Sealand Seahawks and SuperSonics in Italy: Four Teams, Two Days, One Very Full Trophy Cabinet
By Mike Ireland, Minister for Sport and Culture for the Principality of Sealand
We did three teams in Brno, Czech Republic, so why not four? Surely it can't be that difficult? The Sealand Seahawks Shehawks, Masters and Nationals in Formigine, and the Sealand SuperSonics in their very first game in Padua, on the 31st of October (the Halloween Bowl) and the 1st of November 2026.
I asked the players what they were most looking forward to and got two simple answers: spending time with their found family, and the food. Both delivered.
Found Family, and a Lot of Limoncello
Most of us arrived on the Thursday night, and we all met at Mr Brown's bar in Modena. It felt like we'd only seen each other the day before, even though it had been at least a month. This is the issue with the Sealand Seahawks: it doesn't matter where we are, we turn up and unintentionally take the whole place over. That happened in Modena when Dean "Cupcake" Holmes had to nip across the road to the off-licence for more limoncello.
I'm not saying it was a massive night out, but I think some people were glad that training wasn't until 8pm the following evening.
Sport Against Gender-Based Violence at Formigine Town Hall
At 5:30 the next day I was very fortunate to speak, albeit very briefly, at Formigine Town Hall, a beautiful converted castle, about sport as a way of preventing gender-based violence. Giovanni Cantu, President of AGWA, Erika Bonnetti, head of the Honey Badgers, Walter Sabbioneda, General Manager of AGWA, Giorgia Lombardo, the councillor for equal opportunities in Formigine, and Giulia Bosi, the councillor for sport in Formigine, all took the floor, as did Shehawks Georgia Evans, Jess Guthrie and our own Layla Blake, billed in the conference programme as "Lyly". (Sorry Layla, the poor girl can't catch a break when it comes to her name.)
Three Squads, One Postage Stamp
Turning up for training, we found ourselves squeezing three full squads onto a space only a little bigger than Sealand itself. That was the first challenge. The second was getting traction on synthetic turf in trainers, because the owner of the facility had only just changed the surface and asked us not to use cleats. Our skill players looked like they were running in slow motion, but when the football moved off the main pitch, our wily Masters snuck onto it and made some more space for everyone else.
We wrapped up at 10pm. I'll be honest, I wanted to feel confident. I knew we had the talent, the drive and the enthusiasm, but there's always a little gremlin at the back of my brain that won't let me get too excited. The message I gave was simple:
"We've come out here to have fun, enjoy the culture, but ultimately to do a job. If everyone does their job, we'll win. Simple as that."
Game Day: The Halloween Bowl, 31 October
I'd been worried about rain, with us playing on a grass pitch, but it was glorious sunshine and not a cloud in the sky.
Shehawks vs Scarlet Phoenix: A Historic First Win, 18-12
The Shehawks arrived and from the second they turned up, it was clear they meant business. Head Coach Ian Fryer got the troops ready, and after a dance to the Vengaboys, it was time to take to the pitch.
The Seahawks Women's team opened the game as they meant to go on. Their defence brought heavy pressure on the Scarlet Phoenix quarterback and forced a turnover on downs on the opening drive, with Layla Blake (yes, that's Blake, not "Leela Flake") making the tackle on all three downs. The blitzes from the defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs kept the Scarlet Phoenix guessing all day.
Meg Robinson then picked off a pass and was tackled on the one-yard line, and Mia Poppleton punched it in from there. A fumble forced by the Shehawks' run stop pinned the Scarlet Phoenix deep in their own territory, and Dani Brain scored from the inch line on a tush push.
The Scarlet Phoenix hit back with some deep passes, scoring just before the break to leave it 12-6 to the Shehawks at half-time. Freya Avery gave the Shehawks some breathing room in the second half with their third touchdown, an outside run to the left, before the Scarlet Phoenix air attack started to click.
The defence adjusted to stop the deep ball, which gave the Scarlet Phoenix room to run, but the run stop held firm when it was needed. It got tense when the Scarlet Phoenix closed the gap to a single score, but both sides of the ball found something extra, and the Shehawks sealed the win with a brilliant stop on 4th and goal from the one-yard line.
Ilse Van Staden was named overall MVP and Meg Robinson took defensive MVP for her interception. Elise Wood stood out on offence among many strong performances, and Dani Brain was praised for her leadership on the field.
"I knew there was something different about this group at Friday practice, and they proved it on game day. They moved to another level when it looked like the Scarlet Phoenix were coming back, and snuffed them out. I couldn't be more proud. It's a historic first win for the Shehawks, and I was honoured to accept the trophy and celebrate the victory with them." Ian Fryer, Head Coach.
Masters vs Team World Lone Wolves: A First 9s Win, 37-0
The Seahawks Masters made a fantastic first venture into the 9s game, and the Lone Wolves never recovered. The defence set the tone with a three-and-out on the very first series, kept that pattern going all game, and conceded nothing. Plenty of turnovers helped, and the Masters moved to 5-1 on the season.
The offence showed flair and versatility in the first half, making gains in the air and on the ground for two touchdowns. In the second half the defence kept handing them good field position, and a run-first approach produced three more touchdowns. The Lone Wolves conceded in the fourth quarter, and the game was called with the score at 37-0.
The 9s format had its quirks, with no special teams all game. The Masters coped with the odd kickoff start and the 40-yard "virtual punts" by simply overpowering the Lone Wolves.
Scott Spearink ran in three touchdowns, Danny Jackson added one more on the ground, and Rik Lowthion threw a touchdown pass to Steve Howard. With no kicking, Chris Hobbs and Danny Jackson took the conversions by running them in. Dex, Leon, Keith, TJ, Steve, Chris Hobbs and Ian all made catches.
There was even a record. Ian Fryer, who coached the Women's team, got changed and played for the Masters, and he and passer Simon McLean are believed to hold a record for the combined age of a passer and catcher, at 108.
"Every player stepped up to the change in format and excelled. Fantastic work from all the players, coordinators and coaches." Nick Benning, Head Coach.
Nationals vs Honey Badgers: A Late Pick-Six To Seal The Deal, 17-6
Special teams were a mystery to everyone in this format, and the opening kickoff set the tone: caught, not returned, and the Honey Badgers started at their own 20 while the Seahawks sideline wondered what the point was.
The defence stiffened after three first downs, and both defences were on top early. The Badgers broke through midway through the second quarter after a sustained drive. A heavy Seahawks blitz just failed to get to the quarterback, who took a hit and still found his receiver at the back of the end zone. The extra-point kick went wide, and it stayed 6-0 at half-time.
The Seahawks offence kept probing under TJ at quarterback, without scoring in the first half. Joe Thompson took over for the second half, with a committee of running backs, AJ, Vic and Chris Hobbs, moving the chains. Then came the spark. Thompson found Chris Green for a one-handed catch as the defender tried to swap shirts mid-play, rather than waiting until the end of the game, and two plays later the same pair connected for the score. The kick was blocked, and it was 6-6. "Maybe we should have practised special teams," said the sideline, "if we'd known they were part of the format."
The defence bent without breaking, and the Seahawks offence got into the red zone again for a 4th and 10. This time the field goal unit took the field with the kick they'd practised, and Jesse Bell put it through the uprights. 9-6 to the Seahawks, who were chasing their third win of the day.
With just over two minutes left the Badgers had the ball, but the defence repelled their deep shots, with Ryan Caley (#32) batting down several. Then Fab G flushed the quarterback to his left, he threw under heavy pressure, and Scott Gay ended up with the ball for a pick-six. The offence then took the field for a two-point attempt they didn't need but badly wanted, and Thompson to Chris Green, the match MVP, made it 17-6. The defence, led by Simon Wainwright, effectively shut the Badgers out.
"A famous coach once said 'The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary'. The D put in an immense shift today. They pulled together as one and epitomised the bend-don't-break philosophy, finishing by icing the game on a takeaway. Immensely proud of their efforts. Home for tea and cake." Simon Wainwright, Defensive Coordinator
"I'm proud of the players for sticking to the task and trusting the process. It wasn't the free-scoring offence we all hoped to see, but it got the job done when it needed to and sent the crowd and players home with a smile, a beer and pumpkin pie." Nick Tilbury, Offensive Coordinator
"I'm very proud at how well everyone supported each other and stuck to the task to get the job done. It's never an easy task to turn up in a foreign country with only two training sessions under your belt and play against a very well-drilled and established side. The lads worked hard on both sides of the ball, and Jesse's kick gave everyone the hope they needed to push on to get a win at the final whistle. Massive loves and appreciations to Walter Sabbioneda for organising the whole event, and to the Honey Badgers for hosting and setting up such an amazing day!" Mike Ireland, Head Coach.
SuperSonics in Padua, 1 November: The First Ever Sealand Basketball Win
Game 1 vs Baone Boars: lost 44-27
The Sealand SuperSonics opened their first game against an experienced Baone Boars side who play together in the Italian league.
The SuperSonics started strongly, with Lee Ambridge picking up a few quick baskets. Nicola Cesaro, Jack Sharples (we saw you fall over the white lines) and Nathan "Tanky" Thatcher grabbed some decent rebounds, though the team struggled to move the ball on a very slippery court. Dani Brain and Francis Vizcarra both found some great passes and easy inside points.
In the second half the Boars took control with some great outside shooting and the experience of playing together, building a ten-point lead. The SuperSonics battled hard, and Coach Garside ran his bench, giving Ruby Poppleton and Mike Brown a chance to get some great international basketball experience. A few late long bombs from Dani Brain and some great baskets from Mike Brown and Lee Ambridge weren't quite enough, and the Boars finished 44-27 winners.
"We played a team of guys who play together every week after we'd had just one two-hour training session, and we were competitive. I couldn't have asked for more." Coach Garside.
Game 2 vs Italy Over-50s Maxis: won 24-16
The SuperSonics started the 3rd/4th place play-off strongly against another tough, organised side. Lee Ambridge, Dani Brain and Francis Vizcarra led the fast breaks to build an early ten-point lead.
The Italians switched to a tough 2-1-2 zone, which made scoring inside harder, but good passing and a slight height advantage let the SuperSonics find the spaces. With a 13-point cushion at half-time, Coach Garside was able to run his whole squad in the second half.
The Maxis fought back after the break, but the SuperSonics held on for a 24-16 win and the first ever Sealand win in international basketball. Lee Ambridge was named MVP.
"The entire squad contributed and played their part in Sealand's first basketball win. A very proud day." Coach Garside.
The Verdict
Four teams, two days: a Halloween Bowl clean sweep of three football wins on the 31st, and a basketball side that went from a first-game defeat to third place on the 1st. We came home with a full house of five trophies, and a lot of thank-yous to owe: to Walter and AGWA for organising it all, to the Honey Badgers for hosting, and to Formigine for making us so welcome. To our medic Sienna who played in the first game, suffered an injury, but kept powering through for other people regardless and to Connor Doyle, his first tour as official Seahawks photographer and his amazing photos of the days.
We asked the players what they were looking forward to, and they said family and food. They got both, plus a few things we hadn't planned.
Tell Us We Can't.
