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Our Under 19’s squad certainly made the long trip to Bristol worth it this weekend as they stayed undefeated at 6-0 and, by our maths at least, confirmed themselves in the 2025 national finals. With only two games left in the regular season, the worst the Legion can finish is 6-2 which would be good enough for second place at the worst.

Oxford Saints vs South East Legion

Although scheduled to be our second game of the day, the unfortunate news came through prior to Saturday that the Oxford Saints would be forfeiting their two games against us and Wembley. With their under 16 team scheduled by BAFA to play the same day in Hampshire, their coaching staff were stretched thin and unable to meet minimum requirements. It then also emerged they would not have enough players to be able to safely play.

We would always much rather play teams on the field than collect wins on technicalities and we wish Oxford all the best as they conclude their season and start to rebuild for next year. But nonetheless, the forfeit meant we moved to 5-0 and we knew that a win against Bristol would confirm post-season play.

Bristol Aztecs vs South East Legion

The Bristol Aztecs are one of the best and most well-established clubs in the UK with their adult men’s team competing in the Premiership. However, their under 19 squad was new to Division Two this year and have had an unfortunate start with the abandoned tournament in Poole back in April followed up with forfeited games for our Maidstone tournament in May. They were no doubt anxious to finally get some games under their belt and prove themselves against the two best teams in the league so far in Wembley and ourselves.

The Aztecs moved the ball early through the air with a long pass completion down the right sideline just out of cornerback Mark’s reach. However, the Legion defense held firm. With the Aztecs in scoring position, Lucas was able to tip the ball and break up a completion straight into the arms of defensive captain Sol. He returned the interception back into Bristol territory to give the Legion offense a great chance to score.

It didn’t the offense long. Moving the ball to the one yard line, QB Nate sneaked in on 4th down to give the Legion an early 6-0 lead.

The first half proved to be something of a defensive battle. Both teams were tough tackling against the run and breaking up the offensive attacks through the air. Neither side could get much going and first downs were in very short supply. Harvey followed up his game-changing scoop and score against Wembley with another fumble recovery to put the offense in good field position again but the Aztecs defense held firm on 4th and 1 from the 1 to frustrate a second Legion scoring opportunity.

With time running down in the first half, the Aztecs offense ran into further trouble to boost the Legion lead. With the ball on the Aztecs own five yard line, Legion defensive end Sam charged off the left side unblocked to interrupt a pitch play between the Bristol QB and RB. The ball bobbled into the endzone but was only recovered by a Bristol player while he was out of the back of the endzone himself. A safety was called by the officials to make it 8-0 at half-time.

Legion had the ball to start the second half but immediately let the Aztecs back into the game. A high snap was bobbled in the backfield by QB Nate and fell to the ground. Bristol’s strong defensive linemen fell on it to give them first and goal from the 1 yard line. On the very next play, Bristol’s QB found one of his receivers on a short hook route to seal the score. Going for two on the extra point play, again the Legion’s defense held. One of three passes Lucas broke up on the day, this one was the best. A diving leap in front of the receiver steered the ball from his grasp to keep the Legion in front by the most slender of margins 8-6.

Much like the first half, both sides struggled to move the ball consistently against two tough and aggressive defensive units. But it was the Legion’s defense that made the pivotal play. With Bristol starting a new drive at their own five, Sam and Luan swarmed Bristol’s big runningback in the endzone and as he struggled to fight his way free with other Legion defenders moving in, the ball popped loose. Lucas crowned a fine individual day by falling on the ball for a touchdown. The offense re-took the field for the extra point which Aaron ran in to make 15-6.

Bristol took to the air late on as they sought to make up the two scores they would need. Indeed, they managed to get the ball to the Legion six yard line with about three or four minutes to go. But again the Legion defense held firm. A completed touchdown was called back for an illegal shift, and otherwise the Legion’s secondary continued their fine form by breaking up pass after pass. On 4th down it was cornerback Anson, making his season debut after exams, who deflected the ball away to seal the Legion’s victory.

Our under 19’s squad now have a short rest before they are back in action in the Berkshire Renegades’ home tournament on the 19th of July with the chance to seal an undefeated season.

The other games

Wembley Stallions vs Oxford Saints

Bristol Aztecs vs Wembley Stallions