Nun Old Eds 14 v 15 Spartans

Playing up the field Spartans started brightly and some good early possession saw a penalty chance, but the soft pitch and swirling wind saw Tom Hardy push it past the post. Minutes later Spartans burst through and caught 'Nuns napping, with Michael Blair claiming a very valuable try. Nuns response was swift, and surge after surge saw them cross with an impressive try from the hugely talented Tay Brown, well converted to retake the lead. With a massive and very physical pack Nuns held all the aces at this point, and the visitors were on the ropes in both territory and possession, but Spartans showed some mettle and an immaculate performance from young Byrne tested the Nuns defence, and Hardy added a penalty to snatch an 8 - 7 lead at half time.

The second half lived up to the first; a very tight affair with Nuns dominating territory but Spartans mounting a fierce defence under extreme pressure. Welsh international Craig Quick and fellow Celts added experience to pressure, and on the twenty minute mark the 'Blacks were reduced to 14 warriors through a yellow card, and were lucky to escape when 'Nuns missed a very kickable penalty. A brief respite saw Spartans creep into the home half, and some pure magic from James Gibbons saw a collectors edition try for Alex Garbett under the sticks, converted by Hardy. An incensed Nuneaton side hit back straight away, and once again Spartans fought for every inch of Warwickshire turf. Several close shaves eventually saw Nuns cross for a converted score, leaving a tense finale on offer.

The last ten minutes saw Nuns throw everything including the kitchen sink at Spartans with Brown constantly a massive threat. Sheer bloody mindedness saw the black defence scramble, buckle and bend, but it did not break and finally time ran out for a frustrated 'Nuns side.