GB Lions v Finland

The morning at Malmö starts with rain. Just an hour before the kick off the rain stops and weather was settled again for a good Football game. Great Britain against Finland has a big tradition at the European Championships. Both teams have met five times previously including two Championship Finals in late Eighties.

The Finish Team started with a long drive. Quarterback P. Penkki who utilised eight different receivers through the game led his offence down the field. A big factor was Running Back T. Paukkula. He ended the drive with a 3 yard Touchdown run for the finish lead. Paukkula rushed for 136 yards and another Touchdown in the 3rd Quarter, earning the MVP honour for his team. In the second Quarter P. Penkki found Wide Receiver J. Satola open for an 8 yard Touchdown pass.

GBvFinland

The Lions offensive line, featuring Aztecs Steve Hopkins (no. 72, pictured), Charlie Wilson (no. 62, pictured) bought Lions QB David Drane time to throw for 270 yards

The GB Lions finally broke their scoring duck with the first play of the next drive. Quarterback David Drane rolled out and connected his pass with Clive Palumbo, who sprinted home for a 67 yard TD. Palumbo had scored the first Touchdown for the British Lions. However the Lions defence could not contain the Finnish attack and they ate the clock up and threw two more touchdown passes before half time, one of these was a 48 yarder from P. Penkki to V. Palikainen.  

After Halftime the Lions showed real British determination the whole game to try to claw their way back into the game. Not able to run consistantly all the time, the British offence was built on the arm of Quarterback David Drane. Especially Palumbo who was his favourite target. They connected 8 passes for 141 yards bringing the MVP title for the British receiver. But three interceptions were too much for the Lions. With time running out Running Back Kofi Campbell put the last points on the scoreboard with a powerful 13 yard run overrunning every defender in his way.