Team Great Britain defeated Team Canada 20-13 in a true semifinal showdown of the Women’s World Championships. Both teams made tons of plays on both sides of the ball, constantly challenging their opponent to find ways to be successful on the field of play.

Both Team Canada and Team Great Britain got off to slow starts, with neither team being able to move the ball well against solid defenses. A high snap on a Team Great Britain punt attempt put Team Canada in position for an easy scoring opportunity. Running back Hanna McEwen scored on a 1 yard run to give Team Canada the first points of the game. Kristie Eliott made the extra point to make the score CANADA – 7, GREAT BRITAIN – 0.

Great Britain attempted to respond to the score with a long kickoff return that put them inside of Team Canada’s red zone. Instead of seizing the opportunity, Team Canada was able to force a fumble and avoid allowing  any points. A few series later, Team Canada’s defense once again stepped up, with defensive back Harmine Leo picking off a pass from quarterback Sydney Green.

Not to be outdone, Team Great Britain’s defense was able to one-up their opponents with a pick six. Defensive back Lucy Peaty intercepted a Maude Lacasse pass and returned it 28 yards for Great Britain’s first score of the game. The extra point was unsuccessful, making the score CANADA – 7, GREAT BRITAIN – 6.

The second quarter would be more great defensive play between the two teams, until the last 39 seconds of the half. Team Great Britain would use those 39 seconds to score their second touchdown of the half, courtesy of quarterback Sydney Green on a 2 yard run. Samantha Reid made the extra point, making the score CANADA – 7, GREAT BRITAIN – 13 heading into halftime.

Team Canada opened the second half with a bang. Running back Kasey McCombs had a 49-yard gain to move Team Canada into Team Britain’s 1 yard line. A few plays later running back Sarah Wright scored a 1 yard touchdown for Team Canada. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, making the score CANADA – 13, GREAT BRITAIN – 13.

The score would remain tied while both teams traded turnovers and stalled drives. With 3:22 remaining in the game, Team Britain went on a 9 play, 40-yard drive to score the last points of the game. On 3rd & 9, quarterback Sydney Green connected with receiver Siobhan Walker for a 10 yard touchdown that would seal the game for Team Britain. Samantha Reid made the extra point, making the score CANADA – 13, GREAT BRITAIN – 20 with 2 seconds remaining on the clock.

Most Valuable Players

• Canada – Defensive Back Harmine Leo
• Great Britain – Defensive Back Phoebe Schecter

Top Performers

Offense

• (GB) QB, Sydney Green – 18/28, 140 yds, 1 td
• (GB) RB/WR, Siobhan Walker – 7 rush, 77 yds / 5 rec, 34 yds, 1 td
• (GB) WR, Jessica Anderson – 6 rec, 45 yds
• (Can) RB, Kasey McCombs – 8 rec, 70 yds

Defense

• (GB) DB, Phoebe Schecter – 9.5 tkls, 1 int
• (GB) DB, Lucy Peaty – 4.5 tkls, 1 int
• (Can) DL, Emilie Belanger – 9.5 tkls
• (Can) DB, Harmine Leo -7 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 int