Border City Centurions, the Carlisle-based American Football club, kicked off their inaugural season in the GB Premier Division. with two huge wins on the road.
They collected victories against division favourites and top two seeds for the North, Newcastle and Renfrewshire.
Having been promoted from Division 1 last season, following a 19-match undefeated run, the Centurions wasted no time in putting the entire Premier Division on notice with two statement wins.
They overcame both sides – who going into the day had been hotly favoured to feature in this year’s playoffs at the end of the summer.
Donning their crisp new look game shirts, provided by Bendles Solicitors following agreement on a five-year kit deal and tackle flags designed by Kingmoor Park – the local lads proudly represented the city and showed the ‘big dogs’ of the division just what they’re capable of.
The first of the giants to fall was Newcastle, who the Centurions shut out of the scoreboard for the entire first half whilst racking up touchdowns on every drive they took.
The end score 46-34 showed a late rally by the boys from the Toon, but wasn’t strong enough to get close to the Centurions unassailable lead.
Renfrewshire were a side who had featured in the finals last year and given the Centurions their first defeat in their inaugural season back in 2023.
Not this time – the Centurions went about dismantling their defence drive after drive and eventually took the lead at the break, after that there was no looking back.
They continued to score and in a game-ending Interception took the wind from Renfrewshire’s sails, preventing any chance to get back into the game.
Final score was 42-33 for the Centurions.
Meanwhile, following last year’s promotion, the Centurions launched a second team, Centurions Gold, and they also debuted at the weekend – going away to Lancashire to face a local side stacked in Team GB players and their professional league Quarterback.
It was a baptism of fire for the new kids on the block, but nevertheless they stood their ground and put up 21 points against international quality before slipping behind and losing 50-21.
However with a bit between their teeth, the Centurions Gold weren’t to see their opening day dampened and immediately bounced back with an emphatic first ever win, hammering Salford 48-20.
All in all it was an excellent first effort, and indeed first ever game for many of the squad, showing that what’s made in Carlisle is as tough as anywhere else.
The whole club was excited by their win and looking forward to seeing how they kick on now, when they travel to the Bellevue National Speedway Stadium for their next matches in Manchester on May 16.
Now an officially confirmed sport of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games, where GB hopes to have both a men’s and women’s team participating, flag football is one of the fast growing sports in the world, already boasting over two million global players.
Flag is a fast‑paced, non‑contact version of American football where players advance the ball to score by reaching the opposition’s end zone. Instead of tackling, play is stopped by removing a fabric flag worn at the waist.
Founded in 2022, the Border City Centurions are affiliated with the British American Football Association and currently operate two squads competing in the NFFL Premiership and Division 1. The club also has a thriving youth section, with a focus on developing skills, confidence and teamwork among young players.
Border City Centurions have grown rapidly and now have around 100 members, volunteers and players from across Cumbria and the south of Scotland.
Midweek training is open to all on Wednesdays. Junior Cents (11-17) meet at the Carlisle Youth Zone, Victoria Place, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Adults 16-plus) meet at the Richard Rose Central Academy, Lismore Place, from 7.30pm to 9pm.
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