Northants Knights progressed to the semi-finals of the BAFA Division 2 Playoffs with a narrow 30-26 victory against Essex Sabres.

The Knights travelled to Benfleet in good spirits after finishing the regular season unbeaten and, following a strong first half showing, went in at the break 14-12 ahead.

It was much the same in the second period, too, with the Knights edging the contest 30-26 to advance and keep their title hopes alive and kicking.

The win in Essex sets up a trip to Bristol on 21 August to face SGS Bristol Apache in the semi-finals.