BOURNEMOUTH Bobcats returned to winning ways at the weekend, defeating Bristol Apache to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Bobcats had been defeated quite comfortably by Apache last time out in Somerset, but managed to inflict revenge on Bristol by winning 23-13 at Chapel Gate.

All hopes of a play-off place rested on victory for Bournemouth, a fact made evident by the hunger to start the game.

A failed opening drive found Bobcats punting against the wind, turning over the ball deep in their own half.

Bristol fired out and put points on the board first with a rushing touchdown before making sure the extra point was good.

But that would be the away side’s only joy from the running game, with Bobcats’ defensive coordinator Will Brooks make a few tweaks to keep Apache quiet for the rest of the fixture.

back-to-back interceptions from both teams, Bristol looked to be closing in on a second touchdown when an interception on the 20-yard line saw Bobcat Charles Turland run the ball the remaining 80 yards to score.

Bobcats converted the kick to leave the game tied, their defence partaking in some big plays by getting multiple sacks.

That gave the offence the field position needed to score another touchdown and PAT to take the lead.

Bobcats’ offensive line really came together in the second half, giving quarterback Sam Chance a solid pocket and great protection.

Apache managed to score a touchdown in the third quarter but Bobcats defence again stepped up, blocking the extra-point attempt and then forcing a safety, putting two more points on the board. Another touchdown from Jason Griffith took the score to 23 - 13, Bobcats continuing to dominate the game in the final quarter with a fantastic run game and an unstoppable defence.

With one game of the regular season remaining, Bobcats are confident of entering the play-offs, knowing that South Wales must win both their fixtures in combination with a final day defeat for Bournemouth to drop out of the end-season tournament.

For Bobcats to receive home advantage, they must beat Oxford and rely on Hertfordshire losing both games of their double-header with Rushmoor.