DOMINO'S Oxford Saints were denied a place in the British Senior League Division 2 final when they were pipped 18-13 by Personal Assurance Knights at the University of Surrey Ground in Guildford on Sunday.

The lead changed hands three times in a pulsating final six minutes of this semi-final clash.

The game-winning touchdown came from wide receiver Jon Williams, who caught an 11-yard TD pass with two minutes remaining.

A scoreless first quarter saw the sides cancelling each other.

Oxford running back Ez Charles finally broke the deadlock in the second quarter when he scored on a two-yard run. The extra point kick by Ian Wilcocks was blocked.

Knights struck back immediately with quarterback Adam Heirons throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to receiver John Allen. The extra point kick went wide. Tied at 6-6, the second half saw the sides matching each other blow for blow but failing to score.

Saints' defensive tackle Junior Ogunyemi, playing in his last game before moving to America, blocked a field goal attempt.

With six minutes remaining, the action came thick and fast. Knights went ahead when tight end Simon Todd narrowly avoided stepping out of bounds and sprinted down the sideline to score on a 75-yard play. The home side went for a two-point conversion but safety Tony Porter tackled the running back short of the end zone.

Saints were quick to reply, quarterback Wayne Mayers launching a 74-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Henry Johnson to tie the scores. Steve Belcher slotted home the extra point to make it 13-12.

Oxford's joy was short-lived, however. Jon Williams returned the ensuing kick-off 60 yards to Oxford's 30-yard line and several plays later, Heirons lobbed the ball to Williams to catch the decisive touchdown. The extra point attempt bounced off the left upright, but it made little difference. Oxford launched one last attack but the Knights defense held.

"We're very disappointed," said Saints head coach Chris Janes. "It was a wonderful game, good enough to have been the final itself.

"Both sides played hard football and the Knights came up with one more big play than we did.

"Overall, it's been a positive season for us, having only lost twice, and we hope to go one game further next year."

Mayers completed seven of 24 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown. Brian Myers led the Saints running backs with 44 yards on 17 carries. The Oxford defense recorded three sacks through John Lee, Gareth Lee and Ez Charles.