[2] The 1990 season had promised great things with the addition of Graham Thorpe to assist Coach Riley and so it proved, winning the Southern Conference with a perfect 8–0 record before losing to Waldron in the playoff quarterfinals.

As group winners, they were awarded home advantage but that proved to be of no avail as they were beaten heavily by the Southend Sabres, who would eventually be crowned champions.

They maintained their steady improvement to record a 7–1 season and the Southern Conference Championship before losing their first playoff match against the Heathrow Jets.

[10] The club improved on the previous season, finishing second in their group with a 6–4 record before losing narrowly away to the Bristol Aztecs in the playoffs.

Quarterback Cliff Boddington gained an impressive total of 1216 yards and 14 touchdowns in the regular season, making him the league's top passer.

In defence, Mark Penfound won five fumbles and five interceptions, the fourth best tally in the league alongside his teammate Paul Davies.

[13] Eventually, they finished second in their group with a 7–2–1 (the only tie being a 0–0 draw away to the Bristol Aztecs) and qualifying once again for the playoffs before losing 7–19 at home to the Essex Spartans.

The first playoff match saw them face off against the PA Knights, a team they had already beaten twice that season, and that dominance continued as they won 22–6.

Their next match saw them having to make the long trip up to Scotland to face the East Kilbride Pirates, and they failed to register a single point, losing 0–22.

They were drawn away to the Cambridgeshire Cats in their first playoff match, and the two teams fought out a tight game that finished 6–6 after the regulation four periods.

As an alternative provider could not be found with such short warning Southern were forced to postpone the game and the Olympians generously agreed to reschedule the encounter.

[20] After a shaky start which saw the Sundevils lose two and draw one of their first four games, they eventually finished third in their group with a 4–5–1 record, enough to earn a wild-card slot in the playoffs.

They made the long trip up to face the Gateshead Senators, who they narrowly edged out 9–6 to set up a semi-final match against the PA Knights.

[21] After a tight game which saw the two teams tied at the end of regular play, the Knights scored a converted touchdown to put them ahead.