Spartans 19, Oadby Wyggestonians 29.

Spartans thrilling RFU Intermediate Cup run finally came to an end against a large side from Leicester who used their giant players very well in wintry conditions at Coppice Lane.

It was clear from the start that Spartans would have their work cut out against a large and experienced side, but the opening exchanges saw the smaller home forwards do well to compete and keep Oadby in their own half. A mistake at a lineout finally saw the Oadby big guns break clear, and with some good support the visitors took the lead with a converted try. Not to be outdone, Spartans responded well and tried to move the ball ambitiously for the time of year but a steady visiting defence kept the scoreboard still. On the half hour a hard won lineout ball saw Spartans sneak over beneath the posts to level things, but Oadby were soon using the big boys again to get back on top, and with size and experience against youthful exuberance Oadby powered their way to a 22 - 7 half time lead.

The second half saw a determined effort from the Men In Black to get back into the game, but as they continued to try and play rugby Oadby were organised in defence and snuffed out any threats made by the home side. To their eternal credit Spartans kept to the task and were rewarded with a penalty try as Oadby collapsed a scrum, and with time on the clock the search began for another score. Spartans kept pressing but could not find the key to the door, and Oadby eventually proved size does matter when they stole the ball at a ruck and raced home from eighty metres. Again Spartans came back and a quickly taken penalty saw them rewarded with a third try to close the gap to ten points with ten minutes to go ensuring a lively finish, but once more size and experience took over as the visitors muscled their was to full time.

This week Spartans resume their league programme with a difficult trip to Droitwich.