Ravens swoop to Super Bowl victory

Ray Lewis, the man arrested on suspicion of murder after last year's Super Bowl, was the game's Most Valuable Player this year as the Baltimore Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7 here in Tampa.

The charges against Lewis, following the stabbing of two men outside an Atlanta nightclub on Super Bowl night exactly a year ago, were dropped following a trial in May and he set about rebuilding his life and his American Football career, culminating in an outstanding performance as the kingpin of the a Ravens defence which swamped the Giants.

"It was incredible to see the way we played as a team tonight," said 25-year-old Lewis, already voted the National Football League's Defensive Player of the Year before the Super Bowl.

"We're the best ever and they can't take that away from us. We've played like this all year and for me if you put this in a story book no one would believe it. To be here after what happened last year, it's a feeling you can't describe."

New York quarterback Kerry Collins was completely overshadowed, throwing a Super Bowl record-equalling four interceptions in the game and he could do nothing to break down the Ravens, a team which has been in existence for only five seasons.

The Ravens led 10-0 at the end of a poor first half through a 38-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Stokley from a pass by quarterback Trent Dilfer. Matt Stover then kicked a 47-yard field goal for the Ravens.