Sussex Thunder are one match away from making the British Senior Gridiron League Division One final after a 45-20 defeat of Gateshead Senators.

Yet Thunder were on the ropes at the start of the third quarter in their Argus-sponsored quarter-final play-off at Withdean before two touchdowns by running-back Anthony Stitt put them in the driving seat.

The touchdown that got Thunder rolling was lightning. After receiving a short pass from quarterback Stuart Franklin, Stitt scored. It was plain sailing after Andy Smythe kicked the extra two points to bring the scores level at 20-20.

Now Birmingham Bulls, a week Sunday, stand between Thunder and their second appearance in Britain's showpiece final in Sheffield.

Stitt said: "We're going to need to start a lot better against Birmingham if we're to get a result up there. Most of this season, we've been a second half team, but Birmingham have the best defence in the country, so we've got to play hard.

"We made a few adjustments at half time and started to execute. We haven't been doing a lot of scouting this year and that has meant we've needed to adjust to the opponents after viewing them for a half."

Franklin said: "The team has been strengthened in the last year, so it's not so dependent on Anthony all the time. We can win this competition and I hope a few of the supporters who watched us today can cheer us on to the final."

Smythe had opened the scoring for Thunder only for Senators to hit back through Hartley.

Thunder moved 13-6 ahead with Stitt's touchdown, but the Senators were back within one point after another Hartley score.

In the third quarter,Jason Kenyon gave the visitors a 20-13 lead but it was to be their high point.

Stitt brought it level then Smythe's extra-point put Thunder ahead. Stitt, Franklin and Richard Vale all then ran in late touchdowns.