It’s that time of the year again, so get ready for the big rumble. CEFL Bowl XI will be played this Sunday in Graz. Home team, AFL’s own, the Giants will roll out the green carpet for the SK CEFL’s most winning team, SBB Vukovi. Make no mistake though, the atmosphere at the ASKÖ Stadium will be anything but welcoming for the visitors.
The Giants have placed in the finals by beating Cineplexx Blue Devils and Ljubljana Silverhawks, complementing their national season run. In the top Austrian league, the AFL, Giants have won all but a single game. Their only loss came against Tirol Swarco Raiders, undoubtedly one of European best teams. However, the Giants have managed to return the favor at home in Styria, if only by a single point in a cliffhanger. That way they have secured their place in the national semifinals, awaiting their opponent from the Wild Card round.
SBB Vukovi’s SK CEFL season was much longer. They’ve faced their toughest rival, Novi Sad GAT Dukes in the first round. Last year they have achieved a rare feat by beating SBB Vukovi in the finals and winning the trophy for the first time. This time, the Belgraders were the stronger team, taking revenge on their northern adversaries. The only other team that challenged them were Budapest Cowbells, losing by a couple of touchdowns. Three newcomers to the league have been shut out, including Zagreb Patriots in the Wild Card.
CEFL Bowl was hardly ever stronger. Two of the toughest teams from the Austrian and Serbian leagues will clash this time. The spectators are guaranteed a great game if they tune to Sport Klub TV live at 15:00 on Sunday, or via an internet stream on the Giants’ Facebook page.