Around the Continent: Roger’s Corner – 7/18/14
Holland
Two weeks ago, the Alphen Eagles won Tulip Bowl XXX in a nail biter, beating arch rival the Amsterdam Crusaders 14-12. This was the third Tulip Bowl victory in a row for the Eagles. Read the recap and see the game highlights here.
Ireland
The wildcard playoffs are slated for this weekend. In one semi-final, the University of Limerick Vikings, who finished second in the South will host the West Dublin Rhinos (third in the South). The Vikings beat the Rhinos in their only meeting this year 22-7. In the North, the Dublin Rebels (second in the north) face the Carrickfergus Knights who finished third. Here again, the teams only played once during the regular season with the Rebels winning 17-6. The winners of these will move on to the Irish semi-finals July 27 where the two top teams, the Belfast Trojans, winners of the North and Trinity University Dublin first in the South await. The Belfast Trojans will play the winner of the Rhinos/Vikings game while Trinity University face the winner of the game between the Rebels and Knights. The Irish championship game, the Shamrock Bowl takes place August 7.
Italy
The Milano Seamen (Europe #15) won their first-ever Italian championship – Super Bowl XXXIV two weeks ago beating four-time champion the Parma Panthers handlily 33-3.
Norway
The Norwegian championship also produced an upset of sorts as the Kristiansand Gladiators beat heavy favorite the Eidsvoll 1814s 22-21 on the last second hailmary pass. Read the story here.
Poland
The Polish semi-finals take place this weekend as the Warsaw Eagles will host the Gdynia Seahawks in one semi while the Wroclaw Panthers take on fourth place Kozly. The Ealges-Seahawks match-up has some history as this will be the 15th time they have played each other in the semi-fianls. Warsaw holds an edge have won nine of the 14 previous playoff meetings. The winner of the semifinal will advance to Superfinal IX on August 2.
