The inaugural national flag football championship took place last weekend at the venerable Stinatzer sports ground under the pseudonym “Uhudler Bowl”. In addition to the hosts of the Ozelots Stinatz, the teams of the Guardians from Oberwart, the Pannonia Eagles from Baumgarten and the Pekkas Neudörfl also took part. Four clubs that have raised the red and gold flag of football in recent years. About 200 fans did not want to miss this sporting spectacle and created a nice atmosphere. The first surprise came in the first semifinal between Ozelots and Eagles, because the hosts had to give up early.
Baumgarten finally won a close and fighting match with 27:20. This wasn’t necessarily predictable, because the Ozelots, who competed with their own set of those, were considered the favorites. In the second game, the Guardians then met the Pekkas Neudörfl. And this fight should also remain as competitive as the first game. The Neudörflers then had the happier end for themselves, securing the final entry with a tight 21:20. Positive from the point of view of the Ozelot: at least the third place was obtained after a victory in the derby of 20:19 against the Oberwart Guardians.
The final followed, all centered around the Mattersburg district. In a high-class final with some highlights, the Pannonia Eagles created a little stir with a win of 19:14. The Baumgartener were crowned the first Burgenland champions! Several accolades followed, with Ozelots president Jan Zsifkovits securing the title of MVP and best player of the tournament. Meanwhile, Sepp Morawitz was honored by Pekkas Neudörfl for his defensive performance.
An all-round successful start to a sport that is getting more and more attention. “We want to continue this ‘championship’ in 2023,” said President Zsifkovits and also reported on the plan to found our national association. This should be created in the near future and take care of planning and coordination.
