Isle Of Wight Raptors Miss Out On Play-Offs Despite Impressive Final-Day Double

The Isle of Wight Raptors narrowly missed out on a place in the National Flag Football League play-offs despite ending the regular season with two impressive victories.

Heading into the final round of Division 1 South East fixtures last Saturday, the Raptors knew they needed wins over Salisbury City Marauders and London Rebels B, along with favourable results elsewhere, to have any chance of breaking into the top eight.

Although the Islanders fell just short of the play-offs, they produced their strongest performances of the season in front of a home crowd in Sandown.

The Raptors claimed an impressive 40-33 victory over division leaders Salisbury City Marauders, avenging an earlier defeat. Quarterback Jack Halder threw a series of pinpoint passes, while receiver Dean Brooman made a number of outstanding catches.

Inspired play-calling from player-coach Lottie Laidler and a determined defensive display helped seal the win.

The home side then rounded off the day in style with a dominant 34-0 victory over London Rebels B.

The results see the Raptors finish second in Division 1 South East with a 12-6 record, ending the regular season ninth overall – just one place outside the play-off positions.

Despite missing out on the post-season, the team will now compete as the top seed in the Plate competition, which takes place on 22 August.

The campaign marks a significant improvement on last season, when the club finished with a 5-11 record before league restructuring saw them face a new set of opponents this year.

The Raptors also maintained their unbeaten home record since returning to the British American Football Association National Flag Football League last season.

A disciplined defence proved key to their success, conceding an average of just 18.4 points per game – the best defensive record in their division.

Player-coach Lottie Laidler said:

"The final game day was the best I've seen us play.

"It's a shame to just miss out on the playoffs, but from where we were last season to now, we couldn't be more proud to achieve top seed in the plate.

"We want to win it and then push for the playoffs next season.

"New players are always welcome, no experience needed, just come and give it a go."

The Isle of Wight Raptors are encouraging anyone interested in trying flag football to get involved, with no previous experience required.