CHESTER Romans face a tough play-off date with West Coast Trojans after defeat against Redditch Arrows meant they had to settle for second place in BAFL Division Two (Central).
Romans had hoped to secure their seventh consecutive victory when they visited the Arrows in a decisive top-of-the-table clash on Sunday but they slumped to a 34-6 defeat.
The Arrows made a strong start and scored on each of their first three drives, with the Romans struggling to mount any serious threat to the home side's defence.
A 19-yard pass from quarter-back Richard Wilde to receiver Phil Grove set the Arrows on their way and Jonathan Riddell added the extra point.
When the subsequent Romans drive came to an abrupt end, the Arrows again took to the air.
This time Wilde passed the ball to running back Dave Mills for a 10 yard touchdown with Riddell again adding the extras.
Redditch continued on the offensive in the second quarter and a sustained drive was completed by a touchdown from four yards for running back Ian Lakin.
Riddell kicked his third point from three to leave the Romans training 21-0.
Before the half was out, a 62-yard pass and run from Wilde to Grove and another kick from Riddell took the score to 28-0.
Romans' hopes of top spot were all but over by half-time but in the second period they responded well and clinched a consolation touchdown.
A long drive from running back James Tootle gave him his 15th touchdown of the season from just four yards out.
But despite their improved display in the second period, Romans could not prevent Arrows from having the last word as Mark Collett scored from one yard out.
Romans' final match of the regular season takes place in Manchester on Sunday before they travel to the un-beaten Scottish outfit West Coast Trojans in the play-offs on September 3.
