GREAT BRITAIN have won an historic silver medal at the IFAF Womens World Championships in Vantaa, Finland.

The Lions upset the form book to make it to the final before being defeated by holders and red-hot favourites USA 42-14 in the final in Vantaa, Finland.

London Warriors wide receiver Siobhan Walker opened the scoring – breaking free from a catch to take the ball into the endzone earl on. Then after USA rallied with two scores, Ruth Matta of the Birmingham Lions – who also plays for Boston Renegades Stateside – powered into the end zone to level scores at 14-14 at half time.

But USA’s experience told after the break, racking up a further four unanswered touchdowns to retain the title.

The tournament brought together the eight top-ranked teams in the world including European Champions Finland and second-ranked Canada.

Team GB were outsiders – but beat Canada in the most dramatic fashion in the semi-final as Walker received the decisive catch in the endzone with just seconds remaining to spark jubilant scenes.

She told The Voice: “The standard had been set and our focus was clear. We were ready to make history and show the world what Great Britain is about!”

London Warriors teammate, linebacker, Summer Rivers who was getting her first taste of international action added: “I knew playing the best in the world today would be a tough induction into international football, but I loved every moment of it. I’m really proud of myself and my team and I’m excited to see what the future holds for women’s football worldwide.

Team GB Head Coach Chris Stone added: “Throughout our preparations for this tournament our goal was always to make history and create a legacy. The win against Canada validated all of the work, commitment and sacrifices everyone put in from players to coaches. The players are trailblazers for the next generation.”

Pete Ackerley, Chief Executive of British American Football (BAFA) said: “This is a tremendous achievement. With the continuing growth of interest in NFL in the UK, it is another major step for American Football in this country – which we have embraced and made our own.

“In addition to our womens’ teams heroics in Finland, our under-19s Men’s Team performed admirably at the recent European Championships and our senior Men’s team are currently preparing for their Euros in September.”

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering can access opportunities using BAFA’s club finder portal at https://clubs.britishamericanfootball.org/