Spartans 12, Moseley Oaks 3.

A very confident Moseley side were given a rude awakening as the Men In Black showed some real steel in defence, and the early running from the visitors classy backline saw them cut down time and again. As the half unfolded and the grass became mud, an enthralling contest between the forwards began and despite giving away height and weight, Spartans made the better decisions and kept the visitors on the back foot. With every ball keenly contested in a fierce battle, out of the gloom and mud Spartans produced a try of stunning beauty from turnover ball, moving the ball wide for young Alex Garbett to burn his winger and scorch home from forty metres, Tom Hardy converting. Moseley hit back but once again the black wall stood firm, and defence turned into attack. As Moseley tempers frayed a quickly taken penalty by Spartans Dai Owen saw him barrel over the line for a try, and at half time the home side were just about worth their lead.

Playing against the wind and tide in the second half, Spartans knew they were up against it as Moseley searched for an early score, but they stuck to the task and denied the visitors any quality ball. Determined and sometimes desperate defence saw the visitors held up on several occasions, and although most of the play was in Spartans half, the visitors began to run out of ideas. On the hour Moseley added a penalty from the excellent Dan Pons and Spartans were on the rocks, but the ship was steadied and play moved upfield. With time running out the Men In Black could now smell an upset on the cards, with true warrior spirit winning the loose ball that mattered so much in the wet. One last scare was in store for the faithful supporters as a probing Pons kick into the dead ball area was missed by everyone, and Spartans cleared. Moseley had the chance of a bonus point with the last kick of the game, but their miserable afternoon was summed up as the ball fell short and wide, leaving Spartans worthy winners.