Warwick Wolves make history with most successful season in 40 years

After sealing promotion last year, Warwick’s American football team, the Wolves, continued their fine run of form this season, becoming Premiership North champions as well as reaching the final of the Premiership playoffs. One week on from their appearance in the final, The Boar Sport takes a look at the amazing achievements of the most successful squad in the team’s near 40 year history.

The regular season saw the impressive Wolves win seven out of eight games, including two incredible victories over rivals NTU Renegades: one at the beginning of the year, and the other a landmark victory in which the team slaughtered their rivals in a 42-7 win.

Warwick’s only loss during the regular season, was their first game of the season against tough opponents, Leeds Gryphons which finished 40-28. Thankfully, this was not enough to dishearten the Wolves, as from this point on, the only way was up.

One of the most pleasing things this year was how everyone bought into the goal of going all the way

Geoff Williams Wolves Head Coach

Following a tense several weeks, Warwick’s championship title remained in the balance until the very last game against Liverpool Raptors, whom Warwick had already beaten 35-0 on their previous away trip. However, following Liverpool’s forfeit, the Wolves were crowned Premiership North champions, and earned a chance at promotion to the newly formed National League.

As champions, Warwick had home advantage going into the first round of the playoffs, in which they faced the Premiership South’s fourth seed, Cardiff Cobras. This presented a challenge for the Wolves, as Cardiff had some big wins under their belt during the regular season, yet Warwick gave it their all and thrashed their opponents 22-3 to progress to the next round.

The Wolves were again presented with tough opposition, this time in the form of the South’s second seed, Portsmouth Destroyers. The Destroyers had beaten NTU Renegades 40-0 to progress to this round of the playoffs.

This game was a very close contest, with the Wolves having to come from behind after an early touchdown from the opposition. However, thanks to the team’s impressive resilience they were able to turn things around, finishing the game with a 20-13 win and a spot in the playoff finals.

The club has always been about having fun and making lifelong friends- to maintain that and also be one of the best teams in the country has been truly special

Geoff Williams Wolves Head Coach

The final saw the Wolves face their strongest opposition yet: the number one South seed, SGS Bristol Pride. The match took place at Loughborough University, as part of the Big BUCS Wednesday events. An incredibly tough afternoon saw SGS victorious with a 21-0 win, in a game where the Wolves struggled to get a foothold.

Head Coach, Geoff Williams (who first became involved with the team as a player in 2011) expressed his pride at the squad’s performance this year, naming the “nail-biting” win against NTU in front of the crowd at Butts Park Arena as a highlight.

He also commented on the non-wavering determination of the entire squad of 60+ members, and the 12 coaching staff members: “One of the most pleasing things this year was how everyone bought into the goal of going all the way”. This included a large number of rookies who were able to make a huge impact, even in their first year with the team.

Despite the pressure of competing at such a high level, communication and teamwork allowed the squad to remain a positive, welcoming community throughout this entire season. Geoff adds, “The club has always been about having fun and making lifelong friends – to maintain that and also be one of the best teams in the country has been truly special”.

After a truly incredible year, the Wolves will be looking to capitalise on their success by continuing their “era of greatness” next season, and taking the final step of becoming national champions.