Bridgnorth 53, Spartans 10.

With a delayed start due to traffic complications, Spartans faced a pent up home team who were very quick out of the blocks, and in near perfect conditions for rugby Bridgnorth showed their slick skills off with an early try. Further Bridgnorth pressure saw them add a penalty and although Spartans were forced to defend, they did so well and the tide was held for a while. A first visit into the home half saw Tom Hardy bag a penalty, but Bridgnorth hit back and imposed themselves in just about every area of the game. Spartans proved resolute in defence and showed total commitment to the cause, but there are few surprises in rugby and the dominant side gradually took over. Hard work and determination from the Men In Black was there for all to see and Bridgnorth were forced to score any points out wide, and a half time score of 22 - 3 did not match up with the 90% possession and territory enjoyed by the home team.

The second half began with Spartans facing the elements and a by now frustrated Bridgnorth side who were determined to kill the game off early. Again the black defence manned the barricades but as in the first half, the home side proved that size really does matter, especially when mixed with pace, skill, vision and national leagues experience. Spartans briefly stunned the home entourage with an outrageous try and conversion from that man Tom Hardy, but once more the seige began as Bridgnorth imposed themselves. With the tackle count now in treble figures the visitors began to tire and the scoreboard kept ticking, yet a quality home outfit were forced to work hard for every point. As the bench came into play the black forwards dared to take a defending 5m scrum against the head which was run into the home 22, but alas time ran out leaving Bridgnorth very worthy winners.

Make no mistake, Bridgnorth thoroughly deserved their win but Spartans left with their pride intact having fared far better than other more senior opposition have done on a visit to this excellent and in form Shropshire outfit.