Last weekend saw our under 11s and under 14 teams reach the end of their first YFFL league season with a concluding trip to the Hertfordshire Cheetahs.
Having already played our hosts in earlier rounds of fixtures, the Kent Phoenix teams faced a series of London squads with the u11s facing the Fruit Bats’ Red and Black squads while the u14s faced Fruitbats Red, London Blitz and London XL Performance.
The u11s Fire & Flame squad first faced the league front runners. the London Fruit Bats’ Red squad. Last time these two met Phoenix were handed a mighty defeat of 65-0. We had faith we could do better this time and we did. The teams felt more balanced than they had at the last meeting, and with both teams working hard on each side of the ball. The Phoenix offense were hungry with Harvey, Greyson, Nikolas and Ed finding the space and grabbing significant yardage. The game ran up and down the
field, keeping both sides on their toes. Determined to score against the Reds, for Phoenix it was all about the power and precision of Alf, who scored all three touchdowns in the game for Fire & Flame. Despite a strong Phoenix defensive effort, the Reds nudged ahead took the win 27-18.
The u14 Inferno squad also played the Fruit Bat’s Red squad in their first game, and their previous encounter had been equally punishing with a score of 0-67. Since then, the squad has greatly improved and we wanted to do better. Inferno were first to get scores on the board with a lovely touchdown by season rookie Callum. It was a tough battle and both teams fought hard. The final score suggests this was more of a one sided game but it didn’t feel like it. Strong defense from Oscar and Sofia made
life hard for the Fruit Bats and I think even they were surprised that the score was being held. The Inferno squad kept fighting but in the end, the Fruit Bats opened up a lead in the last few minutes and displayed why they are headed to the finals with only one defeat. The final score was 56-6.
Fire & Flame had just one game left to play for YFFL 2026; a rematch with the Fruit Bats’ black squad who the Phoenix sensationally beat on gameday four, 27-7. Straight away the Blacks were all over Phoenix, testing the defense and utilising opportunities. As they tried to push the scoreboard, they succumbed to a safety giving Phoenix two valuable points. Their Blitzer made life tough for QB Alba, who did brilliantly under such strong pressure. The Phoenix kept pushing, with quiet but confident Isobel running her routes and making some good yardage. Eventually the hard work paid off and Isobel ran in a touchdown from one end of the field to the other! There were brilliant defensive hookups between Eli, Hazel, Stanley and Alexander as well as strong runs from Nikolas and Harvey but it wasn’t to be another win. The Fruit Bats gained revenge for that earlier shock defeat, taking the win 56-6.
In the second of three scheduled games for the under 14s, Inferno took to the field to face London Blitz. The Blitz were a strong and vocal team and the Phoenix 14s knew they’d need to work hard to cause an upset. The previous meeting had been a close fought battle, with the lead changing frequently and we were sure today would be the same. Echoing the earlier game, Callum was straight out of the trap and putting points on the board – a strong run to secure the touchdown and then a great catch to bag the extra point. Next up was Lekan’s turn to score with Callum adding two points to the score.
The Blitz pushed back, levelling the score so by half time there was just a touchdown in it. Not to be missed off of the score tally, Harry smashed in a touchdown to keep the points difference close. Sadly, QB Preston took a fall which resulted in him subbing off for the remainder of the game. Former u11s QB Henry was drafted in for the final few minutes of the game and in a breath-holding moment of luck a ball intended for Lekan was tipped into the hands of Callum who raced it down the middle of the field. With London Blitz just pushing ahead, the game ended 40-27. A loss, but a noble hard fought one.
Sadly owing to Callum pulling his hamstring and Preston’s wrist injury (later confirmed as a broken bone) the Phoenix did not have the minimum numbers to play their third and final YFFL fixture against London XL Performance. This therefore was recorded as a 1-0 walkover win for XL. It was a great shame to end a debut season in such a way, but we take great heart from the way the players grew and developed over the course of the year.
Our final outing was a day of losing scores but it was still a day to be proud of. This is Kent Phoenix’ first time in the Club’s 10 year history that we have been part of the YFFL. It’s been a wonderful way to develop skills and build resilience by coming up against new teams and fresh challenges. We’ve learned so much, and through it all have been gracious in success and noble in defeat. The team spirit that has been shown by every player from that first game on 7th March to now has been phenomenal.
No matter what we have played with spirit, integrity and pride. As a Phoenix rises from the ashes, we rise stronger after every game together.
A huge thank you also goes to our coaches; Robb, Ethan, Phil, Luke and Mart for guiding players, keeping them focused and making sure they believed in themselves the whole time. Moreover, not only have they coached, but at times they officiated other games too and truly, without such dedication this league could not run.
Although the league season is over, we’re not quite finished yet! Both flag squads will be back in game action at Hellingly Hound Dogs annual Dog Bowl on Sunday 12th July. This will be their final fixture of the season. Training will resume for next season in mid-September.
