by Sam Banner

Going into the game against Chester this past weekend, Sandwell knew a victory would give them the NFC1 South title and that’s exactly what they walked away with. 

Chester started the game with the ball and the Steelers defence didn’t skip a beat, forcing a punt, after a bat down from DL Marty Steel. However the punt was blocked and the offence took over with great field position. RB Raph Chisholm made the most of it, making several would be tacklers miss on his way to the first touchdown of the day. 

After another punt from Chester RB Raph Chisholm punched in his second touchdown and the defence made their presence known with sacks from DL Sam Rafferty and LB Nick Harry closing out the first quarter. 

The second quarter seemed challenging for both offences with Chester failing to convert a fake punt to try generate some offence and QB Tristan Varney throwing a rare interception after feeling the pressure from the Roman rushers. 

Steelers stalwart WR Steve Kinnersley helped bring some stability to the pass game as QB Tristan Varney connected with him for a 34 yard touchdown to bring the first half score to 20-0. 

The second half was a lot more confident and consistent for Sandwell as QB Tristan Varney threw three more touchdowns to WRs Austin Young, Alex Mackenzie-Grist and Ben Bray and they weren’t the only ones catching passes as LB Nick Harry intercepted a tipped pass. 


30/06 Chester Romans 0-43 Sandwell Steelers

30/06 Shropshire Revolution 43-0 Doncaster Mustangs

1Sandwell Steelers800399241.000
2Shropshire Revolution5301631150.625
3Lancashire Wolverines5301701600.625
4Nottingham Caesars4401541740.500
5Chester Romans2601082010.250
6Doncaster Mustangs080203400.000


Alas, it was a quiet day for the Legion of Swag in their quest to donate as much money as possible to a worthy cause. With no interceptions, forced fumbles or fumble recoveries against the Romans, the running season total remains at £510.


Sandwell return to #FortressTSA to finish out the regular season with back to back games against playoff hopefuls the Shropshire Revolution and the Lancashire Wolverines on 21 and 28 of July respectively. 


In securing the NFC1 South title, the Steelers are guaranteed a home quarter-final tie, currently against Northumberland Vikings. Most importantly the Steelers kept the Romans scoreless in the game meaning they keep the number one seed in the playoff standings, averaging just 3 points per game so far this year.