Cochrane pounces to seal Warriors victory.

HAVING suffered a heartbreaking 10-6 defeat at home to the Bulls earlier in the season, the Warriors travelled to Birmingham intent on redressing the balance.

An early altercation between some of the players showed just how high the tension was as both teams sought to finish their season on a high.

Birmingham drew first blood, though, as a long drive, featuring some strong middle runs, saw them hit the end zone in the middle of the second quarter.

Dropped passes and simple mistakes seemed to characterise the first half for the Warriors, who went into half-time trailing 6-0. At the break adjustments were made on both sides of the ball and South Wales began to assert themselves.

Interceptions by Tambirai Gumbo and John Bateman gave the offence good field position and they began to open gaps and move the ball on the stout Bulls defence.

Towards the end of the third quarter the Warriors managed to break through as Tom Wilson made a stunning catch off a David Pruett pass in the back of the end zone to tie the scores going into the fourth quarter.

The game was on a knife-edge and could go either way as both teams tried to land the winning blow.

It was South Wales who were able to do so as Rich Cochrane got behind the defence, catching another Pruett pass before scampering 65 yards to the end zone.

There was just time for the Warriors defence to seal the game as acting head coach and linebacker Geraint Roberts intercepted the Bulls quarterback to seal the win and leave the team with a highly respectable 6-4 record.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL Birmingham Bulls ...............6 South Wales Warriors ...... 12