Leek 16 - Spartans 12

A very close encounter against a strong moorlands side saw an intense battle develop between the two sides.
The Leek pitch was soft, but held up very well with the rain falling and during the first 5 minutes the pattern of the game began to emerge as Leek made strong open runs but with the Spartans pack edging the scrum and maul. A clearance kick from Spartans found Leek's adventurous full back who approached the line and was duly tackled by Michael Blair, and from the 5 metre scrum the Men In Black were able to clear their lines. The pressure quickly came back on, and a penalty for Leek saw them take a 3-0 lead. Spartans were forced to defend for long periods but defensive line stayed intact, and a midfield trench war began with both sides using their respective strengths to try and gain an advantage. Eventually Leek's lead became 6 - 0 with a well struck penalty. As half time approached Spartans earned an attacking position and after a series of punishing scrums Mike Bennett touched down for the opening try of the game. The conversion was excellent by Tom Hardy and the visitors had taken the lead for the first time at 7-6.

The second half saw Leek start the better and some early pressure and a series of penalties came, with the 'ref quickly producing a card for the unlucky Mike Foulds. Leek seized their chance well and with the extra man they drove over from a 5m lineout, and though the conversion missed Leek had retaken the lead at 11-7. Despite the seven Men In Black performing heroics, as the bin time ended the extra man proved invaluable and an alert Leek flanker dived through a tackle to score Leek's second try. Again the conversion missed and Spartans were back up to eight forwards with Leek now holding a 16-7 lead. Leek had another chance their forwards pounded the black defence but Spartans picked themselves up and cleared the danger. Moments later Leek's backs were offside in front of the kicker and Spartans at last had a chance. The first black drive moved Leek to the 5 metre line, the second thrust saw a reset scrum and on the third push Mike Bennett scored his 2nd try. The difficult conversion was missed, but at 16-12, the last few minutes were going to be a nervous time for both sides but they were played out in midfield as both sides still tried to play rugby in the murky conditions. Time eventually ran out on a fine spectacle and both sets of players can be congratulated on producing a very competitive match in which Spartans became the first away side to claim a losing bonus point from their powerful hosts.