The Coventry Cassidy Jets backed into second spot with a sputtering 12-7 victory over the Farnham Fast Lane Knights. The narrow victory was enough to tie up home field advantage for the semi-final where they'll entertain the Bristol Aztecs at the Sphinx on Sunday the 6th of September. Wide receiver Dominic Olney was once again the star man on offense as he scored on a well designed hook and ladder play.
Dale Hawes opened the scoring for the Jets, as he outfought a defender before making an acrobatic catch on Stuart Franklin's 25 yard touchdown lob. The returning quarterback couldn't repeat the feat on the extra point as he missed an open Mark Cohen. There were no further scores in an opening quarter blighted by penalties, however, the Jets went for the spectacular as they capped a 14 play drive with a 45 yard score.
Franklin hit Hawes downfield at the Farnham 22 yard line, where the diminutive receiver pitched the ball back to Olney, running full pelt the speedster caught the Knights by surprise and galloped into the endzone to double the lead at 12. Franklin again went for two, this time hooking up with Tony Perkins, however, the usually bullish running back couldn't force his way over the goal line.
Coventry's rampant defense, now in full stride, forced an early turnover in the second half, one of five on the day, as Winston Dumas stripped the ball allowing Ahmed Hashim to cover. A 12 play drive came to nothing as the Jets consistently found themselves being hauled back for penalties, Hawes eventually missed narrowly wide left as he attempted a 29 yard field goal.
With just under two minutes to play Farnham finally found the endzone. Junior Price, guilty of two dropped passes, hauled a Tim Spaull pass in at the third time of asking for a 10 yard touchdown. Justin Cashman booted the extra point to haul the visitors within five. Gerry McManus sent out his hands team as the Knights lined up an onside kick, "Mr Do It All" Ed Tate fell on the ball to give the Jets possession at midfield.
Logic would usually dictate under these circumstances that you don't take any chances and run the clock out. However, madness prevailed and a Franklin interception handed the Knights a chance to go for the win. Former Jets' quarterback Spaull couldn't take advantage of the opportunity as Frank Herlihy, making a solid home debut, dove full length to snare his second interception of the game, handing Coventry victory.
Bristol, who won 20-14 at Sussex today, will attempt to snap a streak that has seen them defeated in the playoffs by the Jets the past three years. The two sides have met twice already this year with each side winning their home game, Coventry took the first meeting 16-7 in May, with Bristol returning the favour 40-33 in a far more exciting encounter back in June.