SPARTANS 42, BEDWORTH 7

Spring sunshine and a perfect playing surface saw Spartans stick to their running rugby ideals, and despite giving away height, weight and experience to Bedworth, the early exchanges belonged to the Men In Black. Perhaps taken by surprise, Bedworth conceded early penalties and Tom Hardy split the uprights for an early lead, but it was tries Spartans were after and the ball stayed in hands whenever possible. The visitors were in no mood to compromise however, and some resolute defence slowed the scoreboard down until a break from Parker saw him cross the whitewash. With captain Michael Bennett leading from the front Spartans went further ahead when he powered over from close range, but this only stung Bedworth into action and they pounded the home try line searching for a score of their own. A yellow card made life more difficult for Spartans, but exhibition tackling from the black back row and an interception by Alex Ostergaard gave the home side a twenty two - nil score at half time.

The second half started well for Spartans with a searing break down the right from Captain Bennett and good support from Southam and Hyslop saw the latter dot down for the bonus point try. Again Bedworth hit back with long spells of pressure from their seasoned forwards, but Spartans were not in the mood to be bullied by anyone, and once more they escaped with Ostergaard winning the chase from a kick ahead to score his second. The visitors enjoyed another long spell in Spartan territory and after being held up a number of times over the line they were finally on the scoreboard with a mysterious penalty try. As the game entered the last quarter Bedworth were tiring and Spartans knew it. More running rugby saw Ostergaard grab an expansive third try, Dan Offen had one ruled out for a foot in touch and James Gibbons finished the job with a collector's edition try of stunning quality.

Spartans will now hit the beach but would like to thank all their players, supporters, sponsors and friends of the club who have helped towards another successful season of Spartans Rugby.