Spartans 27, Stourbridge Lions 23

Stourbridge started by far the better of the sides, with some very big and intimidating players dominating proceedings up front and an excellent back line running well. For the first fifteen minutes Spartans didn't see or touch the ball, constantly having to defend and inevitably 'Stour wore down the home defence for a fine score. Realising they were physically much bigger and stronger, 'Stour turned the screw and attempted to strangle the life from Spartans, but every now and then a ray of sunshine appeared and Spartans broke out of defence by running well. 'Stour showed their defence was equal to their attack and returned downfield for a second unconverted try, but the game loosened up and some smart handling saw Alex Garbett race in to make it 5 - 10. Again 'Stour reverted to a very muscular approach and the impressive blue forwards imposed themselves, supported by accurate and intelligent kicking from a quality fly half and with Spartans on the ropes half time arrived providing a much needed break.

The second half began disastrously for Spartans when the powerful 'Stour scrum released the number 8 to waltz through a very sleepy defence, but showing some spirit Spartans charged down the simple conversion and amazingly the gap was still just ten points. Now it was time for some warrior spirit, and some hard work and dogged play saw the black forwards creep into the game. With some front foot ball the black backs made their contribution too, and some simple but effective play saw Matthew Perry scorch the turf for his first senior xv try. Tom Hardy added a penalty to make it 13 - 15 and 'Stour were still looking for the knockout blow as their forwards pummelled the home pack, but the gritty Spartans eight would not lie down, and running from inside their own 22 Michael Blair blew away three 'Stour defenders to score beneath the sticks. Now it was 'Stour who had to chase the scoreboard, and following another period of pressure a well struck penalty left a two point gap with ten minutes left. The Men In Black found themselves with a good field position from the kick off, and after keeping the ball well good distribution saw Daniel Offen crash over the whitewash with Hardy converting the bonus point try. Unfortunately this provoked a fast and furious response from 'Stour and desperate defence saw a yellow card for Spartans leaving 'Stour to cash in their chips with a try. With only 14 battered and bruised players on the pitch Spartans had to survive the longest four minutes in history, but survive they did and all the hard work hard been worth it.