A group of American football players from the North-east helped the national squad to victory in a tournament at the weekend.
The four, who are all part of the Aberdeen Oilcats flag football team, lined up alongside players from across Scotland to take on eight squads from across the Republic of Ireland at the event in Dublin on Saturday (October 10).
Two Scottish squads, the elite Scottish Chieftains, and developmental side, the Scottish Barbarians, travelled to Ireland, routing the competition to meet each other in the final – dubbed the Celtic Bowl – with the Chieftains coming out on top and lifting the trophy.
Two of the group, defensive back Scott Forbes, 26, and centre Calum Young, 23, played with the Chieftains, while Chieftains squad member Callum Stopani, 24, played defensive back and wide receiver with the Barbarians, to assist with offensive playmaking. Wide receiver/defensive back, Gary Elliott, 29, who is recovering from a broken collarbone, also donned a Barbarians jersey.
Flag football is a non-contact derivative of American football, also known as Grid Iron, where tackles are made by ripping a flag from a player’s belt, rather than with full contact.
The Chieftains went into the tournament undefeated and continued that perfect record, demolishing their opponents on the way to the final with every player contributing to big plays and rotating position to keep themselves fresh, while the Barbarians only lost one match – against the Mullingar Minotaurs – by a single point. However, the second-tier squad was suffering a spate of injuries going into the final.
The Barbarians, looking to make a big statement, took an early lead in the final clash and the Chieftains realised they were going to have to step up and play their best football if they were to remain undefeated and win the tournament.
It became a back and forth game with both teams making big plays, but in the end the Chieftains were too strong and eventually sealed a 27-20 victory to take home the Celtic Cup.
Scott Forbes said: “After years of hard work, it was an honour and a privilege to finally make my Chieftains debut.
“All four of us Oilcats had a really good showing and contributed to the successes of the two Scottish teams.
“As well as a number of tackles and quarterback sacks, I managed to run in an interception – or pick six – for a touchdown.
“Winning this tournament is certainly one of my biggest achievements in flag to date and one which I am immensely proud of.”
The primary purpose of the trip was to help prepare the players for the annual Big Bowl Event in Germany in next year.
The Aberdeen Oilcats were formed in 2003 after the collapse of the former Granite City Oilers ‘kitted’ American football team.
The team has been hugely successful, reaching the finals of the British American Football Association (BAFA) National League for the past six consecutive years, narrowly missing out on a place in this year’s ‘Brit Bowl’ due to injuries.
As well as producing players who have won caps for Scotland, a number of current and former players have been chosen to represent Great Britain at an international level.
Flag football is an inclusive, mixed sport, open to male and female players of all ages and abilities, primarily played in a five-a-side format.
Anyone interested in trying the sport is welcome to attend a training session, which are usually held on Sunday afternoons at Seaton Park, Old Aberdeen. Anyone who would like to attend should contact the team via their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/aberdeenoilcats
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2016 season are now available and anyone who would like more information on packages on offer should contact the club.