World Footy News

The Glasgow Sharks downed the Edinburgh Bloods in a thrilling Preliminary Final at Linlithgow Rugby Club this weekend, sending them into the Grand Final to play against fellow Glasgow team, the Greater Glasgow Giants. Any fears that the city could not support two Australian Football teams can be laid to rest as the historic match showcases the work of both clubs to grow and co-exist.

In an exciting final to fight for a spot in the biggest game of the year, the Edinburgh team got quickly out of the blocks to hold a five goal lead by quarter time (Bloods 37 to Sharks 7). The Sharks, however, lifted with a big second quarter of their own to close the gap to just 13 points by half time (Bloods 47 to Sharks 34).

The Sharks had momentum and continued their challenge of a come-from-behind win with a great third quarter, grabbing the lead and setting up a huge last quarter (Sharks 76 to Bloods 67). The final quarter was a titanic struggle as both teams threw everything at each other. Scores were level with ten minutes to go as the Bloods refused to concede, but a couple of late goals to the Sharks got them home in a thriller – Final Score: Glasgow Sharks 98 defeated Edinburgh Bloods 87.

The scene is now set for an All-Glasgow Grand Final At the Linlithgow Rugby Fields next Saturday 13th August.

In a season which saw the Falkirk Silverbacks forced to withdraw from the remainder of the season due largely to a crippling injury toll, the Glasgow teams, Edinburgh and the Kingdom Kangaroos have reached the business end of the year. The off season will see AFL Scotland assess the season and plan for next year with a view to assisting the Falkirk team as well as other development areas in Dundee and West Lothian to retain stability in the competition and continue the sustainable growth of the game.

But for the time being all eyes will be on Glasgow as one of the teams of warriors from the city will hold aloft the cup and etch their name in the AFL Scotland history books.