The Royals took gridiron powerhouse Westdale to overtime on Oct. 30 but fell short in a 14-8 loss. Ancaster still had a chance to secure a playoff spot with a victory by Saltfleet against the Delta Red Raiders.

But Delta held on for a 13-6 victory over the win-less Storm to secure the fourth and final spot in the HWIAC division one playoffs. Ancaster finishes the season with a 3-3-0-1 record, good for fifth in the eight-team division.

Royals coach Tim Page said his team played hard all season, but couldn’t get the breaks it needed at critical times.

“We thought we would match up very well and we did,” he said.

Ancaster lost starting quarterback Alex Hampel to injury in the first half versus Westdale, forcing running back Brett Barrowclough to take over the offence.

Trailing 7-1 at halftime, the Royals got the spark they needed with a 75-yard punt return by Taurean O’Neil. With the offence set up at the Westdale 35, Ancaster converted three third down gambles before Elliot Wench scored on a one-yard touchdown carry. A bobbled snap on the extra point left the score tied 7-7 after three quarters.

Mediocre placekicking

The fourth quarter turned into a showcase of mediocre placekicking as both teams scored singles on missed field goals.

Westdale needed only one offensive play in overtime -– a 35-yard touchdown run -– to score the winning major. The Royals’ Chris Fothergill blocked the extra point attempt, giving Ancaster a chance to win with a converted touchdown on its ensuing possession. But the Royals were stuffed on a third and one at the Westdale 26, securing a perfect 7-0 season for the Westdale Warriors.