This weekend saw both of our flag teams make the short journey to our friends at the Kent Exiles for their annual X-Bowl tournament.
Fired up from their first wins in the BAFA league the week before, our under 11s were ready to go again and this time they had their eyes set on a bigger glory – could they win the X-Bowl? Big hopes and dreams for the squad who have grown so much in resilience, passion and ability over the season.
It was a slightly different set up with our u14s Inferno, who travelled with a plucky team of just six players and neither of their regular coaches owing to work and Team GB commitments. But, in true Kent Phoenix style, we didn’t let this stop us from trying our best and having some fun in the sun.
First up for both teams was a battle against our hosts, the Kent Exiles. Both teams pushed hard with touchdowns from Alf (u11s) and Harry (u14s), and defended well. The Exiles u11s won out over Fire & Flame 12-6. In the u14s game, a pick six from Thomas kept proved crucial as the game finished as a tie, 12-12.
Both teams then played the Hertfordshire Cheetahs. Both squads have played the Cheetahs as part of their league fixtures this year so it was nice to get the opportunity to play them again. This time it was the turn of Fire & Flame to walk away with a draw as the score finished six apiece with Greyson scoring the Phoenix points.
Inferno had a harder battle, succumbing to a 24-0 defeat against a well drilled Cheetahs team. It was a tough game and loss, reinforced what we know of them as a team that sticks together, supports one another and uses our failures as a chance to to learn for next time.
The third game of the day for both teams was against another well drilled team – the Solent Red Storm. U11s player Nikolas rallied the players, telling them “we’ve had a loss and a draw, so now it’s time for a win”. Inspiring words that turned into a reality with a fantastic 24-6 victory. The game saw two touchdowns scored by ever reliable Alf, another TD to add to Laurie’s growing collection and a first touchdown ever for QB Alba! I don’t think she could believe her luck when she grabbed a beautiful interception and then took it back on a trip to the end zone. Amazing! An elated team celebrated.
The u14s took to the field, vowing to make this game count too. A touchdown from Thomas – another player racking up his touchdown total – saw the game finish at 18-6. Despite the score, you truly had to be there to witness the strength, courage, teamwork and resilience of this team. Whilst it may have felt like the perfect time to fall apart, they didn’t. They walked away from the field with reassuring words and positivity. Every single player had left everything on the pitch but they knew they had one more push in them. When other teams would have wanted to quit, Inferno never did.
The final games of the day were against Brighton & Hove Scorpions, a team we have played before and who we always enjoy duelling with. It was a mixed feel for Club Phoenix; the u11s were on a high after their success but u14s were down to five players! It was time to dig deep and give it their all. Scorpions found themselves in the same boat, also with just five. A game of true grit ended in a 6-6 draw, with Thomas securing the equalising touchdown, his fourth score of the day! With two draws and two losses the Inferno team knew there wouldn’t be bowl glory coming their way but they could all say they gave their absolute all.
QB Preston led the team – keeping a cool head throughout the day and the team appreciated it. Every single one of the Inferno team did their job and then some. Never complaining and never giving up, these qualities are what make our Club what it is and we couldn’t be more proud of the team. We also extend our thanks to Coach Ethan of the u11s for leading the u14 team for the day, keeping spirits up and reminding them that doing their best is always all we ask of them.
So what of the u11s? Well, they were going to give Scorpions everything they had but the Scorpions also came to put up a challenge. It was a real game of back and forth, with both teams scoring regularly. For the Phoenix, Laurie added two touchdowns to his daily total, Greyson grabbed a touchdown, and so did Nikolas – speeding down the sideline! Alf rounded off his day with a touchdown and a pick-six! It was amazing work by Fire & Flame who finished with the expertly final score of 36-24.
As it always seems to be the case lately, the outright winner for the u11s was hanging in the balance across three teams, with the Phoenix in the running. I think Coach Robb and the team could almost feel the trophy, but it was not to be. Our hosts, the Kent Exiles, took the top spot, with Fire & Flame finishing in a much deserved second place.
It was a successful day in different ways for Kent Phoenix and always a pleasure to be a part of such a well run day.
Kent Exiles ask referees and sideline supporters on the day to vote for an MVP at every game. The winners for Kent Phoenix were Alf in the under 11s and Jayden in the u14s. Congratulations to them both! Our flag teams will next take the field this coming Saturday as we host our 2026 FireBowl.
