AMERICAN FOOTBALL - Redditch Arrows were denied a place in the Bowl final for the second successive year as they suffered a 49-14 defeat at Farnham MH Knights on Sunday.

But they will be happy to reflect on a triumphant return to second-tier football and can now focus on areas to improve in the off-season.

Right from the outset, it was clear the Knights possessed a more powerful squad than any the Arrows had encountered during the regular season.

The Arrows first offensive play resulted ominously in a Richard Wilde interception, setting the Knights up in excellent field position. This was contrasted by the Knights' first offensive play, which saw runningback Kingsley Ejiogu rip straight through the left side of the Arrows' defence for a 36-yard score, with kicker Steve Belcher adding the extra point.

If that play shocked the Arrows, the Knights' next play certainly confirmed the fact that this was going to be a tough afternoon as Ejiogu ran in from 54 yards, Belcher again adding the extra point.

The Arrows hit back when Wilde found runningback Errol Wilson who outsprinted Farnham's defence for a 69-yard score, kicker John Riddel bringing the scoreline to 14-7.

However, the defence was still finding it extremely tough and it wasn't long before Ejiogu scored his third touchdown, a 22-yard scamper up the middle to hand his side a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Arrows defence tightened up considerably during the second quarter with safety, Stuart Williams delivering several big hits on both running backs and receivers.

But the Knights did stretch their lead at the start of the second half, Jon Wyse weaving past several defenders on his way to a 33-yard touchdown.

The Arrows again hit back with a ten-play drive which culminated in Wilde firing a 16-yard touchdown bullet to receiver Phil Grove. Riddell kicked the PAT.

With the lead down to 14 points, Farnham dashed any hopes of a fightback when Wyse ran in from 50 yards.

The fourth quarter saw the Knights increase their lead with a one-yard goal-line plunge and an 11-yard pass reception while Redditch battled to the end.

Arrows chairman Chris Halford said: "Four years ago we were struggling to survive, losing games and were only squading around 16 players. Coach Hill, his staff and all of the team have done a remarkable job to put us where we are now.

"In the last four years we have won two championships, a runners-up position and two semi-final appearances. We have gone from the lowest level in the sport (and struggling in it) to a position where we are now not only seen as formidable opponents but as one of the favourites to reach the final in 2008 and take a place in the top elite conference in British Football."

The Arrows now take a rest until January when they start preparing for the 2008 season.