The top four teams in Rugby Arizona are close to being decided after a relatively full slate of games this weekend.

Red Mountain remains undefeated and clinched 1st with a forfeit win over numbers-stressed Old Pueblo. West Valley defeated Chandler United 24-10 to finish up the team's league season and clinch 2nd. 

The battle remained for 3rd and Desert Vista needed a win to secure that spot. Friday, Desert Vista slammed Phoenix 68-8.

"Our club has continued its path of improving each week," said Desert Vista Coach Roger Tushingham. "It's a young Phoenix team that never stopped playing, and they will be strong for years to come based off the strength of their youth program.  Our back play really clicked in this game from the first whistle. 

Fullback Malachi Knox was the beneficiary of some great distribution from flyhalf Zane Spyker and center Romain Rabany. Knox scored four tries and torched Phoenix with his speed and athleticism. 

"Malachi is in his first season of rugby and is quickly adapting," said Tushingham. Adriaan van Niekerk produced his second hat trick in successive weeks, with captain Justin Smith dictating play and adding another two tries from scrumhalf. Freshman blindside wing forward Kyle Ostendorp resumed kicking duties and landed an impressive nine of ten conversions.

With Tempe ineligible for the playoffs because they merged with another club after the season started, the fourth semifinal spot will be confirmed when the Tucson Blackbirds take on the Barbarians. The Blackbirds will take the fourth semifinal spot with a win but a tie or loss could open the door for Northern Arizona, should they upset Tempe.

As it is, the Blackbirds have enjoyed a solid season, losing only to Red Mountain and Tempe. The Arizona league has been fairly strong this season. Some of thr lower-standings teams struggled to keep numbers up and be able to meet fixture obligations. But the top six to eight teams have been competitive and active.