Britbowl Explained

Organiser:British American Football Association
Number Of Teams:10 (2019)
Region: England
Scotland
Qualifier For:IFAF Europe Champions League
Current Champions:Manchester Titans (2nd title)
Most Successful Club:London Olympians (12 title)
Website:https://www.britishamericanfootball.org/
Broadcasters:BBC Sport (2019)

The Britbowl is the championship game of the British American Football National League, and formerly the British American Football League (BAFL) in the United Kingdom. It is the most prestigious of the league's three bowl games that constitute Britbowl Weekend. Only teams in the Premier Division of BAFL are eligible to compete in Britbowl. To progress to a Britbowl the winner of the seasonal BAFA Premier Division South will play the Runner up of the Premier North and vice versa in a semi-finals with the two winners eventually meeting in a final. Teams who play in the second and third levels compete for promotion in their own Championship Bowl games

To mark its 20th anniversary, Roman numerals were introduced to identify the game. The 2006 Championship became known as Britbowl XX. The previous nineteen bowl games were redesignated as Britbowl I to Britbowl XIX respectively.

Since Britbowl XX the winning team has been presented with the Boston Trophy. The current champions are the Manchester Titans, who defeated the London Warriors 44–27 in Britbowl XXXV on 17 September 2023.

National League - Championship Games

Key
Designated National Championship Game but not given title of "Britbowl"
Bowl Name Year Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue MVP Referee
Britbowl XXXV202317 September 2023Manchester Titans44–27London WarriorsButts Park Arena, CoventrySam BloomfieldPete Parsons
Britbowl XXXIV20223 September 2022Manchester Titans37–7London WarriorsNew River Stadium, LondonSam BloomfieldBrian Yates
Britbowl XXXIII20191 September 2019London Warriors56–29Tamworth PhoenixNew River Stadium, LondonDwayne WatsonBrian Yates
Britbowl XXXII20188 September 2018London Warriors48–34Tamworth PhoenixJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsRaymond SobowaleKeith Wickham
Britbowl XXXI201726 August 2017Tamworth Phoenix34–28London BlitzSixways Stadium, WorcesterPatrick DaleyBrian Yates
Britbowl XXX201627 August 2016London Warriors36–15London BlitzSixways Stadium, WorcesterDwayne WatsonJim Briggs
Britbowl XXIX20155 September 2015London Warriors20–19London BlitzAllianz Park, LondonIan JacquetBrian Yates
Britbowl XXVIII201414 September 2014London Warriors10–8London BlitzJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsSamuel ObiKeith Wickham
Britbowl XXVII20135 October 2013London Warriors26–23London BlitzJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsRomaine JacksonBrian Yates
Britbowl XXVI201226 August 2012London Blitz37–21London WarriorsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldFred BoyleBrian Yates
Britbowl XXV201124 September 2011London Blitz18–0London WarriorsCrystal Palace National Sports Centre, LondonFred BoyleBrian Yates
Britbowl XXIV201018 September 2010London Blitz34–20Coventry Cassidy JetsSixways Stadium, WorcesterPete SochartLes Connor
Britbowl XXIII200927 September 2009London Blitz26–7Coventry Cassidy JetsKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterGareth DauleyLes Connor
Britbowl XXII200821 September 2008Coventry Cassidy Jets33–32London BlitzKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterDax MichelenaBrian Yates
Britbowl XXI200723 September 2007London Blitz14–6Coventry Cassidy JetsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldLennox JohnsonBrian Yates
Britbowl XX200624 September 2006London Olympians45–30Don Valley Stadium, SheffieldMichael AndrewKeith Wickham
BSL Division 1 Bowl200525 September 2005London O's21–19Personal Assurance KnightsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldJermaine AllenJim Briggs
BSL Division 1 Bowl200426 September 2004Personal Assurance Knights28–14London O'sDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldJon WyseBrian Yates
BSL Division 1 Bowl200331 August 2003London O's35–7East Kilbride PiratesDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldWarren KeenMike Cavanagh
BSL Division 1 Bowl20021 September 2002London O's42–15Personal Assurance KnightsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldClive PalumboKeith Wickham
BSL Division 1 Bowl20019 September 2001London O's37–20East Kilbride PiratesDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldStuart FranklinKeith Wickham
BSL Division 1 Bowl20006 September 2000London O's34–26Birmingham BullsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldShola GoppyKeith Wickham
BAFA Senior League Division 1199915 August 1999London O's9–6Birmingham BullsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterJustin OkeRoger Stangroom
BAFA Senior League Division 1199830 August 1998London O's20–0Sussex ThunderSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterFrancis HategaBrian Yates
Big-C Final199710 August 1997London O's26–20 (OT)Milton Keynes PioneersNational Hockey Stadium, Milton KeynesClive PalumboBrian Yates
BAFA Division 1199625 August 1996Leicester Panthers10–6Milton Keynes PioneersSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterBenny BensteadIan Papworth
BAFA Division 1199529 July 1995Birmingham Bulls34–30London OlympiansNorman Green Stadium, SolihullJohn RiggsDave Allen
BAFA Division 1199414 August 1994London Olympians24–23Birmingham BullsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterJim Briggs
NDMA Final19931 August 1993London Olympians40–14Glasgow LionsMaidenhead Rugby Club, MaidenheadRichard DunkleyJoe Mendell
NDMA Coke Bowl III199210 August 1992London Olympians34–6Leicester PanthersAlexander Stadium, BirminghamDave SamuelsBrian Yates
NDMA Coke Bowl II19914 August 1991Birmingham Bulls39–38London OlympiansAlexander Stadium, BirminghamPaul RobertsJim Briggs
NDMA Coke Bowl I19904 August 1990Manchester Spartans27–25Northants StormCrystal Palace Sports Centre, LondonJohnny AtlasDave Norton
Bud Bowl IV19896 August 1989Manchester Spartans21–14Birmingham BullsCrystal Palace Sports Centre, LondonPaul Bailey Bill Bowsher
Bud Bowl III19884 September 1988Birmingham Bulls30–6London OlympiansLoftus Road, LondonGreg HarrisBrian Yates
Bud Bowl II198720 September 1987London Ravens40–23Manchester All-StarsLoftus Road, LondonRon Roberts JrNeil Surman
BAFL Summerbowl II19867 September 1986Birmingham Bulls23–2Glasgow LionsAlexander Stadium, BirminghamLloyd QueenBill Bowsher
Bud Bowl I198631 August 1986London Ravens20–12Streatham OlympiansSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterMike DuncanChris Bowker
AFL Summerbowl I1985London Ravens45–7Streatham OlympiansVilla Park, BirminghamJoe St. LouisMark Bridgham
Sources: BAFRA All-Time Bowl Crews List / britbowlnow.co.uk results lists

Other Senior Bowl Games

Key
Designated "Britbowl" but not given title of Official National Championship Game.
Year Bowl Name Winners Score Runners-up Venue MVPReferee
1985BAFFRockingham Rebels13-0Croydon CoyotesHarold Speed
UKAFASlough Silverbacks44-32Swindon Steelers
AAFCLocomotive Derby42-21Leigh Razorbacks
1986AAFC SteelbowlScunthorpe Steelers50-32Wirral WolvesQuibell Park, ScunthorpeMike Berridge
1987Budweiser PremierBournemouth Bobcats43-6Leeds CougarsNinian Park, CardiffRichard Prattley
Budweiser Division 1Ashton Oilers27-7Ealing EaglesVale Park, Stoke-on-TrentGordon Lucas
UKAFL SteelbowlBirmingham BullsManchester SpartansAlexander Stadium, BirminghamJon Cole
UKAFLSt Helens Cardinals28-26Ipswich CardinalsAlexander Stadium, Birmingham
BNGL Britbowl IMersey Centurions20–16Leicester HuntsmenSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterJeffrey Kelly
1988Budweiser PremierColchester Gladiators47-28Brighton B52sAlexander Stadium, BirminghamBob Dudley
Budweiser Division 1Herts Phantoms48-34Ipswich CardinalsAlexander Stadium, BirminghamTony Chetwood
BNGL Britbowl IIWoking Generals20-14Mersey CenturionsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterRobert Banks
UKAFL SteelbowlJohn Carter
1989BNGL NationalNorwich Devils18-9Ipswich CardinalsMoorways Stadium, DerbyMike Fenton
BNGL PremierKingston Thames Pirates66-8Redditch ArrowsMoorways Stadium, DerbyGlyn Lovelock
BNGL Division 1Rugby Rollers27-23Duchy DestroyersMoorways Stadium, DerbyTom Begg
CGL CrownWalsall Titans60-47Portsmouth WarriorsAlexander Stadium, BirminghamJon Carter
CGL DukeMedway Mustangs44-12Manchester HerosAlexander Stadium, BirminghamRobert Friel
CGL BaronCheltenham Chieftains12-11Severn Vale RoyalsAlexander Stadium, BirminghamCharles Dean-Young
1990BNGL NationalIpswich Cardinals34–22Clydesdale ColtsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterDon Holden
BNGL PremierDuchy Destroyers31-19Cumbria CougarsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterBrian Craven
BNGL Division 1Barnsley Bears40-34Orpington BarracudaSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterCon Horgan
NCMMALondon Capitals31-8Essex BuccaneersBev Evans
1991BNGL NationalLondon Capitals52–7Clydesdale ColtsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterCon Horgan
BNGL PremierPlymouth Admirals26-16Sutton Coldfield AdmiralsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterMike Berridge
BNGL Division 1Glasgow Cyclones30-22Basildon ChiefsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterJohn West
NDMA Division 2Coventry Jaguars50-28Cardiff MetsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterJohn Slavin
1992Coca Cola Division 2Glasgow LionsKent MustangsBev Evans
BNGL NationalClydesdale Colts30–26DeLonghi Farnham KnightsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterRobert Friel
BNGL PremierMerseyside Nighthawks23-20Crawley RaidersSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterCon Horgan
BNGL Division 1Tiptree Titans20-6Bath GladiatorsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterRichard Jeffrey-Cook
1993BNGL NationalBournemouth Buccaneers42–34Bedford BombardiersSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterPhil Cottier
BNGL PremierTiptree Titans17-6Croydon KingsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterMike Fenton
BNGL Division 1Lincoln Saints51-14Redbridge FireSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterGordon Dedman
1994BAFA Division 2Milton Keynes Pioneers18-6Bedford BombardiersSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterCharles Dean-Young
BAFA Division 3Cambridge Cats25-14Crawley RaidersSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterCon Horgan
BAFA Division 4London Olympians 248-6Trent Valley WarriorsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterDoug Brown
1995BAFA Division 2Cambridge Cats28-13Plymouth AdmiralsNorman Green Stadium, SolihullJohn Slavin
BAFA Division 3Oxford Saints14-6Gwent MustangsNorman Green Stadium, SolihullPhil Cottier
Scottish Gridiron AssociationGlasgow Lions76-0Granite City Oilers
1996BAFA Division 2London O's32-7Birmingham BullsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterTim Vickers
BAFA Division 3Winchester Rifles48-0Redditch ArrowsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterDave Allen
Scottish Gridiron AssociationGlasgow LionsStirling Broncos
1997BAFA Division 1Redbridge Fire26-7Nottingham CaesarsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterPaul Coppin
BAFA Division 2Bristol Aztecs27-6Chiltern Cheetahs
Scottish Gridiron AssociationEast Kilbride Pirates24-6Dundee WhalersCaird Park, DundeeSimon Cowie
1998BSL Division 2Southern Sundevils22-16Lancashire WolverinesSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterIan Papworth
Scottish Gridiron AssociationEast Kilbride Pirates50-6Dundee Whalers
1999BSL Division 1Gateshead Senators7-2Bristol AztecsSaffron Lane Stadium, LeicesterKevin Holt
BSL Division 2Chester Romans24-22Tiger Bay Warriors
2000BSL Division 2PA Knights41-7Ipswich CardinalsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldKevin Holt
2001BSL Division 2Ipswich Cardinals47-15Norwich DevilsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldTzvi Lindeman
2002BSL Division 2Norwich Devils17-14Yorkshire RamsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldJim Briggs
2003BSL Division 2Bristol Aztecs32-15Nottingham CaesarsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldPete Thom
2004BSL Division 1ASouthern Sundevils32-0Bristol AztecsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldMike Cavanagh
BSL Division 2Doncaster Mustangs32-16Chiltern CheetahsDon Valley Stadium, Sheffield
2005BAFL Division 1ABristol Aztecs7-0Chiltern CheetahsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldKeith Wickham
BAFL Division 2Coventry Jets30-26Kent ExilesDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldLes Connor
2006BAFL Division 1ACoventry Cassidy Jets52-20Bristol AztecsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldJeff Bloszies
BAFL Division 2Oxford Saints29-28West Coast TrojansDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldRoger Stangroom
2007BAFL Division 1Farnham Knights47-7Ipswich CardinalsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldJim Briggs
BAFL Division 2Norwich Devils26-12Dundee HurricanesDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldCharles Dean-Young
2008BAFL Division 1Sussex Thunder20-18Redditch ArrowsKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterKeith Wickham
BAFL Division 2London Cobras30-6Tamworth PhoenixKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterLes Connor
2009BAFL Division 1London Cobras8-0East Kilbride PiratesKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterBrian Yates
BAFL Division 2Leicester Falcons33-32Colchester GladiatorsKeepmoat Stadium, DoncasterTim Vickers
2010BAFACL Division 1Tamworth Phoenix35-14East Kilbride PiratesSixways Stadium, WorcesterKeith Wickham
BAFACL Division 2London Olympians35-13Manchester TitansSixways Stadium, WorcesterIan Wainwright
2011BAFACL Division 1East Kilbride Pirates62-23Leicester FalconsCrystal Palace National Sports Centre, LondonMike Cavanagh
BAFACL Division 2South Wales Warriors48-20West Coast TrojansCrystal Palace National Sports Centre, LondonDan Bridgland
2012BAFANL Division 1Sussex Thunder10-7West Coast TrojansDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldDean Wright
BAFANL Division 2Sheffield Predators39-33 (OT)Peterborough SaxonsDon Valley Stadium, SheffieldTim Ockendon
2013BAFNL NationalColchester Gladiators33-13Gateshead SenatorsJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsBen Griffiths
2014BAFNL NationalMerseyside Nighthawks41-34 (OT)Edinburgh WolvesJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsBen Griffiths
2015BAFNL National 1 NorthMerseyside Nighthawks27-13Edinburgh WolvesJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsMike Cavanagh
BAFNL National 1 SouthFarnham Knights38-27Solent ThrashersLeicester Road FC, HinckleyTim Ockendon
BAFNL National 2 NorthSandwell Steelers24-7Peterborough SaxonsJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsBen Griffiths
BAFNL National 2 SouthBury Saints47-12Bristol ApacheLeicester Road FC, HinckleyKeith Wickham
2016BAFNL Division 1Bury Saints21-13Edinburgh WolvesJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsBrian Yates
BAFNL Division 2 NorthLeicester Falcons36-0Newcastle VikingsJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsDavid Knight
BAFNL Division 2 SouthOxford Saints24-2Cambridgeshire CatsJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsAmir Brooks
2017BAFNL Division 1Manchester Titans46-23London OlympiansJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsMike Cavanagh
BAFNL Division 2 NorthShropshire Revolution31-7Glasgow TigersJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsDavid Knight
BAFNL Division 2 SouthBerkshire Renegades20-17Wembley StallionsJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsDan Holt
2018BAFNL Division 1Leicester Falcons36-29Kent ExilesJohn Charles Centre for Sport, LeedsTim Ockendon
BAFNL Division 2 NorthAberdeen Roughnecks13-6 (OT)Chester RomansDruid Park, Newcastle-upon-TyneAmir Brooks
BAFNL Division 2 SouthHertfordshire Cheetahs24-7Portsmouth DreadnoughtsLeicester Road FC, HinckleyBrian Yates
2019BAFNL Division 1Solent Thrashers21-14Sandwell SteelersNew River Stadium, LondonShawn Sombati
BAFNL Division 2 NorthInverclyde Goliaths36-27Halton SpartansDruid Park, Newcastle-upon-TyneTim Vickers
BAFNL Division 2 SouthSouth Wales Warriors13-0Bournemouth BobcatsNew River Stadium, LondonTim Ockendon
Sources: BAFRA All-Time Bowl Crews List / britbowlnow.co.uk results lists

BritBowl Championships

Lower Division Championships

Year Bowl Champion Result (Opponent) Venue
2012 Division 1 Won 10-07 (West Coast Trojans) Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield
Division 2 Won 39-33 OT (Peterborough Saxons)
2011 Division 1 Won 62-23 (Leicester Falcons) Crystal Palace National Athletics Stadium, London
Division 2 Won 48-20 (West Coast Trojans)
2010 Division 1 Tamworth Phoenix Won 35-14 (East Kilbride Pirates) Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Division 2 Won 35-13 (Manchester Titans)
2009 Division 1 London Cobras Won 8-0 (East Kilbride Pirates) Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster
Division 2 Won 33-32 (Colchester Gladiators)
2008 Division 1 Won 20-18 4OT (Redditch Arrows) Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield
Division 2 London Cobras Won 30-6 (Tamworth Phoenix)
2007 Division 1 Won 47-7 (Ipswich Cardinals)
Division 2 Won 26-12 (Dundee Hurricanes)
2006 Division 1A Won 52-20 (Bristol Aztecs)
Division 2 Won 29-28 (West Coast Trojans)
2005 Division 1A Won 7-0 (Chiltern Cheetahs)
Division 2 Won 30-26 (Kent Exiles)
2004 Division 1A Won 32-0 (Bristol Aztecs)
Division 2 Won 32-16 (Chiltern Cheetahs)
2003 Division 2 Won 32-15 (Nottingham Caesars)
2002 Division 2 Won 17-14 (ASAP Yorkshire Rams)
2001 Division 2 Won 47-15 (Norwich Devils)
2000 Division 2 Won 41-7 (Ipswich Cardinals)
1999 Division 1 (Regional) Won 7-2 (Bristol Aztecs) Saffron Lane Stadium, Leicester
Division 2 Chester Romans Won 24-22 (Tiger Bay Warriors)
1998 Division 2 Won 22-16 (Lancashire Wolverines)
1997 Division 2 Won 27-6 (Chiltern Cheetahs)
1996 Division 2 Won 32-7 (Birmingham Bulls)
Division 3 Winchester Rifles Won 48-0 (Redditch Arrows)
1995 Division 2 Cambridge Cats Won 28-14 (Plymouth Admirals) Norman Green Stadium, Solihull
Division 3 Won 14-6 (Gwent Mustangs)
1994 Division 2 Milton Keynes Pioneers Won 18-6 (Bedford Bombardiers) Saffron Lane Stadium, Leicester
Division 3 Cambridge Cats Won 25-14 (Crawley Raiders)
Division 4 Won 48-6 (Trent Valley Warriors)
1993 Premier Division Tiptree Titans Won 17-9 (Croydon Kings)
First Division Won 51-14 (Redbridge Fire)
1992 Premier Division Merseyside Nighthawks Won 23-20 (Crawley Raiders) Saffron Lane Stadium, Leicester
First Division Tiptree Titans Won 20-6 (Bath Gladiators)
1991 Premier Division Won 26-16 (Sutton Coalfield Royals) Saffron Lane Stadium, Leicester
First Division Glasgow Cyclones Won 30-21 (Basildon Chiefs)
1990 Premier Division Duchy Destroyers Won 31-19 (Cumbria Cougars)
First Division Barnsley Bears Won 40-34 (Barracudas)
1989 Premier Division Kingston Thames Pirates Won 66-8 (Redditch Arrows) Moorways Stadium, Derby
First Division Rugby Rollers Won 27-23 (Duchy Destroyers)
Note: There were no lower divisions prior to 1989

BritBowl appearances

Num Team width=40W !width=40L !width=60% !Notes
11 9 2 0.818 6 wins & 2 losses as London O's
12 5 7 0.417
10 6 4 0.600
4 2 2 0.500
4 1 3 0.250 1 win & 2 losses as Personal Assurance Knights
4 1 3 0.250
4 1 3 0.250
3 Clydesdale Colts 1 2 0.333
3 1 2 0.333
2 1 1 0.500
2 Mersey Centurions 1 1 0.500
2 0 2 0.000

The following teams have 1 win from 1 appearance:
Bournemouth Buccaneers, Leicester Panthers, London Capitals, Norwich Devils, Redbridge Fire, Woking Generals

The following teams have 1 loss from 1 appearance:
Bedford Bombardiers, Leicester Huntsmen, Milton Keynes Pioneers, Nottingham Caesars, Sussex Thunder

Lower Division Championship Appearances

Num Team width=40W !width=40L !width=60% !Notes
6 3 3 0.500
3 2 1 0.667
3 1 2 0.333
3 1 2 0.333
3 0 3 0.000
2 Cambridge Cats 2 0 1.000
2 2 0 1.000 1 win as Coventry Jets
2 2 0 1.000 1 win as Personal Assurance Knights
2 2 0 1.000 1 win as London O's & 1 win as London Olympians II
2 2 0 1.000
2 2 0 1.000
2 Tiptree Titans 2 0 1.000
2 Duchy Destroyers 1 1 0.500
2 1 1 0.500
2 Crawley Raiders 0 2 0.000
2 Redditch Arrows 0 2 0.000

The following teams have 1 win from 1 appearance:
Barnsley Bears, Chester Romans, Doncaster Mustangs, Gateshead Senators, Glasgow Cyclones, Kingston Thames Pirates, Lincoln Saints, Merseyside Centurians, Milton Keynes Pioneers, Oxford Saints, Rugby Rollers, South Wales Warriors, Winchester Rifles

The following teams have 1 loss from 1 appearance:
ASAP Yorkshire Rams, Barracudas, Basildon Chiefs, Bath Gladiators, Bedford Bombardiers, Birmingham Bulls, Croydon Kings, Cumbria Cougars, Dundee Hurricanes, Gwent Mustangs, Kent Exiles, Lancashire Wolverines, Nottingham Caesars, Redbridge Fire, Sutton Coalfield Royals, Tiger Bay Warriors, Trent Valley Warriors

See also