World Footy News

The first ever ‘Bute International Test Series’ between Wales and Scotland has ended, with the Cyrmu Red Dragons (Wales) lifting the Crichton-Stuart Cup.

The Red Dragons and the Scottish Puffins played two matches, held in Glasgow and Cardiff, with the Welsh awarded the series on aggregate score after both sides claimed victory in their respective home matches.

Played 12-a-side, the first leg in Glasgow was the first ever international for the all-Welsh Red Dragons against a team other than England, whilst for the Scots, it was the first test match played by an all-Scottish national team.

Both camps have plans for domestic expansion in the 2010 season, as well as plans for more test matches against other European nations.

Thanks to the Welsh Australian Rules Football League's Ben Coak for this report and photos.

Glasgow, 17th October 2009

October the 17th dawned as a day of perfect footy weather for Scotland to host its first ever international match in Glasgow. The teams sized up pretty evenly and there was a sense that a great match was in the offering.

Things did not bode well for the Cymru Red Dragons, who suffered an injury within the first minutes of the game. Scotland pounced on the opportunity and made the Welsh side work hard to stay up with them. The two teams battled back and forth with some outstanding footy being played by both sides. However, the game remained fairly even throughout all four quarters with both teams no more than a few points away from each other.

The final quarter proved to be a nail-biting end worthy of such a mile stone of an international test match. Try as they might, the Dragons just could not hold out against the Scottish side who started to stretch out a small, but game-winning, lead. The final whistle blew with the home side taking a narrow victory of 60 - 44.

Scotland’s first ever International Test match had become Scotland’s first ever International win.

Cardiff, 24th October 2009

A blustery day with occasional showers greeted the Scots as they made their way onto the playing field in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. An ill omen maybe? The Dragons certainly hoped so, as they were fired up and ready for revenge on their home turf.

Again, a superb game of footy was played by two evenly matched national teams, with some cracking goals being scored by players on both sides. There really was little difference between either team in terms of sheer determination and footy skill. However, the pace of key Welsh player and ‘Man of the Series’ David Saunders allowed Wales to eventually build a modest lead. Scotland fought gallantly, but in the end the Dragon passion won out with the final score being 66-36.

The series was decided on aggregate scores over the two games. Therefore as the final test ended, Wales won the series by 14 points. To demonstrate the character of the series, both national teams posed together for photographs after each test and smiles were seen on all faces, whether they be winners or losers. In fact, the very names ‘Bute Series’ and ‘Crichton-Stuart Cup’ are a celebration of footy bringing both nations together as they honour the 3rd Marques of Bute, who was born on the Isle of Bute in Scotland and whose fortunes were instrumental to the 19th Century growth of Cardiff.

Wales International Co-ordinator and Acting Team Manager, Ben Coak, summed up the importance of the series for both countries: It has been a great series, and so important to raising the profile of footy in both countries. We’ve developed significant media interest to raise the profile our Aussie Rules leagues. Furthermore, we’ve developed a strong friendship between our leagues providing us with mutual support.

Tom Case, Cymru Red Dragons Captain, added: It was two great games of Aussie Rules, hard fought and closely contested. As the Captain it was brilliant to see so many proud people representing their country and giving their all. I hope next year will be just as good.

Douglas Hunter, Scotland Captain, added: As Scotland’s first all-national team, we were enormously proud to be part of such a closely fought and fairly played competition. This was a wonderful opportunity to build bridges between the two teams, and raise the profile of the game in both countries. We hope the series will go from strength to strength in the coming years.

The Bute International Series is set to become a significant date in the calendars of both footy nations.

In addition, both countries are actively planning further internationals with other European nations in the near future, as well as making possible appearances in the European Championships. The Cymru Red Dragons will be again playing the England Dragonslayers in the Dragon Cup 2010 and are initiating negotiations with other nations such as Spain and Sweden.

Both countries are likewise intent on strengthening their domestic leagues in 2010 and beyond. The Welsh Australian Rules Football League are adding a fifth team next year, with Scotland having similar plans to expand.

On the basis of the success of the Bute Series, the future certainly looks bright for the footy leagues of these two proud nations.