The Wakefield District Raiders will play a home quarter-final in the BAFA Division Two play-offs after securing the NFC Two Midlands Division title.
Division success capped by decisive win
The Raiders ended the regular season with a record of six wins and two losses, sealing top spot with a convincing 50-14 victory over Leigh Miners in their final fixture. Their title was confirmed when rivals Rossendale Bucks were unable to overturn the result they needed, losing to Birmingham Bulls in the Bucks’ last league game.
As a result, Wakefield will host the Lincolnshire Bombers in a quarter-final tie at Sandal RUFC on Sunday 2 August, with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm.
What the achievement means locally
This marks only the Raiders’ second-ever play-off appearance since the club was founded in 2015; their previous run to post-season football came in 2023. For a relatively young club, returning to knockout football highlights steady progress on and off the field and underlines the growing profile of American football in the Wakefield district.
The club has publicly acknowledged the role of local partners and sponsors in reaching this point, thanking Sandal RUFC for hosting home games and naming sponsors Carleton Pontefract and Caolan Smart Electrical for their support.
Fixture and practical information
- Opponent: Lincolnshire Bombers
- Date: Sunday 2 August
- Kick-off: 12.30pm
- Venue: Sandal RUFC
Supporters and local residents planning to attend should note the midday kick-off and make arrangements for travel and parking with the venue. The match represents an opportunity for the community to back a local side competing for national honours.
Season summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regular season record | 6 wins, 2 losses |
| Final regular-season result | Win 50-14 vs Leigh Miners |
| Division | NFC Two Midlands |
| Play-off fixture | Quarter-final vs Lincolnshire Bombers at Sandal RUFC, 2 Aug, 12.30pm |
For the Raiders, a home tie provides not only sporting advantage but also the chance to consolidate local support and reward volunteers and sponsors who help keep the club running. The coming weeks will show whether the team can convert divisional success into a deeper run in the national competition.
