Aston Old Edwardians 20, Spartans 31.

Good conditions invited both sides to play an entertaining game with plenty of ball being thrown around and playing down the slope but against the breeze Spartans started on the attack, forcing a line out five metres from the home line. Although Aston secured their own ball, a missed touch allowed Spartans to move the ball out and a clever kick from Tom Hardy saw Alex Danish win the race for the touchdown. From the kick off Aston marched their opponents back up the hill and won a penalty which Tom McNamee landed, only to miss a second chance minutes later. Good pressure from the Spartans pack saw a line out driven over, but Aston replied with another penalty from McNamee. Aston launched some speedy attacks from deep and the game was even, but the Men In Black edged further ahead when after keeping the ball well Josh Charles barged over for the third try, well converted by Hardy for a half time score of 6-17. The half ended with Aston trying to break out of their own half but Spartans cover tackling prevented further scores.

As the second half unfolded Aston's forwards were strong in the scrum and performed well in the line out too, but Spartans gave nothing away in either area. Now playing up the slope and with a neutral breeze, from a line out in their own half Spartans released Justin Remy through the centre and a nice offload to Alex Garbett gave the visitors their best try of the day, converted by Hardy. Aston continued to compete well in every area and looked dangerous out wide, but the black defence stood firm. A scrum on the halfway line saw Jamie Parker get away well and his inside pass saw Mike Bennett score the try and Hardy add a simple conversion. As time ticked away Aston showed some spirit took the game back down the slope, and from a line out ball Josh Walker bashed his way through under the posts, leaving McNamee with an easy kick. Having played five hard games in just two weeks Spartans were tired and as Aston continued their efforts a maul saw that man McNamee chip ahead, get a friendly bounce, collect the ball and make it over the line for the last play of the match.

Both sides contributed well to a good game of rugby, though Spartans have much more to do against a resurgent Tamworth side this weekend and a Warwickshire Shield final against Old Coventrians on a date to be fixed.