World Footy News

Australian football finals series are underway the world over, with the Northern summer beginning to wane as the Ausralian winter thaws. Last weekend witnessed the successful conclusion of two British leagues' seasons - the Scottish and British Regional Premierships.

In its first season, the Scottish Premiership was contested by two Edinburgh-based clubs and the Glasgow-based Sharks. As is common in newly-formed leagues, not all clubs were equally balanced. However this didn't stop all involved in the league from enjoying their time on and off the field.

Last weekend's Grand Final saw Edinburgh's Old Town Bloods battle it out with the Sharks to determine Scotland's premier club. Despite Glasgow's best efforts, the Bloods had their measure on the day, running out convincing winners in a 24.25 (169) to 2.4 (16) victory.

Congratulations go to all involved in the Scotland league this year. It is hoped the league will expand in the medium-term to include cities such as Aberdeen and Stirling, and that in time the Scottish Premiership can act as a springboard for future national squad players.

Further information on the Scottish Premiership can be found on the Scottish Australian Rules Foolball League's website.

In the weekend's other Grand Final, the Regional Premership concluded what has been a challenging year when the Reading Kangaroos comprehensively defeated the Bristol Dockers at Reading. The Dockers struggled from the first bounce, conceeding 28 goals in what could have been an even greater loss but for Reading's inaccuracy in front of goal. The final score, 28.20 (188) to 1.6 (12) was disappointing in what should be a promotional tool for the code in regional Britain.

The Regional Premiership suffered this season from the loss of several clubs, causing chaos in the draw. Doncaster's Saints withdrew half way through the season, and an obvious lack of strength was evident in the North Western Miners and Swindon Devils squads. Let's hope that the winter brings some productive recruiting and next season produces a more balanced competition. Congratulations to Reading and Nottingham for their encouraging first season in the league.

Further information on the Regional Premiership can be found on the British Australian Rules Foolball League's website.