Redditch on course for play-offs

Redditch Arrows are on course for the post-season play-offs

Redditch Arrows kept their British American Football League play-off hopes alive by beating Yorkshire Rams 14-3.

Arrows chairman Chris Halford told BBC Hereford and Worcester that in a tight group this had been a big win.

"In the event of a tie head-to-head results are taken into account, and we now have the advantage over both Dundee and Yorkshire," he said.

"As it's possible that we could have a three-way tie at the end of the season the head-to-head may be crucial."

The Arrows were off the pace in the first half and it took a fine defensive performance to restrict the top-of-the-table Rams to a 3-0 lead.

Redditch stepped things up after the interval and gradually increased the tempo, but they had to wait until late in the game to make their pressure count.

There were only six minutes remaining when Arrows quarter-back Richard Wilde found wide receiver Kieron McLoed, who went in for the game's first touchdown.

The Rams now had to attack if they were to get back into the match, but the excellent Arrows defence recovered a fumble and set up an attacking position deep inside the Rams' half, from where Wilde again hooked up with McLeod for their side's second touchdown.

Our fourth quarter performance was very good but credit has to go to our defence for allowing us to be in the position to win it Redditch Arrows head coach Ian Hill

Despite their healthy lead the Arrows were aware that a Rams score would give the Yorkshire side the advantage in the head-to-head scores, so a shut-out over the closing stages was critical.

The Rams had one late opportunity with a fourth and 12, but the end zone pass was penalised for interference and the Arrows were able to safely run down the clock.

Arrows head coach Ian Hill said it was a very big win against a tough team.

"In the first half we struggled on offence, but thanks to our defence were still in the game at the half," he said.

"Our fourth quarter performance was very good but credit has to go to our defence for allowing us to be in the position to win it."

The Arrows will head to Staffordshire Surge on Sunday looking to complete a double over their hosts, whom they blew away 60-0 in their first meeting this season.