Warwickshire Shield Semi Final

In another excellent advert for Warwickshire rugby, Spartans sneaked into the county shield final in a bruising contest against a strong Earlsdon side.

The neutral ground of Old Leamingtonians was in superb condition for the time of year, and the wide spaces allowed both sides to try and play attractive rugby despite the pressure cooker environment. The opening quarter belonged to Earlsdon who moved the ball well and stretched the black defence to it's limit, but Spartans survived the early onslaught and managed to creep upfield. A rare visit into Earlsdon territory saw Spartans bag a penalty, but straight from the kick off the favourites replied with a forward surge, some slick passing and real pace to force a penalty try and yellow card to regain the lead. The Men In Black dug deep and showed some character to move into Earlsdon territory, with a mammoth effort forcing a return penalty try and card, leaving both sides deadlocked with fourteen men. Penalties were also exchanged, and at half time Spartans were hanging on to a slender three point lead.

Play resumed with both sides testing each other in every area of the field. The lineout belonged to Earlsdon but Spartans relied on their homework and shaded the scrum, whereas at the breakdown it was honours even and the back divisons were cancelling each other out. With both sides fighting for every ball there was even time for ego's, and a rush of testosterone from an otherwise excellent Earlsdon scrum half saw the referee reach for his red card. Time and time again Earlsdon stretched the black defence to the absolute limit but lead by Prince of Darkness Michael Bennett somehow Spartans escaped, and after grabbing some territory and a full two minutes in attack the forwards struck for a five pointer. Once again Earlsdon came back but despite having the ball for long periods Spartans hit them on the break again and from a forced scrum the gap was stretched to fifteen points. As time ticked away Earlsdon never gave up and snatched a converted try to close the gap and make a nervous last few minutes, but a fierce stalemate lasted until the final whistle blew on a tremendous contest.

This week Spartans return to league action with a very difficult trip to Nuneaton Old Edwardians.