Spartans 18 - Aston Old Edwardians 15

Spartans opened their league account with a gritty performance against a very experienced and physical Aston side, and for once Lady Luck smiled for the Men In Black as they snatched a narrow win.

Aston were strong from the start and a combination of new and old faces saw them take the lead with a massive penalty from Captain Tom McNamee, only for Spartans' Tom Hardy to respond in kind with a well struck response. It was clear that the boiling sun would play it's part as both sets of forwards battled for the upper hand, with Aston having the better of the scrum but Spartans just shading the loose. Neither side were prepared to buckle, and as the intensity increased a nasty accidental knee injury saw the experienced Aston centre Andy Wood floored, and with Spartans hesitating Aston were quick to move the ball and score in the corner to retake the lead. Stalemate ensued for a while, but Spartans worked their way downfield and Josh Charles - Preece barged over for an equaliser. As half time approached it was still nip and tuck, but a break from Spartans Stuart Smith saw young Matt Southam tiptoe through the defence and stretch his lengthy frame for a fine try converted by Hardy.

Half Time - Spartans 15 - Aston Old Edwardians 8

The second half began where the first left off - a good even contest up front punctuated by bursts of activity from either set of backs. As Aston searched for an equalising try the Men In Black gritted their teeth, and whilst living dangerously they stemmed the tide. Play was largely in the centre of the field, and Aston were unfortunate to miss a couple of penalty kicks, but were rewarded when the found some territory and ground over for a short range try with twenty minutes left. Spartans dug deep from the resulting kick off and pressure around the tackle saw Tom Hardy land another penalty to restore the lead. Both sides knew the clock was ticking and Spartans were denied a try by the bounce of the ball, whilst Aston went close after a line break but were stopped by a last ditch tackle. With the referee playing an extra TWELVE minutes to ensure the players were boiled, not just steamed the game went right to the wire and Spartans took the spoils, but only just.