South Wales held the upper hand in the early stages of the game, with their rushing game grinding out yardage on the ground, and their passing game finding pockets in the defensive coverage for big gains, whilst the Saints offense was struggling to find its rhythm. The Warriors’ dominance was rewarded with the opening score, a 7-yard touchdown pass from Matt Slimming to Owen Roberts. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, and Warriors lead 0-6.

Saints rallied in the second quarter and, on a third down play, QB Wayne Mayers connected with WR Duncan Robertson, who caught the ball on the fly, lit the afterburners and then out-sprinted the coverage for a 73-yard touchdown (his second long score against the Warriors). The PAT was no good, and the match was all-square at 6-6.

Once again, the Saints defense showed their worth with LB Andrew Day picking off a Slimming pass, and being brought down just shy of the goalline. FB Stephen Bentley then punched the ball over for the touchdown. Again the PAT was no good, and Saints lead at the half, 12-6.

Saints again found themselves on the back foot at the start of the second half, and South Wales tied the score with another pinpoint 7-yard TD toss from Slimming, this time to Tomos Longworth. Again the PAT was unsuccessful, and the game was again all-square at 12-12.

Saints now started to have more success with the ball. RB Simon Dale began to make the slicing runs he has been known for all season, and WR Eric Watts marked his return to the team with an acrobatic catch over a defender for a 26 yard touchdown catch from Mayers. Once again, the PAT was no good, but Saints now lead 18-12.

The fourth quarter saw both teams’ defenses taking the initiative, and despite a threatening Warriors drive within the last two minutes that had the Saints sideline holding their breath, time expired and Saints could begin celebrating their title, with HC Chris Janes receiving the traditional water-bucket dousing.