CHILTERN Cheetahs' hopes of reaching the play-offs received a setback when they were beaten 20-6 by Southland Sabres on Sunday.

The reversal means Chiltern must win their next match at home against Norwich Devils on July 15 to have any chance of qualifying for the end-of-season shake-up.

Chiltern trailed 14-0 at half time but looked as though they might make a decent fist of it when they made some tactical changes and pulled back six points through Kris Stephens.

But Chiltern's offence could not move the ball well enough and made too many fumbles.

The Sabres made sure of their win and leapfrogged over Chiltern in the

Conference Table with a 22-yard touchdown reception by John Stott late in the fourth quarter.