THE Colchester Gladiators defeated the East Kent Mavericks 22-14 in the BAFA Southern Football Conference division one to improve their record to 7-2 and set up a division title decider this Sunday against Farnham Knights.

A win would complete a turn around in fortunes for the Essex side after losing their first two games of the season before rattling off seven consecutive wins to set up the winner-take-all contest.

Head Coach Neil O’Hare said: “Although we came away with the win, we certainly didn’t play in the style we are used to.

“The weather is a great leveller and perhaps we had an eye on next week rather than the job in hand.

“Whatever the case, we need to be 100 per cent better when we face the Knights on Sunday.

“Both teams know that this is for everything including the division title and it will be a great game.”

With several key starters again absent and dressing just 27 players for the game, the Gladiators expected a tough contest and that was exactly what they received.

In wet conditions, the Mavericks played above their poor record and ran the Gladiators close all the way to the final whistle.

The Gladiators fumbled away their initial possession on their own 36.

A long pass from the Kent quarter-back found the hands of a receiver in the end zone which was closely followed by a successful two point pass attempt which gave them an 8-0 lead.

The Colchester offence started to click behind the running of Casey Campbell, reaching the Mavericks’ nine but a fourth down play was stopped by the determined Kent defence and the ball was turned over.

Safety Joe Stickings intercepted the Mavericks QB to get the ball back and this time the Colchester offense made no mistake, travelling the 25 yards in five plays, scoring with a six yard touch down pass from quarter-back Curtis Bourke to Chris Jackson to bring the Gladiators within two at the end of the first quarter.

The Gladiators’ defence came up with their third interception of the half when Alex Robinson stepped in front of a receiver and returned the ball to the Kent six.

The Colchester offence made no mistake as Bourke found Campbell with a short pass for the go-ahead score.

Bourke then found Sam Huxtable for the two point conversion and the Gladiators led 14-8.

The lead was increased when the Kent quarter-back was tackled in his own end zone, scoring a two point safety for the Gladiators before half-time.

The Mavericks were first to score in the second half to trail 16-14.

With no further scoring in the third, the scene was set for a thrilling final period.

After stopping Kent on fourth down, the Gladiators capitalised as Bourke found Jackson for a nine-yard touchdown and they were 22-14 in front.

The game came down to one final Kent possession, into the last two minutes.

A final pass fell incomplete and time expired to leave the Gladiators relieved victors.

Colchester’s title-decider against Farnham Knights, at Colchester Rugby Club, will kick off 2.30 pm on Sunday.