A CRUEL one-point defeat means Redditch Arrows will miss out on this year's play-offs.

The side were crowned Division Two South West Conference champions last season but their hopes of continuing their success ended with their defeat by Sussex Thunder.

It means there is now a three-way battle for honours at the top of the table with Thunder closing the gap on top two South Wales Warriors and Domino Oxford Saints.

The Arrows went into the match eager to avenge last year's single point play-off defeat only for lightning to strike twice as the visitors came from behind to snatch the win.

The Thunder opened up a 7-0 lead before the Arrows failed to reduce the arrears when a 40-yard field goal attempt from Matt Gavin hit the upright.

While the first half was all about the Thunder, the third quarter belonged to the Arrows. Their defense stopped the Thunder attack and then, on the back of strong running from Dave Mills, the Arrows drove upfield and levelled thanks to a five-yard run from Mills and a successful PAT kick from John Riddell.

Redditch were now in full flow and good work from quarterback Matt Gavin and wide receiver Phil Grove saw them work their way upfield with Grove finally sneaking over from one yard for a 14-7 lead.

An Arrows fumble ended with Sussex's second score of the day and as the Thunder lined up for the PAT kick, a fake play saw their receiver open in the endzone for a two-point conversion and the 15-14 lead.

The Arrows tried to get back into the game but another interception saw Sussex control the clock and tie up the win.

This was a game which the Arrows could have won but were forced to pay the penalty for key mistakes at a critical point in the match. Again Sussex showed how resilient they are and kept alive their hopes of making the play-offs.

Among the Redditch stars were Mills who made 110 yards on 26 carries while on defense, Noel Fischer and Will Powell had good games.

The Arrows' next game is in three weeks time when they host old rivals Oxford Saints at Kings Norton Rugby Club.