The Aztecs maintained their unbeaten record with their second close victory of near neighbours and rivals Bath.

The visitors, whose side has been depleted by injuries this season, put up a valiant performance, with nothing to choose between the two sides. The Bath offense was countered by some sterling Aztec defense that claimed three interceptions on the day, as both sides fought for first half supremacy. The first quarter of this intriguing match up came with and went without either side managing to score and as the half concluded the home side nailed a Will Parkhouse field goal to put the Aztecs’ noses in front 3 – 0.

Determined to keep their slim play off chances alive the Cardinals sought to find their way back into the contest only for the Aztecs to send them reeling when quarterback Gareth Thomas hit Ed Collins in the end zone to increase the lead. Parkhouse split the uprights with the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to leave the National Champions hopes of retaining their title severely dented.

As the game moved into the fourth quarter the Cardinals once more moved deep into Bristol territory and looked certain to claw back the arrears only for the ball to be once again intercepted and returned ninety yards. Steff Williams blasted in from the three to seal the Aztec victory.

Despite their run of three successive defeats the Cardinals are still not out of play off contention but will need to see off the Olympians in the their rematch to do so. The Aztecs, providing they stay focused should now qualify, but cannot afford to take their theoretically weaker opponents for granted.