Spartans 27 v Tamworth 3.

The first five minutes belonged to Tamworth as Spartans struggled to get out of the changing rooms, and a lively visiting side broke the defensive line well but somehow managed not to score the try. Continued pressure from Tamworth saw them force penalties, and eventually bisect the posts for a deserved early lead, and it clear that Tamworth wanted a slow game based on their wise old stalwarts Sandhu, Yardley and Franks. Spartans gradually got to grips with the experienced visitors and the attack moved up field, with better work from the black pack forcing Tamworth to defend, and Tom Hardy eventually bagged a penalty to level the scores. As the Coppice Lane turf began to cut up the contest became decidedly bovine, but Spartans grew in confidence and their more enterprising game was rewarded when Josh Charles-Preece barged over after some fine support for a great try. Tamworth showed some excellent touches from their very talented half backs, but the black midfield worked well together to snuff out any progress, and Spartans were able to stretch the lead with a second Hardy penalty.

The second half began very well for Tamworth as they used and kept the ball nicely, and play remained in the centre of the field until a counter attack by Spartans saw Michael Foulds charge home for a try under the posts. Again Tamworth hit back strongly and some good support saw scrum half Borthwick certain to score, only to be stopped by a last minute tackle from Michael Blair. Desperately seeking a score to close the gap, the visitors launched repeated attacks from deep in the home half but the Men In Black were on a special mission in defence and the siege was eventually relieved. As time ticked away Tamworth looked for an escape from their own half but Tom Hardy had read the script and intercepted well to sprint under the posts for the final try of the afternoon, duly converted. With a now comfortable cushion Spartans searched for a bonus point try, but despite coming close on two visits time ran out with the home side collecting the points and avoiding a banana skin.