Spartans 52, Rugby St Andrews 12.

Spartans progressed into the next round of the Warwickshire Shield with a reasonable display against some old friends from Rugby in a fixture that has been missed for some years as leagues forced Spartans to move West and Saints East. Both sides were keen to show how competitive Warwickshire rugby is, and despite the freezing weather and slippery surface there was still plenty of running rugby. The Men In Black took the lead with an early try when young Joseph Lucas outpaced everyone, and with Saints still on the team bus Alex Garbett added a second. The visitors hit back with a heavyweight midfield trio making ground, producing a good try in the corner, but Spartans combined well to release whippet Edd Charles who raced in from forty metres. Again Saints responded with another midfield charge, and a try under the sticks was fair reward. Spartans were keen to keep the ball away from the Saints forwards and added another through Lucas who enjoying the space he was given.

The second half saw continued attacks from Spartans who enjoyed their fair share of territory and possession, but Saints worked hard to stay in the game and played their way into the home half several times. A better defensive effort from the Men In Black saw them prevent any more scores, and play gradually returned to the Saints half. A decent scrum saw a penalty try awarded to Spartans to increase the lead, and the back three completed their task of a try each as Nick Hepburn scorched in with a beauty. Saints never gave in but time was against them, and in the dying moments an offload from Tom Hardy put the supporting Turton over the line to finish the job.