Last year’s finalists, the Aztecs, made the trip to Aldershot, hoping to make it third time lucky against the Knights and in their second consecutive final and second consecutive appearance at Don Valley where they appeared in the BYAFA exhibition game which was a major influence on securing this year’s final there. By their own admission the Bristol side felt that they were fortunate to squeeze passes the Gateshead Senators in the last round so they hoped to take full advantage of the luck that had come their way. Despite two reasonably close victories over the Aztecs, the Knights felt that they would have to be at their best to secure their Championship spot.

The Knights took the lead in the first quarter with a long fifty-eight yard dash from Daniel Appleyard. With Sebastian Phillips returning to kicking duties, the extra two points were tagged onto the score as the home side opened up an 8 – 0. Both teams moved the ball in fits and starts throughout the remainder of the quarter with defenses managing to snuff out any immediate danger to preserve the score.

Bristol were rocked back on their heels in the second when quarter when Daniel Conroy gathered a punt and scooted through the Aztec special teams from forty-nine yards out to increase the lead. The ever accurate Phillips split the uprights for the extra points and the visitors found themselves 16 – 0 in arrears thanks to giving up two long distance plays. Although the half ended with the same score line the game was still anyone’s for the taking although the Knights defense seemed to be handling the powerful Aztec ground game exceptionally well.

The third period remained tight with a Seb Phillips field goal putting a little more breathing room to the Knights’ lead. With the score at 19 – 0 at the end of the period it meant that the Aztecs would need to score at least three times if their season was not to end.

Jack Kelly darted in to reduce the arrears for the Aztecs early in the fourth and with Owain Chambers proving to be as good as ever their was a glimmer of hope for them as they clawed their way back to 19 – 8. However the well executed Farnham running game began to take its toll when first Conroy from nineteen yards and Appleyard from thirteen both added a further six points. Phillips converted both scores as the home side rattled up a final sixteen points and seal an impressive 35 – 8 victory and still remain the only unbeaten side in the country.

The Aztecs fell one game short of their initial goal, to get back to the final and try and redress the narrow over time loss they suffered last year. Although they failed they should take so many positives from this season. They still have an enormous squad, the vast majority of whom will have gained more valuable experience this year and will return for next season. They are a dedicated bunch of players who play for one another and are the perhaps the one true “team” who do not rely on individuals but the collective responsibility of them all. Well coached, they need little more than a shot of confidence to return them to the glory they deserve.

The Knights now take the next step. Featuring many of the players who won the Junior Tackle Championship just three years ago they now face their biggest hurdle, namely the London Warriors who will be trying for a “threepeat”. The Knights are a superbly drilled side, their defense is fast and solid with players hustling to the ball from all over the field. They have a powerful and fluent ground game and should not be discounted. They do have the opportunity to go all the way.