Bakewell Mannerians 26, Spartans 13.

A very greasy surface from the overnight rain saw standing water on many areas of the pitch, but both sides showed a willingness to play rugby from the kick off. It was Bakewell who took an early lead with some strong running and their robust agricultural centre broke through for an early score. Spartans responded well and pressure eventually told when the home side were caught offside in front of the sticks and Tom Hardy landed a simple penalty. Play remained even and competitive but as the surface broke up players from both sides struggled to stay on their feet and both sides bagged a penalty. On the stroke of half time the Men In Black seized on a Bakewell mistake and Jamie Parker pounced for a try which was well converted by Hardy for a fortunate half time lead.

The second half resumed where the first left off, with Bakewell shading the territory but Spartans defending well and escaping into the home half now and again. The game changed when a ball squirted out the side of a ruck to an unmarked Bakewell player who showed a clean pair of heels as he raced home to score. Bakewell now had their tails up and although Spartans made them work hard, every bounce of the ball and every bit of luck seemed to go to the home side who controlled the game well. The visitors stuck at it, but a hack through the puddles saw Bakewell cross the line to stretch their lead. In true cup spirit, Spartans tried to run everything from everywhere, but the game was up with five minutes to go when the home forwards strangled a breakout attempt and crossed for the final score.

This week Spartans return to league action with a home fixture against Old Veseyans.