Ashbourne 20, Spartans 10.

The game started evenly with both sides trying to play some decent running rugby, and the local farming influence saw the Ashbourne forwards gradually squeeze Spartans into a very tight corner. Missing a very kickable penalty, Ashbourne were hit by a rare counter attack and Mike Blair ran well for a try against the run of play, with Tom Hardy adding the extras. The home side soon had the game back under control and added a try of their own, and an exchange of penalties saw the sides turn round at 10 - 8 to the Men In Black.

Play began where it had been before half time - Ashbourne played to their strengths and an agricultural approach earned them both possession and territory as Spartans struggled to defend for long periods. Ultimately something had to give, and a yellow card based on cumulative decisions left the black forwards with too much to do, with Ashbourne cashing in their chips for a forwards try to take the lead. The remaining 14 Spartans found it impossible to make any headway, and a general lack of thought and precision saw any chance of an unlikely score fade away. The Ashbourne forwards continued to dominate the game and were rewarded with a late try to seal a fully deserved win, but Spartans will learn their lesson and return to the Twickenham trail next year.