Bush makes history in win over Mustangs

Sun Jun 25 2017

The Yorkshire Rams’ win over the Doncaster Mustangs on Sunday featured a moment of British American football history courtesy of Lil Bush.

The back-up quarterback became the first female player to throw a scoring pass in the BAFA National Leagues when she connected with Spencer Whybrow for a two-point conversion, following the Rams’ third touchdown in a 34-14 win.

She said afterwards: “I’m absolutely stoked, I’m really happy.

“I’ve worked really hard with the Rams this season, been pestering people to put me on the field, and hopefully that is a reason to keep doing that.”

The achievement comes at the same time as the Great Britain national team are competing at the Women’s World Championship in Canada, where they won their opening game 27-21 against European champions Finland.

It was perhaps fitting that it was Whybrow on the end of the historic pass, with the veteran receiver coaching Bush in the women’s game and the pair enjoying a close friendship.

“My good pal Spence is my coach at Leeds Carnegie Chargers, and we were having a little chat about this fake field goal play,” she said. “We always go to the park and throw a football around, we’ve got a real good understanding and communication.

“I just picked up the ball, stepped back and… it was the laziest pass I’ve ever thrown in my life, I just threw it where I knew no-one but him could get it, and he caught it and made me look real good - appreciate that, Spence!”

Whybrow added: “It’s always wonderful to be a part of a moment of history.

“Obviously Lil and I have built up our bond so it’s nice to see it come to fruition and help her break her duck in points.”

Bush joined the Rams this season having helped lead the Chargers to the national final of the seven-a-side Sapphire Series and is hoping to build on Sunday’s exploits when she next runs out in women’s 11-a-side action.

She said: “I’m super-excited for the rest of the season, and what the Rams are going to do in this season - and for when the Diamond Series comes around, so that I can show the women’s league what I’ve got as well.”

Congratulations to Lil from all at the Rams for a memorable and well-deserved achievement. A full report on the Doncaster match will follow.