Steelers arrived on the first day of flagging new year under strength with only 5 players able to attend on that day.
First game was against an old foe in the shape of the Dunbeth Dragons although the game started tight the lack of numbers soon showed as the dragons pulled away to win 27-0 next up was a more daunting game against the Utrecht Dominators, one if many European teams at the event, the difference in class was on show as the Dutch team won 33-0 and indeed dominated proceedings.
Next game saw the Steelers play the Leeds samurai this despite being short of numbers proved to be an easier game with Steelers getting their first victory 18-0 this momentum carried ion to the last game of the Saturday against a new Carluke cobra squad, this game was tight with no score at the half but in the latter stages lack of numbers was the Steelers undoing allowing 2 late scores for a 14-0 victory for the cobras.
The Sunday saw the Steelers arrive with almost a full squad of 12 this increase in squad size showed in the first game against the Nuola waves as the Steelers won 33-6.
Next up was the playoff bracket and the Steelers playing for 9th spot against the Newcastle Blackhawks, the Steelers shot out the traps to open the scoring then late in the half the Blackhawks got a score back it stayed this way till late in the game as the Blackhawks scored a late Touchdown and time ran out as the Steelers drove down the field.
Now playing for 13th spot the Steelers faced a strong Clyde Comets team the scores were level until late in the 2nd half as the comets scored and followed up with a quick pick 6 winning 27-6 ion the end.
The last game of the day was for 15/16th place v the Manchester titans and this game was back and forth as both teams matched each other score for score sadly with the Steelers on the 15 yard line of the titans the final bell sounded giving the titans a 26-19 victory and leaving the Steelers in 16th position for the tournament.
All in all was a great experience and well run tournament with the Steelers picking up valuable lessons going into the 2017 season.
