994, when they reached College Bowl VIII (losing to Glasgow) and 2000, when they reached College Bowl XIV (lost to Hertfordshire). Have made playoffs in 2 out of the last 3 seasons. Became known as the Leicester Lightning in 2002. LEICESTER LIGHTNING Based: Saffron Lane Stadium, Saffron Lane, Leicester. 2002/2003 BCAFL
Northern Conference Western Division 0-8-0 LEICESTER PANTHERS Based: Saffron Lane Stadium, Saffron Lane, Leicester Senior Kitted 1996 BSL Division One Northern Conference 9-1-0* Youth Kitted 1992 BYAFA Western Division - pulled out before season started Team notes: Top flight side throughout their existence (1985 to 1996). Only once failed to post a winning record (1989), and that was the only season they failed to make the playoffs. Started in the AFL in 1985 going unbeaten in the regular season, losing 40-14 to the London Ravens in the semi-finals. Secured a �40,000 sponsorship deal before the 1986 season. They joined the BAFL in 1986, and lost 27-15 away to Glasgow Lions in the semi-finals. They joined the Budweiser League in 1987, and again qualified for the playoffs where they defeated Chelmsford Cherokee 41-0, and then lost 42-16 at Boundary Park to the Manchester Allstars in the semi-finals.
In 1988, they lost to the London Olympians 27-17 in the quarter-finals. 1989 was a poor season as they rebuilt for the 1990 NDMA season. Quarter-final defeats in successive seasons led to the 1992 season where they reached a final for the first time ever. They won 28-12 at Brighton B-52s in the quarter-finals, and then won 21-9 at Birmingham Bulls. However, the Panthers were no match for the London Olympians in the final as they went down 34-6. 1993 was another good year as they record a 7-3 regular season record on their way to another semi-final. This time they lost away to the Glasgow Lions 27-24 in one of the best games of all-time. Another narrow semi-final defeat followed in 1994 as they went down 26-20 in OT at Syston Rugby Club against the Birmingham Bulls. Birmingham were again the victors in the 1995 season as they won 36-19 in the semi-final again! In 1996 they won the BSL Division One Final for the first time in their existence with a 10-6 win against Milton Keynes. That should have been the springboard to further success but they mysteriously folded at the end of the season. Were quarterbacked by former Chicago Bear (and current Dallas Cowboys coach) Sean Payton. LEIGH RAZORBACKS Based: Leigh 1986 BAFL Friendly conference 2-4-0 Team notes: Competed between 1985 and 1986, making the playoffs of the AAFC in 1985. LEYLAND ROADRUNNERS LICHFIELD AFC Based: Lichfield FC 1989 BNGL First Division Northern C Conference 1-7-0 Team notes: Formerly known as the Lichfield Marauders. Competed in the BNGL in 1989, finishing with a 1-7-0 record in the First Division Northern C Conference. LINCOLN BOMBERS Based: Rushton Marconi Sports (also played at Lincoln City FC,
Sincil Bank) Senior Kitted 1989 CGL Duke Premier Division Northern Conference 7-3-0* Youth Kitted 1991 BYAFA North East Conference 4th Youth Two Touch 1989 JAFL East Midlands Conference 4-4-0 Team notes: Restructured in 1987 as a limited company with strong local community links – adopted a school for the physically disabled. Competed at a senior kitted level between 1987 and 1989 making the playoffs on each occasion. Also had a Youth side who competed for 4 seasons between 1988 and 1991. Started as a two touch side and in their first season went unbeaten in the regular season. Lost 19-7 to Wrekin Giants Jnrs in the first round of the playoffs. Mediocre record in 1989, before turning kitted in 1990. Played 2 seasons in the BYAFA North East Conference finishing 4th on each occasion. LINCOLN SAINTS Based: Mulsane Park, Greenfields, Nettleham,
Lincolnshire 1993 BNGL First Division Northern Conference 9-1-0*
Team notes: Played in the BNGL between 1992 and 1993. Won the 1993 BNGL First Division Bowl with a 51-14 win against Redbridge Fire. The chairman was the father of current Nottingham Caesar's WR Ian McCartney LISCARD LIZARDS Based: Liscard 1986 JAFFA Western Conference record unknown Team Notes: Took part in what is believed to have been the first youth two touch league in the UK in 1986. The Lizards competed in the Western Conference but their record is unknown. LIVINGSTONE CHIEFTAINS Based: Craigswood Gridiron, Livingstone, Scotland 1989 CGL Baron First Division Scottish Conference 0-4-0 Team Notes: Competed in the 1989 CGL, losing their 4 games in the Baron First Division Scottish Conference. Known as Lothian Chieftains previously. LOCOMOTIVE DERBY
Based: Moorways Stadium, Derby Senior Kitted 1988 Budweiser League Premier Division North Midlands Conference
6-4-0
Youth Two Touch 1989 JAFL West Midlands Conference 6-2-0* Lost 26-8 at Shropshire in
1st round Team Notes: Won the AAFC championship in 1985 with a 42-21 victory over Leigh Razorbacks in the final. Won the Steel Bowl in 1985. Merged with the Burton Barons in 1990, to form the Burton/Derby Federals. LONDON ACORN LASERS Based: Willesden Stadium, London 1988 JAFL London & East Conference 8-0-0*  A poor quality photo, but Acorn (red shirts) are in action in this game against Northants Storm in the 1988 JGL semi-final. Photo courtesy of M.Elliott Team Notes: Youth Two Touch side. Formerly known as the Acorn Invaders who competed in 1987. The London Acorn Lasers went through the regular season 8-0. In the playoffs they defeated the reigning champion Kent Rams 24-14, Maidstone Pumas 16-6, Northants Storm 10-0 in the semi-finals. In the final they met their match in Tiptree Titans who defeated them 10-6. One of the best Youth Two Touch sides of all-time though. LONDON BARONS Based: LRT Sports Ground, Beckingham 1991 BNGL National Division South East Conference 8-1-1* Team Notes: Competed in the BNGL in 1990 and 1991, making the playoffs in 1991. LONDON BLITZ
Based: Linford Christie Stadium, Du Cane Road,
East Acton, London (have played at Cranford, London) Senior Kitted Youth Kitted 2001 BYAFA Southern West Conference 1-5-0 Team Notes: Formed in 1995 after a name change from the Hayes Generals (when Ealing Eagles and Woking Generals merged to form the Hayes Generals they agreed they would play for one season, and then a new name would be chosen) and entered the BAFA Division Three where they reached the first round of the playoffs. Joined the BSL in 1996 and again made the playoffs after a 8-2-0 season. In 1996, they lost out in the first round of the play-off's to Birmingham Bulls II thanks to two missed field goals inside the two minute warning. Promoted to BSL Division One in 1997, but have yet to make a real impact. Have a strong youth set-up with kitted and cadet flag teams - the Youth Kitted side entered the BYAFA league for the first time in 2001. LONDON BROWNS Based: Willesden Stadium, London Team Notes: Established with half of the original London Mets. Played only friendlies in 1985. Became known as the London Lasers in 1986. LONDON CAPITALS YOUTH Based: Finsbury Park, London Youth Kitted 2002 BYAFA English Southern Conference 4-1-0 Junior Two Touch 1993 BYAFA 2-2* Won Bowl 8-6 against Tiger Bay
Team Notes: Founded in 1990, and have won national titles in 1995
and 1999. Have compiled a great record over the years. Three Capitals have been able to
attend American Universities with financial aid. They play American Football and receive a
first class education. One Capital, Tario Mundawarara, now also wears a Championship ring
for Div I football. One Capital, Jason Byworth, embarked upon a professional career in
football, becoming the youngest player, at 19, in the London Monarchs history. He has also
played for the Scotland Claymores. Tom Britton leads as QB for SUNY Morrisville. Bobby
Henderson is continuing his education at Averett University in Virginia, where he plays
linebacker. Based: Terrence MacMillan Stadium (also played at The Willows Sports
Ground, Beckton, East London & Herne Hill Stadium) 1992 BNGL National Division South/East Midlands Conference 3-7-0 Team Notes: Founded in 1986 after merger with East London Braves and were Division Two champions in the same year. Further strengthened in 1987 by influx of Stock Exchange Stags players. They joined the CGL in 1989, and then between 1990 and 1991 had great success winning two championships. The NCMMA in 1990 with a 31-8 win against Essex Buccanneers, and then a 52-7 win against Clydesdale Colts in the BNGL National Division final in 1991. Folded in 1992. Started a great youth set-up which continues to this day. LONDON EXPRESS Based: Northwick Park Sports Ground, North Wembley, Middlesex, London (trained at Vale
Farm Sports Centre, North Wembley, Middlesex) 1991 BNGL First Division South Capital Conference 2-6-0 Team Notes: Competed for one season in the BNGL in 1991. Started a player who played for the Miami Dolphins in the strike years. A
large section LONDON GATORS (senior kitted) Based: North Ealing Sports Centre, London 1991 BNGL National Division South Eastern Conference 3-7-0 LONDON GATORS (senior flag) Based: Twickenham Rugby Club, London 2001 BSFL 5-0-1*
Team Notes: Entered the British Senior Flag League in 2001 and went through the season unbeaten. Mix of North American players and British players. Won the title with a 22-14 win over Canterbury Coyotes.
LONDON HURRICANES
Based: Darrick Wood School, Orpington,
Kent 2002 British Senior Flag League National
Conference 0-4-0
Team Notes: Senior flag team from Kent. Entered the BSFL for the 2001 season. They played two regular season game (losing 14-12 to Canterbury and 14-0 to London Gators) before pulling out due to a shortage of players. Rejoined in 2002, but again just played two games before dropping out of the league through a lack of players. LONDON LASERS Based: Willesden Stadium, London 1989 CGL Duke Premier Division Southern Conference 6-4-0 Team Notes: Established with half of the original London Mets. Previously known as the London Browns. Competed in the Budweiser League for three seasons and then folded after their one season in the CGL in 1989. Coached by Kurt Smeby in 1988. LONDON METS
Based: Metropolitan Sports Club, Aldenham Road,
Bushey, Watford, Hertfordshire 2003 BSL Division One Southern Conference 0-2-1 Team Notes: The team was formed in September 1986 by Dave George & Mark Hoare, who both shared the same dream & love for American Football. In 1987 the Mets joined the 'Capital League' and finished the season with 5 wins & 5 defeats. In 1988 joined the newly formed 'British Gridiron Football league' or BGFL & recorded 3 wins & 5 defeats. The Mets were formally accepted into the MPAA. 1989 started tragically, when on their opening game of the season against the Watford Scorpions, Dave George, founder club secretary & player collapsed on the pitch & died shortly afterwards in hospital. The season saw the team finish with 4 wins & 6 losses. 1990 saw the realisation of Dave's dream, of playing an American police side, when on the 28th of April they played the NYPD at Imber Court. Although finally defeated 46-0, lessons were learnt & lasting friendships made with the prospect of the return match in New York to look forward to. The season finished with 5 wins & 5 defeats. In 1991 Rosie Watts was appointed as Head Coach and in New York the Mets were beaten 33-0 by the NYPD. There was a glimmer of hope when they almost scored a touchdown on a kick-off return. With all the excitement of the 'away game' the domestic season suffered with the team slumping to 2 wins & 8 defeats. 1992 saw the team with 3 wins 5 defeats & 2 ties, the highlight of the year was when they defeated the US Airbase at High Wycombe on their 4th & last meeting 26-0, this meant they kept the trophy. In 1993 Tom Smith was Head Coach & the team posted it's first winning season going 7 wins 3 losses in the 1st Division & also reaching the first round of the playoffs for the first time. 1994 started off with a match against the Tampa Bay Guardians at the National Stadium at Crystal Palace in January. Although losing 22-0 the team showed considerable promise, making the Guardians work hard for every yard. Unfortunately this was not reflected in the domestic league with 2 wins & 8 losses, though because of injuries & work commitments 3 games had to be forfeited. 1995 saw the return match against the Guardians in Tampa Bay in March played at the University of Southern Florida. It was played at 2pm on a sunny 80� Sunday with the humidity at 90%. The team after a long hard battle succumbed to a 42 - 2 defeat. On their return the team was only able to compete in three regular season games before suspending the remainder of our fixtures. In 1996 a reformed Mets took to the field with new kit and finished 2 - 8 an improvement of the previously disappointing 1995 season. In 1997, and now in Division 2, Midlands Conference, the team was pitted against some old adversaries. And continuing on last year's momentum the team saw further improvement to finish the season with 4 wins, 5 losses and 1 tied match. 1998 saw the start of a fresh campaign and the beginning of greater achievements. New Head Coach Brian Smallworth, with returning Coach Bob Shaw along with Manager AIf Kendry saw the team become a "Class Act" when it became the 1998 Division Two South East Conference Champions with a 7-1-1 record. The team progressed into the play-offs where it won in the quarter finals against the Tiger Bay Warriors 13-12 reaching the semi-finals for the first time in it's history where it met the Southern Sundevils to lose by the narrowest of margins 6-10. A lack of linemen meant that they were forced to withdraw from the BSL in the early stages of their 2003 campaign. LONDON MONARCHS Based: Wembley Stadium, London (1991-1992), White Hart Lane,
Tottenham, London (1995-1996), Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London (1997) 1997 WLAF 4-6-0
Team Notes: On August 3rd 1990, London was awarded the eighth
franchise in the new 12-team World League of American Football, the first major
professional sports league to stage regular season games on two continents. Known as the
'Monarchs', the team's first home was Wembley Stadium, their first general manager was
Billy Hicks and their first player was British running back Victor X Ebubedike, now known
as Victor Muhammad. On March 23rd 1991, in the opening game in World League history, the
Monarchs defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 24-11. Led by coach Larry Kennan, who had been the
offensive co-ordinator of the Indianapolis Colts before coming to the UK, the team marched
to a 9-1 regular season record, drawing an average crowd of over 40,000 to their home
games. Among the club's big name players were QB Stan Gelbaugh, safety Dedrick 'The Blade'
Dodge, linebackers Danny Lockett and Marlon 'Space Dog' Brown, defensive tackle Roy Hart,
running back Judd Garrett and receiver Jon Horton. On June 9th 1991, Wembley hosted World
Bowl '91, the league's championship game, and 61,108 partisan fans cheered as London were
crowned the World League's first champions, avenging their only loss of the season by
defeating the Barcelona Dragons 21-0. During that first season, the English kicker Phil
Alexander kicked 8 of 13 field-goals and added 37 extra points to be voted The 1996 season was a difficult one for the Monarchs, who began the campaign in a blaze of publicity following the signing of former Chicago Bears defender William 'Refrigerator' Perry. Hammond was released after opening the season with two losses but his replacement - offensive co-ordinator Lionel Taylor - steadied the ship as the team rallied to a 4-6 record. London's attendances rose by 25 per cent.In December 1996, Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC, was named as the Monarchs new venue. London had played the final game of 1996 at the stadium and attracted over 11,000 fans. 1997 began with Alton Byrd being appointed as the team's third general manager following the resignation of Moores in December. Just days later, Muhammad created history when he was named as a London national player for the fifth straight season - a World League record. However, once again the Monarchs could only manage a 4-6 record as injuries took a heavy toll particularly at quarterback where five different players were used. Two of the few high points of the difficult season were a pair of victories over arch rivals the Scottish Claymores. The final game of the 1997 season saw Taylor reappointed as head coach for the following year. The off-season was a momentous one in the franchise's history with the name being changed to 'England Monarchs' in October. It was also announced that the team would play at three different home venues in 1998 - three games at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (south London), one at Ashton Gate Stadium (Bristol) and another at Alexander Stadium (Birmingham). Led by QB Stan Gelbaugh, the Monarchs dominated WLAF competition on their way to the 1991 World Bowl Trophy. Gelbaugh returned to the Monarchs in 1992, but he was unable to find the success he found in 1991. After almost putting together a perfect season in 1991, London fell to the bottom of the European Division in their second season. In 1998 they became known as the English Monarchs, but at the end of that season the Monarchs were withdrawn as a NFL Europe side and the Berlin Thunder took their place. Victor Muhammad, who had spent all six seasons with the Monarchs before retiring after the 1998 campaign compiled career figures of 116 carries for 416 yards and 4 touchdowns. LONDON OLYMPIANS II Based: Southwark Park, London 1995 BAFA Division Two South Eastern Conference 7-3-0* Team Notes: London Olympians second string who entered the league also. Made playoffs in each of their 3 seasons, which showed how competed the O’s were at the time. Won the BAFA Division Four Bowl with a 48-6 win against Trent Valley Warriors. LONDON RAIDERS Based: ?, London 1984 Merit Table 0-2-0 Team Notes: Played friendlies between 1984 and 1985. Lost both games in 1984. LONDON RAVENS Based: Copthorne Stadium, Barnet (also played at Richmond Athletic
Ground, Twickenham Road, Richmond) Senior Kitted 1991 NDMA Southern Conference 2-7-1
 The feared combination of Victor and Mark Wynnick
1993 BYAFA Southern Conference 0-4-0 Youth Two Touch 1987 JAFL London Western Conference 4-4-0* Lost 10-0 against Streatham Olympians in 1st round of playoffs Junior Two Touch 1989 BYAFA Micro League London Conference 4-2-0* Lost 7-6 against Ramsey in wildcard Team Notes: Like so many other British teams, the London Ravens were created out of the overwhelming enthusiasm for football created by the week Channel 4 NFL show, which began in 1982. Just a few weeks after the first show was screened, a group of would-be Ravens had already gathered in London’s Hyde Park. This small band of hopefuls swelled to over 200 after a story went out on a London radio station. Suddenly Hyde Park became as famous for spotting Ravens’ training sessions as it always has been for it’s Speakers’ Corner. It was 1983 before the first formal matches were played – two wins against Northwich Spartans (who later became the Manchester Spartans) and a 6-6 tie with the Paris Castors. That was the first ever international match involving a British team. There were also two controlled scrimmages against US Air Force base team Chicksands. These last two encounters gave an indication of what was to come. In the first scrimmage, the Ravens held Chicksands to a very close score. In the second scrimmage, Chicksands took the honours much more comfortably. But the Ravens had made their mark. And so too had British football with a crowd at Stamford Bridge for the first game of 4,500. In 1984 the Black Shadow (as they were to become known) won all ten games they played as British teams began springing up all over the country. They were easily top of that year’s unofficial league table. They played and beat the French champion Paris Sparticus at Windsor 51-0 that year. The Ravens were now shaping up to dominate UK football. The first formal league season began in 1985 and the Londoners beat allcomers with an ease that suggested a long reign as No.1. A 45-7 victory in AFL Summer Bowl I over the Streatham Olympians (now the London O’s) was proof of their power. The game was played at Villa Park. In 1985 they also became the first British side to beat an all American team as they defeated USAF Chicksands Chicks 13-12 on the 4th July on their Independence Day festival with touchdowns through Victor Ebudideke and Mark Wynnick. It was a repeat performance in 1986 as the Ravens joined the Budweiser League and dumped Streatham 20-12 for the title. However, UK football politics robbed them of a place in Eurobowl I. A rival league and not Budweiser was still recognised by the European Football League at this time, so the Birmingham Bulls took the Raven’s place in Holland.
In 1987, the Ravens romped to the Budweiser National League Southern Conference title with 10 wins out of 10. In the play-offs they were awesome, disposing of Fylde Falcons in the quarter-finals (41-0 away), and then the Luton Flyers in the semi-finals (56-0 at home). They then defeated their arch-rivals the Manchester Allstars 40-23 in the classic Budweiser Bowl (which was screened on Channel 4) to clinch the national title for a 4th straight season, and also clinch the place that they so dearly wanted in the 1988 Eurobowl II tournament. The first chinks in the London Ravens armour were found in 1988, when they lost their first ever game against a British opponent. That said that won their 13 other regular season matches and would enter the playoffs as favourites for a 5th national title.
Before that was Eurobowl II which was hosted in the UK for the first time. The Ravens were favourites on home territory, especially as their quarter-final would be against the unfancied Amsterdam Crusaders. In the shock of the tournament, the Crusaders hold on for a 31-27 victory at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in front of a huge crowd on Saturday 30th July. The Ravens dream was over. They entered the Budweiser playoffs deflated, and after beating Luton in the quarter-finals (55-27), they were put to the sword by the Birmingham Bulls 51-13. In 1989 they failed to take their conference title as the London Olympians finished above them with a 8-2-0 record. The Ravens compiled 7 wins from their 10 matches. They exited in the first round of the playoffs 34-16 at the Manchester Spartans. 1990 was a truly dreadful year in the first season of the NDMA as they looked a pale shadow of their former selves. Just 1 win from 10 games. 1991 wasn’t much better as they won 2 and tied one of their 10 games. At the end of the 1991 season and after 8 seasons in the British topflight, and with 4 national titles the Ravens called it a day. Their Youth set-up carried on into the 1993 Youth Kitted season.
LONDON ROCKETS Based: Mile End Stadium (1993), London & Finsbury Park (1994), London 1994 BAFA Division Two South Eastern Conference 6-4-0
LONDON THUNDER Based: Cloisters
Wood/Stanmore Rugby Club, Stanmore , London 1994 BAFA Division Four Midlands Conference 3-7-0
Team Notes: Began playing in 1992 in the BNGL First Division where they reached the wild-card stage of the playoffs. Folded at the end of 1994 after competing in the BAFA Division 4. Club was originally formed largely from remnants of the Watford Scorpions and the London Express. Played at Stanmore Rugby Club and originally sponsored by Cloisters Wood Health Club. Based: Bedford LOTHIAN CHIEFTAINS Based: Craigswood Gridiron, Livingston (also played at Creamery
Park, Bathgate & Bathgate Thistle JFC) 1988 Budweiser League Division One Scottish Conference 2-8-0 Team Notes: Began playing in 1986 as a touch team, and played 4 friendlies in that year (winning 2 and losing 2). Entered the Bud League in 1987 and played in 1988 also, but failed to make an impact. Became known as Livingston Chieftains. LOTHIAN RAIDERS Based: Soughton Park, Edinburgh (played at Bonnyrigg in 1996) 1998 SGA 5th (record unknown) Team Notes: Competed in the SGA between 1996 and 1998 finishing 4th,
3rd and 5th over the years. The Raiders folded July 5th 1998. They were due to play the Strathclyde Sheriffs that day but could
not field a team. They spent the day playing in the Edinburgh
Forth Bowl Flag Football charity game. LOUGHBOROUGH ACES Based: Holywell 3 Pitch, Loughborough University, Loughborough,
Leics LE11 3TU 1988/1989 BCAFL Southern Conference 8-0-0*
LOWESTOFT LEOPARDS Based: Bradwell Playing Fields, Mill Lane, Bradwell, Great Yarmouth Team Notes: Formed in 1986, and played the following teams in their pre-season games - Rugby Rollers, Boston Blitz, Bedford Stags, Kings Lynn Patriots, Breckland Bucks. Played friendlies through to 1988. Changed their name to the East Coast Leopards in 1989 and entered the BNGL. LURGAN AREA RAIDERS Based: Goodyear Sports Centre, Craigavon Team Notes: Formed in 94 from remaining
players of Craigavon Cowboys, played in silver and black and
where based at the Goodyear Social Club, LUTON FLYERS Based: Kenilworth Road, Luton
Senior Kitted 1988 Budweiser League National Division Midlands Conference 6-7-1*
Youth Two Touch 1989 JAFL Home Counties Conference 8-0-0* playoff results unknown Team Notes: Founding member of the AFL. Played for 3 seasons between 1986 and 1988 making the playoffs on all three occasions and winning their conference in 1986 and 1987. Best performance was in 1987 when they reached the 1987 Budweiser League semi-finals, where they lost 56-0 to the rampant London Ravens. Ran a very successful Youth two touch team from 1987 to 1989. They won their conference title every season. LUTON HUSKERS
Based: Luton Arndale Centre & Popes Meadow 1997 BYAFA Southern Conference 3-2-1* Lost semi-final 40-0 to
Farnham Knights
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