Around the Continent: Roger’s Corner – 7/23/14
Holland
Three 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.
Ireland
The Irish semi-finals are set. In the wildcard playoffs, the University of Limerick Vikings, who finished second in the South, took care of the West Dublin Rhinos (third in the South) with a 20-6 win. In the other semi, the Dublin Rebels (second in the north) had no trouble with the Carrickfergus Knights blanking them 24-0. So the Rebels will travel across town in Dublin to play Trinity College Dublin in one semi-final this weekend. Then the Belfast Trojans (first in the north) will host the University of Limerick Vikings in the other semi-final. 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 earlier this month beating four-time champion the Parma Panthers handily 33-3.
Norway
The Norwegian championship was decided two weeks ago as the Kristiansand Gladiators beat heavy favorite the Eidsvoll 1814s 22-21 on the last second hail mary pass.
Poland
In the Polish semi-finals, the Gdynia Seahawks avenged a loss to the Warsaw Eagles two weeks ago to edge them 31-28 in Gdynia to advance to the Polish final – on August 2. The Wroclaw Panthers had an easier time of it against Kozly beating them 32-0. Look for a complete preview of the Polish Super Final game next week on AFI.
Serbia
Vukovi Belgrade (Europe #11) made no mistake in the Serbian championship game beating rivals the Kragujevac Wild Boars 27-17, to cap a highly successful season. The Serbian squad also reached the finals of the the IFAF Europe Champions League tournament losing in a close one to Helsinki 36-27.
Spain
The season has ended with the Badalona Dracs as new champions.
Sweden
The Tyreso Royal Crowns remain in first place in the Swedish standings beating a tough Orebro Black Knights squad 34-28. The Carlstad Crusaders dominated the Uppsala 86ers 49-10 and advanced past them into second place in the standings. The STU Northside Bulls, with quarterback Barney O’Donnell back in the lineup, posted their second win of the season defeating the Arlanda Jets 48-14. Finally, the Limhamn Griffins enjoyed their first win of the year beating up on the Stockholm Mean Machines 56-13. There is a log jam at the top of the standings still with Tyreso in first at 6-1, followed by the Carlstad Crusaders (Europe #11 ) second undefeated at 5-0, Uppsala at 4-2 in third and the Orebro Black Knights occupying fourth with a 3-2 record.
Switzerland
The Basel Gladiators (Europe #15) won the Swiss Bowl two weeks ago for the first time in their history.
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